“Unfortunately, we have hundreds of unregulated breeders operating this way in Texas,” said Stacy Smith of the North Texas Chapter of the state’s only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting animal-friendly legislation.  ”The Puppy Mill Bill, which was defeated by breeders and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) earlier this year, would have helped stop this situation much sooner.  Instead, the dogs had to suffer for years before authorities could do anything about it.”  The bill, which passed the House of Representatives but died in committee in the Senate, would have required regular inspections of facilities and stipulated minimal living conditions for breeders with over ten breeding females.

THLN worked to pass the bill during the 2009 legislative session; however, it was defeated under pressure from commercial breeders and pet stores.  Smith noted that numerous investigations, including a recent undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States, have revealed that retail pet stores such as Petland obtain as many as 95% of their pets from puppy mills.

“Several other states passed puppy mill bills this year,” Smith said.  ”It’s time for Texas to admit we have a problem with puppy mills in our state.  There was no need for these animals to suffer this way.  This is a situation that could have been prevented with good regulation.”  The organization hopes to sponsor another puppy mill bill in 2011 and recently formed nine chapters to increase its effectiveness across the state.  Those interested in joining the North Texas Chapter may visit www.thln.org for more information.

Texas Humane Legislation Network, a mainstream, grassroots organization, has been a leading advocate for strong animal protections laws at the Texas Legislature since 1975.