Clark County has issued almost $154,000 in fines to illegal pet breeders since February 2025, when officials overhauled the county’s Title 10 animal ordinance. Animal Protection Services shared the update with the Board of County Commissioners on July 7, reports Fox5 Las Vegas.

Officers have fielded 365 complaints in that span. County data shows 57 breeders received 157 charges for illegal sale of animals, plus 85 more charges for possession of puppies.

One repeat offender was fined $9,000 for selling a single dog after a second violation, a county spokesperson said. Victor Zavala, the code enforcement manager who oversees Animal Protection Services, said flat fines rarely stop prolific breeders, so officers now scale penalties to the price of the dogs being advertised.

The enforcement push builds on Operation Pawsitive Change, a joint effort that pairs Animal Protection Services officers with Las Vegas Deputy City Marshals, Problem-Oriented Policing officers, and The Animal Foundation. Dog Friendly Las Vegas covered the initiative’s launch in June, when officials described it as combining citations with education and prevention.

Commission Chair Michael Naft said continued enforcement is what makes the Title 10 changes effective. He said the fine money goes back into county animal welfare programs, including $5 microchipping events and low cost spay and neuter services.

Gina Greisen of Nevada Voters for Animals said the illegal breeding problem is still widespread despite the crackdown. She said families who buy from breeders sometimes become amateur breeders themselves, and owners of unplanned litters may unknowingly break the law by selling puppies online.

Greisen said shelter intake numbers need to drop before the effort can be called a success. Las Vegas dog owners who suspect illegal breeding or unsafe conditions are encouraged to report concerns to Clark County Animal Protection Services.