Legislation which will establish licensing requirements for commercial dog breeders in Wisconsin passed the state Senate Thursday, on a 36-0 vote. The bill (AB 250), which earlier passed the state Assembly on a unanimous vote, now heads to Governor Jim Doyle, who’s expected to sign it into law. The legislation also establishes minimum standards of care for licensed facilities.
“This bill represents the work of individuals and groups across Wisconsin that understand the need for regulation that protects responsible breeders and cracks down on problem operations,” said state Representative Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire), the measure’s Assembly author.
The bill grants the state Department of Agriculture,Trade and Consumer Protection authority to provide workable standards for the dog breeding industry. An advisory committee composed of individuals from all interested groups will participate in the rule making process and ensure broad stakeholder involvement, according to Smith and the bill’s Senate author, Senator Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls).
“The consensus behind this bill reflects the efforts we made to include all those who will be affected by this legislation,” said Kreitlow.