Dog and black bear share a tense moment
A woman in Naples, Florida, captured this “heart-stopping” moment between a black bear and her dog.
- Collier County commissioners are considering an ordinance to require permits and impose new standards on hobby breeders of dogs and cats.
- The ordinance would redefine “hobby breeder,” require permits and fees, and establish enforcement mechanisms including fines and permit revocation.
- Local animal advocates support stricter regulations but emphasize the need for effective enforcement, suggesting linking fines to properties and adding requirements like health certificates and microchipping.
Collier County commissioners are weighing changes to the animal control ordinance that would require hobby breeders of dogs and cats to obtain permits and meet new standards. This is part of a broader effort to reduce pet overpopulation and ease pressure on the county’s overcrowded shelters.
But instead of voting on the proposed ordinance at their meeting May 27, commissioners postponed a decision to allow more time for public input and revisions. The updated draft is expected to return to the commission at its meeting July 8.
Why is Collier County cracking down on hobby breeders?
County officials say they’re trying to address a growing animal overpopulation problem that continues to strain the Domestic Animal Services, DAS, system. While the county is investing more in its shelters, including a recent $1.5 million budget amendment, officials say facilities alone aren’t the answer.
Commissioner Burt Saunders said the county should also look at preventing the problem at its source by regulating breeders more closely.
“We’ve increased the budget for DAS,” Saunders said during the meeting. “It seems to me that we can spend money much, much more wisely and more effectively by partnering with the private sector.”
What would the new ordinance do?
The proposed ordinance makes several key changes to how Collier County regulates hobby breeders, including:
- Redefining “hobby breeder” to include anyone who intentionally or unintentionally breeds one or two litters of cats or dogs per year
- Requiring permits for all hobby breeders, with annual renewal and a fee set by county resolution
- Enforcement tools such as permit denial, suspension or revocation for violations like animal cruelty or refusing inspection
- Appeal process allowing breeders to challenge permit decisions in front of a special magistrate
- Penalties of up to $500 for failing to obtain a permit within 30 days
Service dog organizations affiliated with Assistance Dogs International would be exempt. The ordinance would apply to backyard and casual breeders who often operate informally.
What do local animal advocates say?
Tom Kepp, founder of SNIP Collier and a vocal animal advocate, supports stronger regulations but insists enforcement is key.
“The problem is out in the field,” Kepp said, adding that many offenders don’t respond to citations because they’re not concerned with their credit. “The people I deal with, they don’t care about their credit.”
Kepp recommended the county link fines to properties to increase accountability, an idea county staff are actively exploring.
Jamie French, director of DAS, said his officers are overwhelmed, with some responding to a dozen or more calls spread across the county daily.
“If we can’t change your behavior by hitting you in the wallet, I don’t know what else we can do,” French said.
What requirements could be added?
Kepp also called for more specific rules to ensure humane treatment of animals, including:
- Requiring puppies and kittens to stay with their mothers for at least 6–8 weeks
- Health certificates, estimated at $200 per animal, before any sale or giveaway
- Mandatory microchipping
- Recordkeeping for all transfers of ownership
He believes these requirements could significantly reduce the number of stray or mistreated animals. “You won’t have to deal with them running loose or fighting people or dying in the streets,” Kepp said.
Is there room for public-private partnerships?
Commissioners mentioned potentially collaborating with nonprofits and private organizations to expand services like spay/neuter programs or mobile vet units.
“We’re not very good at picking up stray animals,” said Saunders, adding that private groups might be more efficient with grant funding.
Kepp said his group is already working on a new triage facility scheduled to open in October. While he supports collaboration, he emphasized that enforcement power must remain with the county.
“The problem is with enforcement,” Kepp said. “I can’t do enforcement.”
How do state laws factor into this?
While the local effort moves forward, similar state-level legislation stalled earlier this year. The proposed “Make America’s Dogs Safe Again” (MADSA) bills would have established statewide breeder registration, inspection and microchipping rules. But the bills faced pushback from hobby breeders and groups like the American Kennel Club.
The bills were withdrawn May 3, leaving counties like Collier free to pursue stricter local regulations.
What happens next?
With the ordinance postponed, county staff have been directed to meet with stakeholders and bring back a revised version on July 8. This includes working with advocates like Kepp and exploring ways to improve enforcement mechanisms.
Kepp plans to meet with DAS leadership and the county manager and may launch an online petition to gather public support.
“We need to put teeth in them,” Kepp said, “and if we can do that, we can cut down on the overpopulation.”
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.
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