The Blotter

The Times' criminal justice team looks behind the scenes and behind the headlines.

February 24, 2009 6:13 AM

Oregon weighs law targeting puppy mills

As authorities in Snohomish and Skagit counties investigate alleged puppy mills following the seizure of hundreds of dogs, lawmakers in Oregon are considering a bill that would such animal operations.

According to The Associated Press, a public meeting Monday on a proposed puppy mill bill drew an overflow crowd in Salem.

Supporters cited Oregon's cases of hundreds of dogs found kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions. They said that such puppies tend to have health and socialization problems and that legitimate breeders could easily comply with minimum standards.

Opponents argued that current laws are not enforced and that the rules would put many breeders out of business. They said people who operated illegally would do so no matter what.

Among other things, the bill would prohibit owning more than 25 sexually intact dogs 4 months or older, control crate sizes and exercise time and provide buyers with information on specific remedies for pet illness or other problems.

Digg | Newsvine

Comments

HB 2470 IS A LIE. UNDERSTAND IT BEFORE YOU SUPPORT IT The HSUS and PETA are in bed with our elected representatives. HSUS propaganda calls HB... Posted on March 11, 2009 at 12:27 PM by Sensibility. Jump to comment

Amen, tsgt. But try getting a pro-business lobby to allow that sort of thing to get through. Even our own state's bill has already been... Posted on February 24, 2009 at 9:13 AM by Jamie T.. Jump to comment

This whole thing smacks of irregularities... to "insure that pet buyers are aware of treatment for illness, etc..." How about the... Posted on February 24, 2009 at 8:29 AM by tsgt. Jump to comment

Read all comments / Share your thoughts