6 months ago
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On April 5, the Las Vegas City Council narrowly adopted bill no. 2023-6 modifying the professional licenses of animal caretakers and breeders. The new ordinance was created to combat and help stop illegal breeding operations, including puppy mills and animal handlers in the city.
Unfortunately, although there are currently approximately 50 breeding permits in the city, there are believed to be thousands of operations in Las Vegas where hobbyists mercilessly breed animals in unfathomable conditions and with inadequate care.
WAN corresponded with the office of Councilor Victoria Seaman, who presented the amendment which was adopted by the city council by a vote of 4 to 3 in favor of the bill.
“As an animal lover, I have the deepest respect and admiration for all of our animal rescues and the fantastic volunteers who dedicate their time and money to saving our animals. That’s one of the reasons I worked with them and with Nevada Voters for Animals on a series of changes to our animal welfare ordinance to help end the illegal breeding that is flooding our rescues of sick and unwanted animals,” Councilor Seaman told WAN.
“These changes create, for the first time, tough criminal penalties specifically targeting illegal breeding. If they do not comply with breeding laws, harsh penalties will deter those who breed illegally. In addition to penalties for illegal breeding, these changes provide for increased monitoring and protection of animals in grooming, training and boarding facilities. These were crucial first steps. However, we still have work to do to give our animals the protection they deserve,” concluded the city councilor who said she looks forward to working with animal rescue organizations and their incredible community of advocates. animals to achieve this.
Animal rights advocates and animal rescue organizations attended the session where they shared their opinions during the public comment period leading up to the vote. This time, the council decided to pass the bill that failed in January before the new amendments were made.
According to Las Vegas City Council, The law project:
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Maintains the $50 fee for permits and inspections of dog and cat breeding establishments.
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Requires professional animal treatment facilities to post animal welfare signage with the telephone number of our Animal Protective Services (APS) team.
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If an animal dies or requires a visit to the veterinarian due to an injury, they must report it to APS within 24 hours.
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Requires any person holding a permit, upon request from the APS, to surrender an animal reported dead or injured.
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Includes mandatory minimum penalties for unauthorized breeding of dogs and cats.