USDA cracks down on Internet pet sales - Page 1

Read it and weep, lol.

http://news.yahoo.com/usda-cracks-down-internet-pet-sales-040225530.html

this looks like it still wouldn't effect most beeders as long as the puppies are available to be viewed by the person buying them. it looks like they are attempting to target strictly those who do not allow their puppies to be viewed.

Who bets we will now see an abundant of those websites start calling themselves "hobby breeders" since "hobby breeders" are exempt?

"The new rules, first proposed last year, would ensure that most people who sell pets over the Internet, by phone or mail order can no longer do so sight-unseen. Sellers either 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."

It appears if you sell one sight-unseen then you are not in compliance. Also, define hobby breeders, it appears in the news release that they haven't defined hobby breeders.

I think the key word here is allow. if they do or not is up to them but you allow them to see if they want to.

in the article hobby breeder would be four or less. at least that would be my take on it.

Sellers either 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 Agriculture Department estimates that up to 4,640 dog breeders could be affected by the rule, along with about 325 cat breeders and up to 75 rabbit breeders.

Celtic Glory,
In the case of the "hobby breeder" they are limited to four bitches to keep the exemption. So, if the hobby breeder has the maximum 4 bitches, bred at least 2x's each year, and each whelp produces an average of eight pups, that are sold for an average $1500 pet price, lets see that would be....

4 x 2 x 8 = 64 x $1500= $96,000 per year for the hobby breeder. They sure will be crying ... all the way to the bank! LOL

I just went back and read that one again you are right they left that one open

Or, buy a license and allow the authorities to see the animals. Really what is the big deal? It is the dogs who will win in the end.

To say "allow" means to give access. It the access is declined by the buyer then it is on the buyer. Not too complicated.

What about rescues???