The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is preparing to implement new rules governing dog breeders.
DATCP spokeswoman Donna Gilson says the law has been a long time in the making, and will bring large scale dog breeders under regulation and licensing requirements. It will apply to breeders selling more than 25 dogs a year, along with retail facilities that sell animals.
While the legislation adopted last year included some general guidelines, the department must develop more specific administrative rules. They’re currently seeking nominations for a 12-member advisory committee that will oversee that process.
While the department doesn’t use the term, backers of the legislation referred to some large-scale breeders as ‘puppy mills.’ Gilson says there’s evidence Wisconsin had become a magnet for such operations and the new rules will help to shut them down.
DATCP is accepting nomination for the advisory panel through February 10th. The law will take effect on June 1, 2011.
AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (1:15)