A proposal that would create new local restrictions on so-called backyard breeding of cats and dogs is headed before the Hempstead Town Board tonight.
Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti and members of the Town Board unveiled the legislation at the town animal shelter on Friday, saying the measure is aimed at curbing unregulated, profit-driven breeding operations that can lead to overcrowded conditions, serious health problems and animals ultimately being surrendered to shelters.
The proposal is scheduled to be considered during the Town Board meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town’s YouTube channel.
“This proposal is about responsibility and holding people accountable – animal breeding must remain regulated, humane, and not driven by unchecked profit,” Ferretti said on Friday. “Our goal is simple: protect animals and prevent suffering.”
While the Town of Hempstead already enforces animal control and dog licensing requirements, the proposal would mark the town’s first specific local restrictions targeting unlicensed breeding.
Current town code focuses largely on licensing, identification and animals at large — not limits on how frequently residents can breed dogs or cats or requirements to report litters to the town.
If adopted, the law would limit breeders to no more than one litter within a one-year period and require births to be reported to the town within 30 days. Hempstead would maintain a registry including the animals’ approximate birth date, species and breed, the address where they are housed and the veterinarian who treated them.
The proposal would also prohibit the transfer or adoption of puppies or kittens before eight weeks of age unless deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian. The legislation would not apply to animal shelters.
Town officials said unregulated breeding often results in animals being separated from their mothers too early and living in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions. Many eventually become sick, stressed or abandoned, placing additional strain on shelters.
If approved, the town would have authority to levy fines against violators and is encouraging residents to report suspected illegal breeding activity.
“This legislation is about prevention – targeting a root of the problem to reduce the number of animals who end up in shelters in the first place,” Ferretti said.
Photo credit: Town of Hempstead
