WHY IS AKC SUPPORTING THIS LEGISLATION AFTER MANY YEARS OF OPPOSING CHANGES TO THE RETAIL PET STORE EXEMPTION?
The Internet and other mass marketing channels now enable high volume breeders to breed and sell substantial numbers of puppies directly at retail. Commercial breeding for direct retail sales is substantial and increasing. In the 1970s, when dog dealers were first brought under the AWA, breeders who sold exclusively at retail were small operations and were mostly hobby breeders. Further, there are a growing number of dealers who are importing foreign-bred puppies for direct retail sales, and many of the puppies being imported have health and other problems. Because of the USDA's expansive interpretation of the retail pet store exemption, breeders and importers who sell all of their puppies directly at retail currently fall outside any federal regulation, regardless of the volume of activity.
Historically the AKC has supported the exemption of retail sellers. However, changing pet market realities, and growing interest among legislators to address problems posed by large breeding operations which sell at retail, has necessitated that the AKC reconsider its position.
And none of the puppies were bred by any of 'em. :roll:
