City of Margate Moves to Limit Dog Breeding and Sales to Pet Stores

by David Volz May 9, 2026

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Margate residents can no longer breed dogs to sell to pet stores or allow more than one litter per year for public sale.

During the May 6 meeting, the commission voted unanimously to pass an ordinance on first reading to place limitations on hobby breeders.

The goal of this ordinance is to align Margate’s rules with Broward County regulations and protect animal welfare by restricting individuals from allowing their dogs to have more than one litter a year with the intention of selling them to the public, according to Mayor Antonio Arserio.

“I don’t understand why people pay thousands of dollars for a dog when there are so many dogs who need a home. I don’t want people selling dogs to pet stores. I don’t think the government should tell people how many litters their dog can have,” said Arserio.

Vice Mayor Anthony Caggiano agreed, saying, “People should not be spending thousands of dollars on dogs when there are so many dogs that need homes and should be adopted.”

Ruzzano, who has rescued animals, said he wants animals cared for but opposes government control over residents’ choices.

Commissioner Joanne Simone said hobby breeders are regulated by Broward County and cannot allow their dogs to produce more than one litter a year.

According to the Broward County website, the county requires a permit to breed, stud, or sell dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens within the county to protect the welfare of dogs and cats in the community and to protect consumers who buy or adopt puppies and kittens from breeders.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.