A bill to create licensing requirements for commercial dog breeders passes a legislative committee. A state Senate committee approved the measure on a 5-0 vote Wednesday. Under the bill anyone selling more than 25 dogs in a year will need to be licensed through the state Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection. The legislation also establishes minimum standards of care for licensed facilities.
The bill’s Senate author, Chippewa Falls Democrat Pat Kreitlow, noted that it’s the product of years of work to build consensus on the need to shut down puppy mills while protecting responsible, caring breeders. Assembly author, Eau Claire Democrat Jeff Smith, noted during a public hearing on the bill that criminal charges have been largely ineffective in combating irresponsible breeders.
The legislation has 51 cosponsors in the Assembly and 21 cosponsors in the Senate.
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