END BYB
Stand with us against irresponsible breeding
Backyard Breeders
Backyard breeding refers to substandard breeding practices where dogs are not properly selected for genetic or behavioral qualities, are not properly socialized, and may be raised in poor conditions (think of it as a small scale "puppy mill.") This is usually done all in the name of making a profit, and this method may result in dogs with unpredictable behavior and aggression, as well as health defects.
Much different than a reputable breeder, a backyard breeder is often an unprepared, uninformed person who decides to give breeding a try. Oftentimes they don't have homes secured for the puppies before they are born, which contributes significantly to the overpopulation of animals we see today. In addition to the significant health concerns for both the mother and her litter, overbreeding is the primary contributor to the already significant numbers of unwanted companion animals resulting in full and overcrowded shelters and rescue groups across America. Sadly, this leads to the euthanasia of thousands of healthy unwanted animals every year.
Understanding the breeders
Commercial breeding is breeding environment where a high volume of animals are raised primarily for profit, and can include dogs, cats, and cattle. Commercial breeding facilities for dogs are also known as puppy mills, and those for cats are known as cat mills.
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With Hobby Breeding, these breeders are concerned about the future of the breed and pre-screen both the mother and father for genetic faults. They may also sell their puppies for money or other consideration, but they don't have an animal facility license.
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In Tennessee, breeders who sell more than one litter of puppies per year must be licensed as a dealer, and be inspected by the state.
Tennessee's Breeding Law (as of '21-22)
SB511: Any person who, during a 12-month period, possesses or maintains 10 or more female adult dogs that are capable of breeding in this state at one time for the primary purpose of selling their offspring as household pets must register with the department of commerce and insurance as a commercial dog breeder.
What's the penalty?
A person who knowingly engages in the business of commercial dog breeding without being registered will be punished criminally, with a violation being a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. A Class A misdemeanor carries fine of up to $2,500.
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1%
The amount of puppy mills that are penalized by the USDA after being cited
The Bottom Line
We'd love to believe that the mistreatment of animals is enough alone to prompt law changes. However unfortunately, most of the time, changes are a reaction to the bottom dollar.
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On average, an animal shelter can expect to spend between $2 to $5 per day per animal on food alone. For example, this means that if Maury County Animal Services is housing 100 animals, food expenses can range from $200 to $500 per day, or between $73,000 and $182,500 annually. While that's a big range, even the lowest amount is a considerable amount of money needed to sustain the shelter's animals.
With a smaller pet population and less animals in the shelter, can you imagine what other things these tax dollars could go towards? Here are just a few examples...
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Filling 730 potholes
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Feeding school lunch to 24,000 kids
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​Providing 1,200 packs of reversal spray for first responders
Actual costs will vary widely across regions.
By the Numbers
Confronting the root of the problem
What we're seeing in Tennessee today is how backyard breeding can contribute to pet overpopulation – by producing litters without ensuring homes for the dogs beforehand. Additionally, the demand for puppies often exceeds the supply from reputable breeders and shelter animals are overlooked, leading people to purchase dogs backyard breeders. This only enables the cycle of overbreeding and contributes to the growing population of unwanted and abandoned dogs in shelters. The results are overcrowded shelters and the euthanization of animals who are deemed "unadoptable." It's for these reasons that many suggest that backyard breeding is the biggest contributor to the unwanted pet population.
So now what?
Change takes time, but we must start somewhere. It's those who have taken advantage of the flexible breeding laws that have now created a giant problem that states all over the country are experiencing, especially here in Tennessee. Here's what we can do next:
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If you're adding a pet to your family, make sure the pet comes from a legitimate shelter, nonprofit rescue group, or a responsible, humane breeder.
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If you suspect or have evidence of unethical breeding, contact your local animal shelter or police department.
03
Report puppy sales from a parking lot to the police, code compliance, or animal services. If possible, take pictures, date-stamped photos of the animals, license plates, and the price of the animals being sold. You can also notify the business and ask if their security can ask the vendor to leave.
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Spread the word and educate your friends, family, and coworkers – especially those looking to obtain a pet – about the cruelty of puppy mills and the joys of pet adoption. We even have some apparel for you to sport around town!
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Anytime you share anything on social media related to irresponsible breeding or pet overpopulation (including the consequences of it, like euthanasia), add #EndBackyardBreedingTN to help this campaign gain traction.
What Needs to Change
More follow-through on inspections for licensed breeders. This includes following up on tips or reports of illegal breeding activity.
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Harsher penalties for backyard breeders and puppy mills. Right now, a person found guilty of illegal breeding activity would be charged with only a misdemeanor.
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Laws banning the roadside sale of puppies. Right now, you can sell puppies in a Walmart parking lot with no consequence (unless you don't have a breeding license, at which point you'd legally be subject to a fine).
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Stricter spay and neuter laws. This is the second biggest contributor to animal overpopulation. If we cannot reduce the number of homeless animals, this is the next thing that needs to get changed.
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More follow-through and harsher penalties for animal abandonment. If people know the severe consequences of abandoning unwanted puppies, they may be less encouraged to breed them.
We hope you'll join our crusade in our fight to end backyard breeding. The overpopulation of pets is out of control and while some may be able to turn a blind eye away from it, our tax dollars continue to support it.
Sources
https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/shelter-rescue/pet-overpopulation#what-causes-pet-overpopulation
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/tennessee-breeder-bills-considered-tuesday-march-12-2024/
https://www.zippia.com/answers/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-an-animal-shelter/
https://harleysdream.org/puppy-mills-leading-cause-shelter-overpopulation-crisis/
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