Breeders who fail to take care of their dogs could face stiff new penalties in Wisconsin, under legislation signed into law by Governor Jim Doyle on Tuesday.
The bill would require all dog sellers and breeders to be inspected and licensed by the state. It also creates standards for dog sales, regulates conditions of breeder facilities, and allows the state to revoke or suspend the license of a facility that fails to meet the standards.
Governor Doyle says the change is needed because Wisconsin has had too few regulations and inspections, along with too little authority to shut down irresponsible breeders. He says the state has been a magnet for so-called puppy mills, where dogs are often kept in filthy conditions are bred for sale as quickly as possible with little regard for their health.
Doyle says it’s an important move in making sure innocent animals are protected and to end the heart breaking stories of animals being abused. He says it will also help to protect responsible breeders who actually take care of the animals they raise.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:05)