FTC Approves Final Order Requiring National Association of Animal Breeders to Eliminate Rules that Restrict Competition among Its Members

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that the National Association of Animal Breeders restrained competition among its respective members through its code of ethics.  

Under the FTC order, the NAAB must stop imposing anticompetitive restrictions on its members’ advertising, and limiting their ability to disseminate truthful, non-deceptive information about their products and the products of their competitors. The association also must remove references to the restrictions from its website and official documents; publish and distribute an announcement regarding the consent agreement and the resulting changes to the Code of Ethics; and implement an antitrust compliance program.    

The Commission vote approving the final order was 4-0. (FTC File No 141 0215; the staff contacts are Armando Irizarry, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2964; and Karen A. Mills, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2052.)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, Room CC-5422, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.