The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is accepting comment on the proposed regulations that will cover licensed dog breeders through Monday, February 20, 2012. The American Kennel Club remains deeply concerned with many aspects of the draft regulations. It is imperative that all responsible breeders and owners in Texas, including those who will not be subject to the regulations, submit specific comments on the proposal.

For AKC Comments, paste link below in your browser: 

http://www.akc.org/governmentrelations/documents/pdf/AKC_Comments_TDLR_Proposal.pdf

Please submit comments to:
Melissa Rinard, Legal Assistant
General Counsel’s Office, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711
FAX: (512) 475-3032
E-MAIL: erule.comments@license.state.tx.us

When drafting comments, please include a reference for the section number you are commenting on. Detailed, specific comments are the most likely to be utilized by the staff and advisory board. As always, please communicate using polite and respectful language. Below is a sample letter:

Melissa Rinard, Legal Assistant
General Counsel’s Office, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711

Re: Concerns with Licensed Dog and Cat Breeder Proposed Regulations

Dear Ms. Rinard:

I am writing you today because I am concerned with some of the proposed rules for dog and cat breeders as developed by the Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). I respectfully request that TDLR address the concerns I outline below before adopting these rules.

(Personalize here – tell about yourself as a dog owner, breeder, and/or fancier and enthusiast. How many years have you been involved with dogs? What breeds have you owned or shown? Do you compete with your dogs?

Detail the steps you take when preparing to breed/whelp a litter – applicable health testing, evaluation of breeding stock, training, etc…How much money do you invest in these things? How do you work with puppy purchasers to ensure they will be responsible owners? Do you encourage CGC or obedience training? Do you remain in contact with the new owners or provide them literature about responsible pet care?

How would the proposed rules affect you? Would you have to update facilities? Would these expenses cause you to shut down entirely? For reference, please use the section number of the proposed rule you are expressing concern for. To make it easy to understand for TDLR staff, please separate comments by the section they apply to.

I strongly urge TDLR to address the concerns I highlighted above before adopting these rules.

Sincerely,

Your Name
(Full Address)

For more information, please contact the AKC Government Relations Department at doglaw@akc.org or (919) 816-3720; or our Texas federation, the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance at rpoa@texas.net or (210) 822-6763.