In June Philadelphia City Council passed Bill No. 20989, which establishes a temporary pause on breeding dogs and selling or transferring puppies under 7 months old within the city.
The bill responds to a documented increase in stray and abandoned dogs across the city, overcrowding at the City’s animal shelter, ACCT Philly, and growing public health and safety concerns. The moratorium is a targeted, time-limited measure designed to stabilize shelter intake while the City Council considers longer-term regulatory solutions.
“The bill aims to restrict puppy breeding and rehoming among other things we will break down. We believe this bill impacts many more people than just breeders,” said Hakeem Ruiz, the Philadelphia Senior Director of Care Centers.
“This bill is about responsibility, compassion, and common sense,” said Councilwoman Cindy Bass. “Philadelphia’s animal shelter system is under real strain, and unregulated breeding has contributed to overcrowding, abandonment, and public safety risks. Bill 250989 gives our city the breathing room it needs to protect animals, support responsible pet ownership, and safeguard our neighborhoods, while we work toward sustainable, long-term solutions.”
The moratorium is not a permanent ban, but a specific response to an issue impacting both animals and residents.
The focus of this legislation is to limit and punish the unlicensed breeding and sale of puppies in Philadelphia. In January ACCT Philly withstood intake in January of 678 dogs, “an intake number we haven’t hit since 2016.” Then again this July the ACCT was flooded once more with more than 600 animals in a single week.
The Backyard Breeder Bill went into effect in the beginning of June and those involved hope that this will “stabilize shelter intake while the City Council considers longer-term regulatory solutions.”
If you’re in Philadelphia and in the market for a dog, make sure you’re buying from a credible and licensed dog breeder to avoid the $1,000 fine. Or preferably adopt from a shelter and save a dog’s life.
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