HB0198 Summary: Dog Breeder License Act

• Creates the Dog Breeder License Act, requiring the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to license dog breeders maintaining 3 or more female dogs for breeding and sale purposes, with licensing to begin 6 months after the Act's effective date.

• Establishes licensing requirements including criminal background checks, facility inspections, and prohibits licensure for individuals convicted of animal cruelty, dog fighting, or related felonies; applicants must be at least 18 months to 8 years old and must pass veterinary health examinations.

• Requires dog breeders to maintain detailed records of dog origin and sales for 5 years, limit unaltered dogs to 20 per breeder, provide specific enclosure standards, and provide comprehensive disclosures to buyers including breed, health history, breeder information, price, and known genetic conditions.

• Mandates pet shop operators disclose identical information about dogs for sale and only acquire dogs from licensed breeders or USDA-licensed breeders; makes false statements in disclosures violations of consumer fraud law.

• Sets civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for unlicensed breeding or non-compliance; establishes the Act to expire January 1, 2020 under the Regulatory Sunset Act.