[Ol' Dan Tucker]

Some have said that this will cripple the dog/cat breeders in FL and will include private, non-profit animal rescue groups as "pet dealers" and make them subject to licensing requirements.

Historically, the only people against licensing are the breeders themselves because it opens their dubious business practices to outside scrutiny/penalties.

I agree with others. It's about time these unscrupulous operators come under official scrutiny. There are far too many unwanted pets being killed because they keep breeding in spite of the undisputed fact that there are millions of their 'product' overcrowding animal shelters, rescues and pounds across the country.

[HairOfTheDog]

Historically, the only people against licensing are the breeders themselves because it opens their dubious business practices to outside scrutiny/penalties.

Well, the other criticism of licensing is that the authority to license IS the authority to TAX, and limit activity through unreasonable fees.

I'm no fan of the fee for fee's sake. That's for sure.

[doc30]

There are far too many unwanted pets being killed because they keep breeding in spite of the undisputed fact that there are millions of their 'product' overcrowding animal shelters, rescues and pounds across the country.

The problem is that these animals are not the pruducts of hobby breeders. Most of the animals at shelters are street-bred animals, not pedigreed pets. Most breeders I know are very careful who gets their animals and are not into it for the money. Breeders like this are very lucky if they can break even. If there is only an estimated 20% compliance with county dog licensing, then how is this law going to stop the production of unwanted pets?