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With animal shelters across the state overwhelmed by unclaimed pets, Humane Society of Utah leaders want Salt Lake County to help regulate "backyard breeders" in hope of limiting strays.
Backed by County Councilmen Joe Hatch and Randy Horiuchi, a newly proposed ordinance would place a number of requirements on unincorporated county residents who breed more than a single litter in a year's time.
"If there are fewer dogs in the shelter, hopefully that equates to fewer being euthanized," said Humane Society Director Gene Baierschmidt.
Under the proposed ordinance, "volume" breeders would be required to obtain a permit and undergo annual inspections.
The proposal also calls for improved standards for dogs used in breeding. Animals would be required to receive regular veterinary visits and could not produce more than two litters in an 18-month cycle.
Hatch and Horiuchi said the proposal is not meant to discourage responsible breeders, but rather give animal control officials teeth to fight irresponsible breeders and puppy mills.
Unregulated breeding has led to too many deaths and genetic problems, officials said. Lydia Kunzler, who runs a rescue operation in Willard, said she regularly sees dogs with tumors, no teeth and brittle bones.
"There needs to be something done about the breeders that are just out to make money," she said.
Humane Society leaders called the proposal a "landmark" ordinance. "We would hope that other cities take a look at this and enact it," Hatch said.
Violating the ordinance would be a class B misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Hatch and Horiuchi said they hope the council would adopt the proposed ordinance in the next few weeks.