LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Sweeping changes to Clark County code aim to crack down on backyard breeders across the Las Vegas Valley and limit the number of animals entering shelters and rescues.
Other ordinance changes mandate microchips or define neglect and abandonment.
FOX5 first exclusively told you about the proposal to crack down on illegal breeders across the Las Vegas Valley. The Animal Foundation tells FOX5, their intake rose 17% in 2024 (with a total of 25,993 animals), and many of the animals are from illegally bred, unwanted animals with health problems.
Mandates passed Tuesday include a ban on sales at flea markets, and parking lots and street corners. Repeat offenders could face fines of at least thousand dollars or even double the advertised sale price.
There are higher annual fees for a breeder or show permit. Those with illegal breeding or animal cruelty violations are not eligible for a permit.
Clark County dog and cat owners must microchip their pets. Non-compliance will lead to a “fix it” ticket; there will be no penalties, once pets get a chip. There will be free and reduced-cost programs to help pet owners comply.
A number of other ordinance changes address animal cruelty and neglect or welfare guidelines:
- Cooling requirements once temperatures hit 105 degrees
- Defines “live animal abandonment”: leaving an animal somewhere, without proper care
- Free boarding and groomer training provided by the county, for basic animal welfare guidelines and medical care
- Animal traps must be checked, and animals removed every 24 hours
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