“Puppy Mill Bill” to Curb Cruel Conditions at Commercial Breeding Facilities in Texas
The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) announced that Rep. Sefronia Thompson, (D-Houston) has introduced a bill requiring minimum care standards for commercial dog and cat breeders in Texas. THLN applauded the measure as an important step toward ending the cruel conditions often found in puppy mills.
“This issue has gotten a lot of attention over the past year, thanks to Oprah Winfrey and the Humane Society of the United States’ efforts to expose the terrible lives these animals lead in puppy mills,” said Cile Holloway, president of THLN. “This bill will send a clear message to commercial breeders in Texas that these conditions are not going to be tolerated any longer.
THLN has released a video revealing the inhumane treatment of animals by certain commercial breeders in Texas. The video is available for viewing on their website and shows dogs and cats living in filthy conditions with little food, water, or room to move around.
“This bill will set forth minimum care standards for commercial breeders who own more than ten breeding females,” said Holloway. “It does not impact hobby breeders or reputable show breeders who are trying to improve the breeds. This is a bill that will only affect people who recklessly breed and produce dogs and cats as quickly as they can. I know that reputable breeders will support this effort to rid their industry of the cruel treatment of animals.”
Enforcement of the law would be paid by licensing fees paid by the breeders. The bill also includes a “puppy lemon law” provision for consumers who purchase animals with problems. Yolanda Eisenstein, a Dallas attorney who practices animal law, said this is an important part of the bill. “Specific legal protections need to be in place for consumers who may spend thousands of dollars on puppies with health problems or genetic defects. Other states already these laws in place. It is time to protect Texans against the unacceptable practices of some breeders.”
Texas Humane Legislation Network, a mainstream, grassroots organization, has been a leading advocate for strong animal protection laws at the Texas Legislature since 1975.
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Category: Habitat
