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P.E.I. Urged to Regulate Backyard Breeders
1 Sep
Summary
- Animal advocates petition P.E.I. to regulate companion animal breeders.
- Calls for mandatory licensing, inspections, and clear record-keeping.
- Concerns raised over animal health, welfare, and shelter overcrowding.
An animal advocacy group on Prince Edward Island is actively campaigning for provincial regulation of companion animal breeders. P.E.I. CARES, led by president Karla Shalley, is collecting signatures for a petition demanding stricter oversight. This initiative follows the European Parliament's adoption of new standards for cat and dog breeding across the EU.
The group proposes five key measures: mandatory breeder licensing, enforceable standards for animal care, routine inspections, clear traceability for bred animals, and robust enforcement. These calls are amplified by recent incidents, including the seizure of 43 dogs, which highlighted existing gaps in current P.E.I. legislation.
Concerns include animals being sold to unsuitable homes, inherited health problems like hip dysplasia, and increased pressure on animal shelters. While some breeders support regulation, they express worries about overly stringent requirements that could impact small, home-based operations. Consultation with industry professionals and breeders is deemed crucial for developing effective, sensible regulations.
