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 fail to have a license to do so.
⚠️ Why Backyard and Unlicensed Breeders Are a Problem
❌ No inspections
❌ No accountability
❌ No protection for animals or buyers
Animals in their care may suffer from neglect, poor conditions, and a lack of socialization. Buyers may unknowingly take home pets that are sick, unvaccinated, or genetically compromised. And in worst-case scenarios, the consequences can be tragic.
📍 In early 2024, Jessica Hoff, an unlicensed breeder, was charged with 54 counts of cruelty – and her own mother died after being attacked by aggressive dogs on the property.
🔥 Why It Matters
In a state already struggling with pet overpopulation, unregulated breeding adds gasoline to the fire.
• Sick or behaviorally unstable animals may end up in shelters.
• Puppies are sold into homes unequipped to deal with medical or behavioral issues.
• Communities bear the burden when things go wrong.
🛠️ What You Can Do
1️⃣ See something? Report it to PACFA.
If someone is breeding above the legal threshold but isn’t licensed, file a complaint with PACFA:
• They are legally required to investigate.
• Follow up—some breeders simply ignore orders to license.
2️⃣ Suspect backyard breeding? Try the tax angle.
Backyard breeders may operate under the PACFA threshold, but if they are selling animals, they’re selling a taxable good.
Submit a Citizen Informant Report to the Colorado Department of Revenue if you suspect tax fraud:
🔗 Colorado Department of Revenue Informant Tip Page
🧾 Remember: Al Capone didn’t go down for murder—he went down for tax fraud.
💬 Final Word
Backyard and unlicensed breeders may seem small-scale, but they’re causing big damage – to animals, to adopters, and to shelters. Tackling them will take all of us.
Speak up. Report wrongdoing. And always promote responsible breeding, adoption, and spay/neuter.