Virginia Commercial Breeder bill passes Senate

March 10, 2008 : 7:18 PM

Two high-profile commercial breeder cases showed the need in VA

March 5th was a landmark day for dogs in Virginia. On Wednesday, Senators voted on a bill that would regulate large-scale, or commercial dog breeders, requiring anyone with 30 or more breeding females to obtain a license and be subject to inspection from local animal control officers. The bill passed by a landslide: 37-3, with no debate.

The impetus for the bill were two high-profile cases involving one breeder’s facility in Bland County that burned to the ground, and a Carroll County facility with over 1,000 dogs. The animal welfare community rose to those two occasions to expose and fight the disagreeable conditions that are common in large-scale dog breeding operations.

Narrowing the Focus
HB 538, sponsored by Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline County, also known as the “commercial breeder bill,” wasn’t meant to halt all dog breeding in the state. Instead, it focuses on the true large-scale kennels (a.k.a. “puppy mills”) like the ones uncovered in the state in the past year. Before the bill, an unknown number of kennels had been operating with no federal or state oversight; this bill closes the loophole for breeders who sell direct to the public rather than to pet stores. Now the bill must be signed by the governor. Pictured above: Mabel, a blind senior Beagle rescued from the Bland County kennel.

Some of the important highlights in the bill include:

-“Commercial dog breeder” means any person who, during any 12-month period, maintains 30 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. § 3.1-796.66. Definitions.

- No commercial dog breeder shall breed dogs in the Commonwealth without a valid business license issued by any locality, as applicable, where he maintains dogs for the purpose of commercial dog breeding. § 3.1-796.77:1 Business license required.

-Commercial dog breeders shall:
1. Maintain no more than 50 dogs over the age of one year at any time for breeding purposes. However, a higher number of dogs may be allowed if approved by local ordinance after a public hearing. Any such ordinance may include additional requirements for commercial breeding operations;

2. Breed female dogs only: (i) after annual certification by a licensed veterinarian that the dog is in suitable health for breeding; (ii) after the dog has reached the age of 18 months; and (iii) if the dog has not yet reached the age of 8 years; § 3.1-796.77:2. Commercial dog breeding; requirements.

To read the full text, click here…

What you can do:
-Join the Truth About the Pet Trade community on the Best Friends Network to stay updated on legislation in your home state. (Click the “Join this Community” button on the upper right of your screen).

-Has similar legislation been introduced in your state? Let us know! Click “Send a message to community manager(s)”

Posted by Kelli Ohrtman: Best Friends Network

Comments

March 18, 2008 at 12:08 PM
posted by: a3dogmom

This is an awesome step for Virginia to take. Maine is looking to pass a similar bill, we are still in the intial legislation. I've been a rescuer involved in rehab of puppy mill dogs and have seen what they go through for someone elses greed. I hope something like this can be done in all of the "miller" states out there.

March 17, 2008 at 1:27 PM
posted by: vabeachspca

It is important to note that this very important legislation was developed by and the strategy carried out by a few Virginians who have been around animal welfare for a century or two as well as our new friends. There were no national organizations funding this effort nr paid lobbyists working this bill but folks who gave their time and resources to press forward this bold initiative. I have been involved in animal welfare legislation for 16 years and it has been my experience that the most successful efforts are led by local individuals with personal knowledge of the legislators and facts on the ground. I hope this is an inspiration to those in other states who are toiling away with little money, almost no media attention and getting very little credit. You are the best friends to animals. Sharon Adams, Executive Director, VA Beach SPCA

March 15, 2008 at 10:43 AM
posted by: joy47

I volunteer with Small Breed Rescue of E. TN. We have been contacted by two breeders in Virginia who want to surrender their dogs to us. We have taken several dogs, but being a small org and since all our dogs are in foster homes. We are overwhelmed. We have contacted other breed specific groups who are helping out. Can Best Friends also help and take some of these dogs before they are sold to other breeders? Any org out there than can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

March 15, 2008 at 5:30 AM
posted by: Busters

Yes, this is a step in the right direction. Now we need to educate the public at large in Virginia. Don't buy puppies from pet stores. I recently received my two t-shirts "Puppies aren't Products" with Best Friends Logo on them. I wear them as mini-billboards!

March 12, 2008 at 3:18 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

Please sign this bill Governor!

Pictured is Mabel, whose vets said she would have died giving birth to her final pup, a stillborn.....even nursing one pup would have killed her.....a senior blind girl, Mabel would have been bred to death. By the hard work of many kind people, she is now a happy beloved family member, enjoying soft beds, blankets and love. Mabel is the face of millions of helpless creatures who are slaves of the pet trade.

March 10, 2008 at 8:02 PM
posted by: cattees

Wonderful news! Come on Mr. Governor...make this LAW. It's an excellent start on the road to closing down ALL puppy mills.