Puppy mill prohibition law goes to governor

On Oct. 27, the state Assembly unanimously approved Assembly Bill 250 requiring licensure of dog breeders in order to regulate those bad actors selling dogs from what are known as “puppy mills.” The state Senate unanimously agreed and sent AB 250 to Governor Doyle to sign into law.

Finally, after years of thwarted efforts, the state now has a licensing program for dog breeding and selling under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP). With certain exceptions, all dog breeders and dealers must now be licensed. Among other important provisions, the law will define a “dog breeder” as a person who sells 25 or more dogs in a year that the person has bred and raised. 

Under the new law, licensed breeders will be subject to regulations and inspections regarding treatment of their dogs. The rules are written with the needs of different breeds in mind, and ensure that dogs have adequate food, clean water and shelter, and access to the outdoors. If DATCP staff have reasonable grounds to believe a breeder is mistreating dogs in violation of existing cruelty laws, they must report it to a humane officer or law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area where the dog is located.

Also, dog owners aren’t considered “official” dog breeders, nor required to be licensed, if all dogs they sell in a year are from no more than three litters, regardless of how many they sell. The new rules also do not apply to “field events” or show trials involving sporting dog breeds.

Finally, the bill creates a 12-member advisory committee from groups with vested interests, such as veterinarians, retail dog sellers, and dog breeders. Citizens from these groups who volunteer for the board thus will have a way to communicate with DATCP and the state Legislature to ensure their concerns about the breeding and selling of dogs in Wisconsin are monitored and addressed.

Please see my website (URL below) for the text of the new law.

Chris Sinicki is the state representative for Wisconsin’s 20th state Assembly District, which includes southern Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, the airport, and other parts of the south side. Her website is chrissinicki.net and she can be reached at (888) 534-0020 or rep.sinicki@legis.wi.gov.