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Rules Committee approves amendment and advances 3-year moratorium on unlicensed dog breeding
Summary
After extensive testimony from animal-welfare groups, veterinarians, hobby-breeder groups and community organizations, the Rules Committee adopted an amendment and reported bill 250,989 (a 36‑month temporary moratorium on unlicensed dog breeding and transfers) out of committee with a favorable recommendation for first reading.
Supporters of bill 250,989 — including ACT/ACCT Philly, the Pennsylvania SPCA and animal-law experts — told the Rules Committee that unlicensed backyard breeding has driven a surge in shelter intake, spread disease and strained city and nonprofit resources. Sarah Barnett (ACT/ACCT Philly) said the group has taken in more than 291,000 animals since 2012, that 2025 intake topped 7,400 dogs and that the shelter expects to exceed 8,000 this year. “It’s an average of 22 dogs entering our shelter every single day,” Barnett said.
Penny Ellison (animal-law instructor and…
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