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AKC Delegates' Meeting
June 9-11, 2002
Information Sessions and Committee Meeting
Sunday, 6-9-02, HIGH VOLUME BREEDERS
Mr. Gene Brennan, AKC Field Inspector, presented the development of field
work beginning in the late 1980s with 6 agents who operated within a reactive program based on complaints. The program is now proactive with an emphasis on education and helping breeders come into compliance. AKC
now has 13 inspectors and 1 investigator. In 1996, the Care & Conditions Policy was added to AKC's primary objectives. Field agents currently conduct 4000 inspections per year. Mr. Brennan reported that he has
seen significant improvement in his past 15 years with the AKC.
All breeders of 7 or more litters in a calendar year are considered High Volume Breeders (HVB) and are subject to an inspection the following year. In addition, brokers who have 25 or more AKC transactions are
designated HVB and are subject to inspection. A transaction is any registry paperwork coming through the AKC. High Volume Breeders is not necessarily a euphemism for "puppy mills." Our well respected,
quality breeders will be included in this program if they breed 7 or more litters in a year.
Dr. Bob Gibbens, DVM, is the Director of the Animal Care section of the USDA. He reported that his office is responsible for the inspection of a variety of animal facilities, including commercial kennels.
Their goal is to bring kennels into compliance with regard to paperwork and physical facilities. If these establishments can't or won't come into compliance, they work to put them out of business. Dr. Gibbens
reported there are 4000 USDA licensed kennels in the 4 states of Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. The Animal Care Division is responsible for puppies in the wholesale chain of business. Once the puppies get
into the retail pet shop, they are not protected by USDA regulations. Dr Gibbens emphasized that puppies can best be protected when all agencies invested with their care work together. The website for the Animal
Care office is www.APHIS.USDA.gov/ac.
Much has been written on the subject of the HVB Committee's inquiry into the operation of both the Hunte Corporation and PetLand. This has been a controversial topic which deserves your attention and
thoughtful consideration.
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