Backyard Breeders – The Bane of Every Animal Welfare Advocate

Posted on by Elizabeth Coalson
Backyard Breeders – The Bane of Every Animal Welfare Advocate In Colorado, most breeders of pet animals - including dogs, cats, and birds - must be licensed under the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) if they exceed certain thresholds: 🐶 Dog & Cat Breeders: More than 2 litters or 24 animals transferred in a 12-month period 🐦 Bird Breeders: More than 30 birds transferred in a 12-month period Those who breed below these thresholds are typically called “backyard breeders.” And while legal, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Unlicensed breeders are those that breed above the PACFA thresholds but...Read More

De-Sexing Isn’t Sexy – But it is Necessary

Posted on by Elizabeth Coalson
De-Sexing Isn’t Sexy – But It Is Necessary In its “Altered Status Data Report – 2019–2023 Trends in Animal Sterilization at Intake”, Shelter Animals Count reveals an alarming shift in the altered status of dogs entering U.S. animal shelters. Fewer dogs are arriving spayed or neutered — a change that directly impacts shelter overpopulation, animal outcomes, and community animal control costs. 📉 Declining Spay/Neuter Rates in Shelter Dogs Between 2019 and 2023: Percentage of dogs altered before shelter intake fell from 33.2% to 22.3%. Owner surrenders: altered status dropped 10.7%. Strays: altered status dropped 8.7%. In 2023, just 28.9% of...Read More