H.B. 1468 Question and Answer
Why set a limit of 30 breeding dogs?
Bottom line is that large-scale commercial facilities that mass-produce puppies contribute to the tragedy of pet overpopulation, risk the proliferation of giant-sized puppy mills and are at risk of becoming overcrowded and out of control. For example, Missouri and Pennsylvania are just two examples of states with kennel standards and yet because neither state has done anything to limit the number of dogs per facility, both states are still completely overrun with more dogs than they can adequately regulate.
A cap of the number of sexually intact adult dogs provides standards and laws that animal control and law enforcement can effectively enforce.
How many puppies will a breeder be able to sell?
As it stands, the legislation does not allow female dogs to be bred more than once a year. Assuming 25 of the maximum of 30 dogs are females, and with an average litter size of just under five puppies (a conservative estimate), breeders will be able to sell as many as 125 puppies per year.
Who will be considered a commercial breeder?
Individuals who sell 10 or more litters per year would be considered commercial breeders and would be required to comply with minimum standards of care.
Would it be sufficient to set minimum care standards without a 30-dog limit?
No, minimum care standards alone will not shut down or deter the worst puppy mills. In other states that require minimum care standards without a limit, unhealthy, inhumane puppy mills continue to flourish. The number of dogs is one of the most important determining factors for how those dogs are treated.
Have other states passed laws setting a limit on the number of breeding dogs allowed?
Yes. Just last year, Virginia and Louisiana passed legislation setting a cap on breeding dogs a breeder may possess.
Aren't the AKC's care standards sufficient?
Some breeders may follow the AKC's standards, but many don't. Compliance with those standards is completely voluntary. There are dozens of dog registries in this country besides AKC, so many purebred dogs are not registered with AKC, nor does AKC inspect every breeder who registers dogs with them.
Large-scale puppy mill operators care about one thing: the bottom line. Minimum care standards must be written into law in order to guarantee that dogs get the care they need and deserve. Good breeders will follow decent standards voluntarily. But greedy breeders and puppy mills needs standards that animal control or law enforcement can actually enforce.
How will the limit on breeding dogs and minimum care requirements be enforced?
Traditional law enforcement, especially animal control officers, will be used to enforce this law. The bill does not require separate action by any state agencies, aside from a registry with the state Board of Animal Health.
Will a buyer have any rights if they end up with a puppy that has health or hereditary problems?
Because most puppy mill puppies are sold over the internet or through retail pet stores, buyers are often left with little or no recourse if they end up buying a puppy with health problems or genetic problems (a common problem with dogs that come from puppy mills). H.B. 1468 provides buyers with a list of specific legal rights against a pet dealer or breeder, including the right to receive information from the pet dealer about where the dog came from and whether the dog has had any health or hereditary problems. If a puppy has problems, a buyer has the right to have the purchase price refunded and veterinary bills reimbursed. It also requires breeders and pet dealers to to provide buyers with specific information relating to a dog's health history and problems. In addition, breeders are required to keep careful records regarding any prior complaints and provide those records to prospective buyers.
Is there public demand for limits on dog breeding?
Public scrutiny of dog-breeding operationshas increased as puppy mills have grown in size and seriousness of abuse. Because they nearly always involve horrendous images of badly neglected dogs and puppies, raids of puppy mills typically attract widespread media attention and public outrage. Recent national television coverage about the horrors of puppy mills has provided even more heightned awareness of the problem. The Humane Society of the United States has received more requests from its members for legislative action against puppy mills than any other animal issue.
What id a breeder is found with more than 30 breeding dogs?
H.B. 1468 only prohibits possessing more than 30 unsterilized dogs. If a breeder is found with more than 30, he or she can simply spay or neuter enough dogs to be in compliance.
Why aren't current laws enough to deal with puppy mills?
Indiana's current animal cruelty code is incredibly weak. Neglect is only defined as failing to provide an animal with food or drink or tethering an animal for more than a short period of time with a tether that is less than 3 times the length of the animal's body. Additionally, many cities and counties in Indiana do not have animal ordinances. Local laws to regulate commercial breeders simply do not exsist in many cities and counties.
Information from The Humane Society of the United States. |
