Which type of dealer is defined as a Class A dealer?

A Class A dealer is specifically defined as a dealer who raises and sells purpose-bred animals. This designation under the Animal Welfare Act highlights the focus on ethical breeding practices and the importance of ensuring that the animals being sold meet specific welfare standards from the moment they are born. Purpose-bred animals typically come from controlled environments where their welfare can be managed more effectively compared to random source animals or those gathered from unpredictable sources.

The distinction of Class A dealers from other types of dealers illustrates their role in promoting responsible pet ownership and the ethical treatment of animals within commercial settings. The emphasis on breeding animals specifically for purpose helps to ensure that they are more suited to the needs of pet owners, laboratories, or other entities that may require animals for specific functions or research, as opposed to dealers who might source animals in less regulated or less humane ways.