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FLORIDA - Florida officials are advancing new proposals to regulate dog breeders, combat alleged puppy mill abuse, and support overcrowded animal shelters statewide.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is backing a new set of animal welfare measures aimed at tightening regulations on dog breeders, addressing alleged puppy mill operations, and easing pressure on overcrowded shelters.
Speaking at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, DeSantis said the state needs clearer standards to ensure dogs are bred and housed under acceptable conditions.
No specific breeder or suspect was named in connection with the proposals, and no related arrest report existed for fact checking individual claims.
Under the plan, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would work with state officials to create uniform standards for ethical dog breeding.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also begin licensing breeders and holding operators accountable for alleged violations such as overbreeding, confining dogs in small cages, exposing them to dangerous temperatures, or limiting their access to water.
The proposals include creating a hotline for reporting suspected breeder abuse, requiring pet stores to offer adoption space to local shelters before selling dogs from breeders, and drafting legislation to increase penalties for abusing or torturing animals in front of minors.
Shelter leaders welcomed the effort. Chelsea Waldeck, Division Director at the Hillsborough Pet Resource Center, said stronger statewide coordination could help track individuals with past animal abuse records.
Hillsborough County currently maintains a registry that prevents anyone with an abuse history from adopting pets.
Florida has recently enacted several laws focused on cruelty prevention, including Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law.
Despite these measures, shelters continue to experience rising intake numbers.
The Hillsborough Pet Resource Center currently has about 220 dogs waiting for adoption.