| If you are a breeder of Shih Tzu or any other dog | | | | if they decided they wanted to. |
| breed you are most likely a very responsible pet | | | | So what happens when the officers witness such |
| owner. If you are not you definitely should not be | | | | 'crimes'? Well, Animal Control and police will return |
| breeding dogs at all. With that being said this article | | | | with warrant in hand. They can arrest the breeder |
| will assume that the term breeder(s) is referring to | | | | and take the animals. The animals are checked out |
| someone that properly cares for the dogs used for | | | | by a veterinarian and then altered. If they are |
| breeding and any pets that they own. | | | | healthy, of a good temperament and reasonable age |
| I am writing this because I am planning on getting | | | | they can be placed for adoption. If the owner pays |
| started in the wonderful world of breeding Shih Tzu. I | | | | the fines and does whatever is expected he/she can |
| happen to live in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a wonderful | | | | get the dogs back. On top of the fines the owner |
| place to be, for the most part. Let me explain. A | | | | will need to pay for the unwanted spaying/neutering |
| friend of mine suggested that I check into the kennel | | | | of the animals. |
| laws and regulations now, before I purchase my first | | | | Now I am asking you; does this sound like the city is |
| dog intended for breeding purposes. I have thanked | | | | concerned about animal welfare or about making a |
| her for that suggestion because I was very surprised | | | | dollar wherever it can? I completely agree, like |
| at what I learned. Please keep in mind that each | | | | everyone, that breeders should provide great care |
| county has its own regulations. | | | | for their animals. But I also know that the majority of |
| Here in my area breeders are required to have a | | | | them do, after all, breeding Shih Tzu is a chosen |
| Class A Kennel license. There is a $150 fee for this | | | | activity that we take on because we love the dogs. |
| license. But as I read deeper I was surprised to learn | | | | Of course there are some unscrupulous breeders, but |
| that Animal Control officers have been posing as | | | | does the city really have enough Animal Control |
| potential buyers. They scour the newspaper ads to | | | | officers to spare some to 'investigate' breeders that |
| find local breeders. When they come to the home | | | | place ads in the newspaper? I believe their time could |
| they are really there to investigate that the breeder | | | | be better spent rescuing the animals that are truly in |
| is caring for the dogs in an appropriate manner. | | | | need. |
| But this gets even better; these officers can actually | | | | If you believe this does not affect you because you |
| deem improper care due to any type of code | | | | do not live Louisville, Kentucky, you better think |
| violation or anything else that they can think of. This | | | | again. While this is being fought and is in Federal |
| includes such things as too many or not enough wall | | | | Court, the same or similar sorts of kennel laws and |
| outlets in the puppy room or improper use of an | | | | regulations are being discussed across the nation. Do |
| extension cord or the use of an extension cord that | | | | your part to avoid such ridiculousness. Write your |
| does not meet specific standards. These are | | | | local government officials today to let them know |
| examples that I found documented. As you can see, | | | | how you feel. |
| the officers could find a problem in almost any home | | | | |