16 September 2013

USDA Cracks down on Internet pet sales

Online classified sites in North America have been the centre of negative media attention in recent months as companion animal organizations and animal advocates put the pressure on Internet pet sales.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would crack down on dog breeders who sell puppies over the Internet by issuing new regulations that will force them to apply for federal licenses. 

Th new rules would subject dog owners who breed more than four females and sell the puppies online, by mail or over the phone to the same oversight faced by wholesale animal breeders. Under the rules, sellers must allow buyers to see animals in person before they purchase them or obtain a license and be subject to inspections by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 

The rules are targeted to dog breeders but could affect breeders of other animals too. The USDA estimates that up to 4,640 dog breeders could be affected by the, along with about 325 cat breeders and up to 75 rabbit breeders. 

Related Reading:

USDA CRACKS DOWN ON INTERNET PET SALES

KIJIJI URGED TO BAN HOUSEHOLD PET LISTINGS 

BC SPCA APPLAUDS BAN OF PRIVATE PET SALES ON CLASSIFIEDS WEBSITE




No comments:

Post a Comment