Special Update on Ohio SB 130 (aka Ohio’s ‘Puppy Mill Breeder Protection’ Bill)

Posted on June 5th, 2012 in Animal Cruelty, Animal Pictures, Animal Welfare, Animal Welfare Laws and Legislation, BISSELL Pack of Pet Lovers, Canine Corner, Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions, Dogs, Ohio Animal Charity, Ohio Animal Welfare, Pet Charity, Pets in the News, Puppy Mills

Members of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee continue looking at issues surrounding SB 130 and discussing matters with ‘interested parties’ (includes Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions {CBODA}).

Per Chairman Rep. David Hall (R-97; d istrict includes Holmes county, ground zero for puppy mill breeding in Ohio), one major point of discussion is funding for the proposed bill, which had language relating to license and litter registration fees STRIPPED in the Senate Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources Committee – this was a MAJOR concession hard fought and won by Ohio’s ‘puppy mill’ breeders!

According to Chairman Hall, if a funding mechanism is not identified, the measure could put a significant strain on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) budget to cover operating expenses for enforcement of proposed laws to regulate Ohio ‘puppy mill’ breeding industry.

It is estimated that without reinstatement of language which requires ‘puppy mill’ breeders to pay license and litter registration fees, SB 130 (as passed by the Senate) could cost Ohio taxpayers up to $3 million dollars a year!

ACTION REQUIRED!

Click here to locate your House Representative asking for their NO vote on SB 130!

~~~~~ HIGHLIGHTS OF SB 130, AS PASSED BY THE SENATE ON 2/1/12 ~~~~~

1. Enforcement of Regulations: The Ohio Department of Agriculture (LIVESTOCK) will be in charge of enforcing the new regulations for ‘puppy mill’ dogs (COMPANION animals) and animal rescues for dogs (includes VOLUNTEER FOSTER HOMES)!

2. Inspections: ‘Puppy mill’ breeders will only be inspected ONCE every TWO YEARS! Animal Rescues for Dogs can be inspected ANYTIME there is a complaint filed against them!

3. Standards of Care: Standards of care have been REMOVED from this bill! The standards will be decided by a Commercial Dog Breeding Oversight Board – 43% of that board will have representatives who have close relationships to ‘puppy mill’ breeders!

4. Adoption Fees: Adoption fees charged by Animal Rescues for Dogs (98% of which are operated by an all volunteer staff through a network of foster homes) must now be APPROVED by the Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture! ‘Puppy mill’ breeders can sell dogs at ANY price!

5. Dog Auctions and Raffles: There is NO LANGUAGE that bans ‘puppy mill’ dog auctions or raffles! Ohio is the ONLY STATE east of the Mississippi which serves as a major distribution channel for ‘puppy mill’ breeders from 15 states, many of whom have violations of the Animal Welfare Act or have been convicted of animal cruelty!

Click here to read the Animal Law Coalition article, “Revised Ohio “High Volume Breeder” Bill Passes Senate”

CBODA’S WATCHDOG OF OHIO’S 19 USDA LICENSED AND UNLICENSED ‘PUPPY MILL’ BREEDERS.

Below are just some of the many inspection pictures of the 19 USDA licensed breeding kennels (located in Coshocton, Guernsey, Holmes and Ross counties) on CBODA’s radar screen.

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE… PLEASE LOOK AT THESE PICTURES HOWEVER HARD IT MAY BE AND SEE HOW THESE ANIMALS ARE BEING MISTREATED. ITS A TRAGEDY THAT WE MUST PUT AN END TO.

Click here to locate your House Representative and ask for their NO vote on SB 130!