UK, California, Hawaii Target Dog Breeders in Regulatory Crackdown

The UK government is initiating a crackdown on tax evasion in the black economy, specifically targeting dog breeders, pet sellers, and waste management firms, which will now be required to register for tax to obtain or renew their licenses. This move affects approximately 520,000 workers and aims to address rising cash-in-hand work amid economic stagnation. The black economy has reportedly grown by 80% over the past seven years, driven by factors such as the gig economy and the pandemic's impact on employment. In California, lawmakers are also responding to concerns about consumer fraud in the puppy market by proposing new bills that would prohibit the sale of puppies from out-of-state mass breeders and ban brokers from operating within the state. Similar regulatory efforts are underway in Hawaii, where Senate Bill 593 aims to impose licensing requirements and standards of care for commercial dog breeders to combat overpopulation in shelters. Both California and Hawaii's initiatives reflect a growing awareness and response to issues related to animal welfare and the underground pet trade.