Bill > HB2238

This bill amends the Occupations Code to redefine a "dog or cat breeder" as a person who possesses 5 or more (instead of 11 or more) adult intact female animals and is engaged in the business of breeding those animals for direct or indirect sale or exchange. The bill also expands the applicability of the occupational license requirement to breeders who sell or exchange dogs used for herding livestock, hunting, or competing in certain performance events, even if for personal, non-commercial use. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is required to prescribe the necessary forms and procedures to implement these changes, which will take effect on September 1, 2023, though a transition period is provided for breeders with 5 to 10 adult intact female animals.