Bill would hold big kennels to minimum standard of care

By XINJUAN DENG
Capital News Service
LANSING– A new legislative proposal would regulate large-scale dog breeders who have more than 15 breeding females to ensure their animals receive proper treatment, including adequate food, water, shelter, regular exercise and veterinary care. The bill would prohibit a dog having more than one litter a year. Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, a co-sponsor of the bill, said, “Current laws do not outline the proper guidelines of care that large commercial breeding kennels have to administer to the dogs and puppies in their custody to ensure that their lives are protected.”
The bill’s sponsors are Sen. Steven Bieda, D-Warren; Sen. Tory Rocca, R-Sterling Heights; and Sen. Mike Kowall, R-White Lake. Michigan State University law professor David Favre who teaches animal law said, “It is a significant step forward for the welfare of commercially bred dogs in Michigan. If as a society we are going to allow massive breeding operations of between 16 and 50 dogs at one place, then society has a duty to impose those standards that will provide a minimum level and welfare protections.”
Under the proposal, violators of the so-called “Puppy Protection Act” could be jailed for 93 days, fined more than $1,000, and lose their breeding license.