Tennessee: Breeder Bills to be Considered Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Companion bills in Tennessee that seek to license and regulate commercial breeders are scheduled for consideration by legislative committees on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is concerned that House Bill 2938 and Senate Bill 2513 attempt to regulate people who simply possess dogs (rather than those who engage in true commercial activity (i.e., selling dogs). It should be noted that a previously enacted commercial breeder law In Tennessee that was similar to HB 2938 and SB 2513 proved to be so ineffective and costly that the legislature allowed it to expire.

Tennessee breeders, owners, and other concerned residents are encouraged to contact the committees noted below to express their opposition to the bills.

Click here to learn more about Breeding Regulations and Restrictions on AKC Government Relations’ (GR) new Legislative Action Center (beta).

WHAT HOUSE BILL 2938 AND SENATE BILL 2513 WOULD DO:

• Define “commercial breeder” as a person who possesses or maintains 10 or more dogs and/or cats for the purpose of selling the offspring as companion animals. The measure does not indicate how “for the purpose of selling offspring” would be defined, however some communities consider the keeping of an intact animals to be proof of intent to sell offspring. Specifically excluded are those who possess or maintain dogs for the purposes of practicing veterinary medicine, hunting, training or handling, boarding, or grooming.
• Requires annual licensure of commercial breeders. Licenses would be for a single facility and non-transferable.
• Allows for a licensure application fee of up to $15 per adult female dog or cat in the possession or immediate control of the applicant for the purpose of selling the offspring.
• Requires prelicense inspection of the person’s premises.
• Requires applicants to have a valid tax registration number and be in good standing with the Department of Revenue; be at least 18 years old; not have been convicted of a cruelty offense, or reside with someone who has; does not operate or have a controlling interest in an animal shelter or rescue; and veterinarian-signed documentation evidencing the applicant has completed a program of veterinary care.
• Allow for up to a $150 license renewal fee.
• Mandate at minimum annual inspection, and allows for a corrective action period if violations are found during an inspection. Failure to take corrective action may result in an up-to-$1,500 per violation, license revocation and permanent prohibition from operating as a commercial breeder, and cruelty charges.

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Posted by Liz on Mar 9 2024. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.