For many years, animal rights advocates have been pushing for more regulations on American Kennel Club (AKC) pet breeders and the retail stores that sell dogs. There have been many heartbreaking stories of puppy mills and mistreated animals, but the new AKC pet breeders rule is a step in the direction toward more human treatment of dogs.
On September 10 2013, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) created a new definition for the retail pet stores that provide animals for so many homes across the country. Before the age of the Internet, people purchasing dogs did not have to worry about “sight unseen” sellers who just took their money over the Internet without giving the prospective owners the chance to see the animal. With the new AKC pet breeders rule, any person breeding at least four females must allow purchasers to see the animals and meet the breeder before the transaction is made.
These new rules stem from a 2010 study that was completed by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). This disturbing report found that a large number of breeders who claimed to be selling “retail store status” pets had not been regulated at all. This meant that many people who purchased dogs were receiving unhealthy and even injured dogs. These so called “retail store status” breeders had found a way to avoid any regulation, as before the new ruling by USDA and APHIS, retail store status breeders were not subject to any observation or investigations.
With the new regulations in place, the definition of a retail pet store has now been defined as any place in which the animal, seller, and purchaser are present at the same time so that the purchaser can observe the animal and be assured of their good health before the purchase is finalized. This new AKC pet breeders rule applies to breeders and kennels, but not physical pet stores. These regulations are a hope for many animals lovers that a more human and compassionate system of breeding will now be in place for all involved in the process.
Golden Meadows Retrievers adheres to all regulations and sets a very high standard for the health and safety of our dogs. We, at Golden Meadows Retrievers, would never allow our pups to be sold in a pet store or by an outside dealer. For more information about our new shipping guidelines and practices, CLICK HERE.