Texas Court Refuses to Block 2012 Puppy Mill Law

A Texas Federal Court declined a motion to block the recently passed Licensed Breeders Act, which requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to inspect breeders who have at least 11 female dogs or sell at least 20 puppies or kittens annually. It also forces breeders to provide adequate shelter for their animals, provide daily exercise, and schedule annual veterinarian visits. While opposition to the law was put up by Texas breeders, The Texas Humane Legislation Network President Yolanda Eisenstein,, notes that these regulations should be business as usual because many of the provisions in the Licensed Breeders Act are included in the federal Animal Welfare Act. The law, which was strongly supported by animal-advocacy groups, was also endorsed by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.