The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in July issued a long-awaited final rule strengthening federal animal care regulations applicable to commercial dog dealers, according to the American Kennel Club (New York).

The amended rules tighten several loopholes pertaining to licensing for persons who breed and sell dogs at wholesale or who procure dogs or cats for resale or for research.

Key changes will:

• Limit the small-breeder exemption to only those premises on which three or fewer breeding females are kept. Previously, each person owning three or fewer breeding females was exempt, regardless of how many breeding females were present on a single premise.
• Tighten procedures for issuing and renewing licenses in instances where the applicant has violated federal, state or local animal laws.
• Preclude renewing licenses while they are under suspension, and provide for terminating a license for any reason that an initial license may be denied.
• Tighten the requirements for Class B dealers and research facilities who acquire dogs from unlicensed entities. [October 2004 PET AGE]