Supervisors on Tuesday will vote on an ordinance to rein in dog and cat breeding across Fresno County.

If approved, the regulations will require anyone breeding dogs or cats to get permits and also limit how many animals can legally be produced. The hope is to alleviate overpopulation at the county’s animal shelter.

“This ordinance is long overdue,” said Supervisor Garry Bredefeld. “Unregulated breeding has overwhelmed our animal shelters, led to increased euthanasia rates, and put countless animals at risk. We’re putting an end to the abuse of animals by illegal dog breeders and holding them accountable.”

Too Many Animals End Up Abandoned: Pacheco

Anyone who breeds dogs or cats would have to apply for a permit under the ordinance, and anyone who doesn’t could face a fine or misdemeanor charges. The proposal also limits the number of litters a breeder can have each year.

Breeders would have to display their permits on any advertisement.

County Supervisor Brian Pacheco, co-author of the ordinance, said too many animals end up abandoned on county streets.

“Too many dogs and cats are being illegally bred, and many of these unwanted animals end up abandoned in my district and other rural areas,” Pacheco said. “We expect that adding spay and neuter, and licensing requirements, will reduce the impacts that pet overpopulation has on our shelter employees and county taxpayers.”

One Litter Leads to a Lot of Problem: Mell Garcia

The county coordinated with the the city of Fresno in crafting the ordinance. In August 2024, the city passed rules to restrict unauthorized breeding — also supported by Bredefeld when he was councilmember.

Adopting the rules means having a unified ordinance across the county and easier enforcement, according to the county staff report.

Mell Garcia, owner of Mell’s Mutts, praised the ordinance, saying it’s a piece in the puzzle to reduce animal overpopulation — so long as the rule is enforced.

“That is a part of what is leading to the overpopulation of the pets in our county community right now,” Garcia said. “I do believe that it will help, but they … actually need to follow through.”

Finding breeders can be relatively easy, Garcia said. She regularly sees posts on social media from people selling dogs for $50 or $100. A litter can be 15 animals. For the animals that don’t find owners, many end up on the street, contracting and spreading diseases such as parvo.

“Just even having one accidental or one intentional litter is leading to a lot of problems,” Garcia said. “And so if they enforce that, that is absolutely great news.”