Wisconsin "Puppy Mill" Bills to "Leash" Dog Dealers

Were these bills prompted by the Thorp Dog Auction?

Legislators in our fine state of Wisconsin have formulated two new bills aimed at regulating dog dealers within the state.  The two bills are: Assembly Bill 250 and Senate Bill 208, which are primarily geared towards animal control facilities, animal shelters, and dog dealers.

Features of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Bills:
-A person who sells 25 or more dogs in a year (including a non-resident who brings dogs into the state for sale).
-A person who operates a dog breeding facility from which 25 or more dogs are sold in a year.
-A person who operates an auction at which 50 or more dogs are sold or offered for sale in a year.
-A person who operates an animal shelter that houses at least 25 dogs in a year.
-A person who operates an animal control facility under contract with a municipality or county.

The licensing fees are very affordable for these facilities, and the bills are generally ensuring that dogs are provided with “sufficient” food and water; “adequate” opportunity for daily exercise; and “necessary and standard” veterinary care, among other provisions. These facilities will also be required to keep records of the above mentioned duties.

The penalties for ignoring these bills are quite heavy (and for good reason).  The State of Wisconsin has said that they will fine violators up to $10,000 and may also imprison violators for up to 9 months.  The SDA, TCP with the ability to revoke and deny these licenses which would also likely result in the seizure of the animals too.Under the measures, a licensee would be prohibited from transferring a dog to a buyer before the dog is seven weeks old. A licensee would also have to provide the purchaser with certain health records.

View the Puppy Mill Bills here:
Assembly Bill 250.

Senate Bill 208.