LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis was at Big Dog Ranch in Palm Beach County on Tuesday morning to announce his planned efforts during the 2026 legislative session to crack down on abusive puppy mill practices and to further develop ways to promote ethical dog breeding in Florida.
Watch the full press conference below:
DeSantis said this will be done in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to create a more consistent dog breeder registration system that holds the breeders accountable for abusive conditions through a licensing method.
According to Commissioner William Simpson, the Department of Agriculture recently updated all its management practice manuals and is excited to bring those practices toward holding breeders to a higher standard.
"We're going to bring that same expertise in establishing best management practices for dog breeders, ensuring standards are science-based, practical and enforceable," Simpson said. "We will work with the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine to ensure that the (practices) are based on the latest advancements in animal care and are effective."
WPTV Investigates
Florida toughens animal cruelty laws; families say fight isn't over
DeSantis said he would like to require pet stores to offer local shelters space for adoptions before they can offer space to puppy mills.
"Why would we not want to be focusing on helping find these dogs homes that are in a shelter?" DeSantis said. "That should be the priority one for everything that we're doing with respect to dogs."
The governor also said he wants to establish a hotline for people to call and report animal abuse by breeders. Additionally, DeSantis said he will work to harshen penalties for people who abuse or torture animals in front of a minor.
Loxahatchee Acreage
DeSantis visits Big Dog Ranch, signs 2 bills focused on animal rights
From a consumer standpoint, DeSantis said he wants to increase the amount of transparency breeders need to give those interested in purchasing a dog, and that he'd like veterinarians to be held more accountable for providing accurate bills of health.
"What we're really here to do is discuss today that ensuring that when families do make that critical decision to bring home a pet, they can do so with confidence, knowing the animal is healthy, cared for, and not the victim of neglect or mistreatment," siad Melanie Griffin with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "We are here to explore ways to strengthen safeguards so animals are protected before they're sold, and consumers aren't forced with heartbreaking situations after the fact."
Big Dog Ranch President and Founder Lauree Simmons says that she has been working tirelessly to advance legislation that will hold abusive breeders responsible for their actions.
"Let me be clear, we are not against good breeders. We value and respect ethical breeders who care for their dogs, maintain proper standards and preserve purebred lines with love and responsibility," Simmons said. "What we stand firmly against are the bad actors, the backyard breeders and puppy mills who treat dogs as products for profit instead of living, breathing beings."
