Crack Down on Puppy Mills in California
- par: ASPCA
- destinataire: California State Assembly
Puppy mills are inhumane commercial enterprises that breed dogs as often as possible without providing adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization.
Assemblyman Pedro Nava recently introduced a bill to crack down on puppy mills in California. Called the Responsible Breeder Act of 2009, the new legislation would prevent the inherent cruelty associated with mass breeding of dogs.
Specifically, the bill would limit the number of intact -- not spayed or neutered -- dogs or cats a breeder can maintain to 50 animals, while creating exceptions for shelters, veterinary facilities and the like. The bill is patterned on legislation passed last year in Virginia, also with a cap of 50, and Louisiana, which imposes a 75-animal limit.
The ASPCA, Humane Society of the United States and Social Compassion in Legislation are working together to pass this legislation. Let's add our help to move California to the list of states that protect dogs in puppy mills and encourage responsible breeding practices -- please act today.
Puppy mills are inhumane commercial enterprises that breed dogs as often as possible without providing adequate shelter and care, which is why I ask you to support AB 241, The Responsible Breeder Act of 2009. This bill would strengthen puppy mill regulations by limiting the number of dogs a breeder may own and thus increase the likelihood that they are treated in a humane manner.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for licensing and inspecting puppy mills and California law requires basic humane standards. However, there are no state laws that limit the size of the breeding facilities. Puppy mills can range in size from a dozen dogs to thousands of dogs, often confined and stacked in wire cages without exercise, or any type of socialization.
The Responsible Breeder Act of 2009 will prevent the inherent cruelty associated with mass breeding, limit the number of intact dogs a breeder can maintain to 50 animals and help curb pet overpopulation. Similar legislation limiting the number of intact dogs in puppy mills was passed in 2008 in Louisiana and Virginia.
[Your comments]
Because of recent national news coverage, people have become aware of the terrible conditions in puppy mills and are demanding that something be done to stop this cruelty. I join my voice to theirs and urge your support of AB 241, The Responsible Breeder Act of 2009.
