DeSantis proposes statewide breeder regulations to end abusive puppy mills in Florida
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward a plan to protect puppies all around Florida from abusive breeding conditions. This is another step in the state’s commitment to stop animal abuse. The new plan aims to set consistent breeding standards and hold irresponsible breeders responsible. It will work with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. State officials believe that the measure will fix problems that are frequent in unethical breeding operations, such as cages that are overcrowded, not enough clean water, too many puppies being born, and unsafe exposure to harsh weather.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation would be in charge of licensing dog breeders and making sure they follow the new rules, according to the proposal. Facilities that don’t satisfy humane standards could face severe penalties and more scrutiny. Advocates say that oversight is long necessary because many puppy mills have been able to keep running with little regulation, putting profit ahead of the health and well-being of the animals they care for.
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DeSantis reiterated that the purpose of the program is not only to stop suffering but also to encourage proper pet ownership.
“In Florida, we will always fight to protect man’s best friend,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The proposal we announced today will end unethical puppy mills, hold accountable abusive breeders, and help shelter dogs find loving homes.”
The plan lists a number of other steps that should be taken to stop abuse before it gets worse. A hotline would be set up so that anyone may report breeders who are neglecting or abusing animals. Another step would require pet stores to make room for shelter dogs before selling animals from large-scale breeding operations. Officials think this will lower the number of dogs that have to be put down and provide abandoned pups better chances of finding permanent homes. Also included is the writing of new laws that make it harder for people to abuse or torture animals in front of kids.
This news comes after two important legislation that safeguard animals were passed this year. Trooper’s Law is named after a dog that was left behind during Hurricane Milton and saved by the Florida Highway Patrol. This law makes it a felony to leave or restrain a dog during a state of emergency. Dexter’s Law was approved not long after a sad story of a dog that had just been adopted and was slain. The law makes it easier to punish people who torture or kill animals and sets up a nationwide database to stop anyone who have been convicted of animal abuse from adopting again.
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Supporters hope that the steps described will help shut down abusive breeding enterprises and make it easier for people to adopt pets in need.
