A Massachusetts bill that would limit everyone, breeders and others, to 25 intact dogs over the age of 6 months, is making its way through the legislature.  More than enough, of course.

The bill would limit breeding to dogs between the ages of 18 months and 8 years of age, and females could have only one litter per year.

Enforcement

The bill, S.B. 774, would require the suspension or revocation of the license for any kennel operator which upon inspection, was found to fail to maintain the facility "in a sanitary and humane manner, or if records are not properly kept as required by law". Also, upon the petition of 25 citizens, a hearing must be held to determine if the kennel constitutes a public nuisance because of the dogs' behavior or conditions of the facility.  Further regulations can be imposed or the licenses could be suspended or revoked.  

The fine for operating on a suspended or revoked license would only be $50, however.

Standards of Care

The bill, S.B. 774, would, in addition to a kennel license, require breeders to meet certain standards:

      Veterinary Care

Dogs would be required to be examined by a licensed veterinarian at least once each year or, for females, before each attempt to breed them.  Dogs could not be bred if a veterinarian determines that the animal is unfit for breeding purposes.  The veterinarian would be directed to "use appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases and injuries."  Ear cropping, tail docking, debarking, and surgical births would be prohibited except under anesthesia and by a licensed veterinarian.  Only a licensed veterinarian could euthanize animals.  

       Exercise

Dogs would have to be exercised at least one hour each day. Exercise would mean removing them from their primary enclosure and allowing them to move the entire time or giving them access to an area 4 times the size of their cage where they have free mobility. 

       The Cages

As for the cages each dog would be required to be able to  "turn about freely, to stand, sit and lie down.  The dog must be able to lie down while fully extended without the dog's head, tail, legs, face or feet touching any side of the enclosure and without touching any other dog in the cage when all dogs are lying down simultaneously". Each cage would be required to be 3 times longer than the longest dog with 6 inches of headroom for each dog.

 Cages could not be stacked and could not be more than 42 inches off the floor. Flooring could not be made of wire but except for a ground floor which would be required to be poured concrete with an epoxy sealant, could be made of slats at least 3/5 inch wide  with up to ½ inch between slats.

All dogs housed in the same enclosure must be compatible, as determined by observation.  Dogs with a vicious or aggressive disposition must be housed individually.  Breeding females in heat may not be housed in the same enclosure with sexually mature males, except for breeding. Breeding females with litters may not be housed in the same enclosure with other adult dogs.  Puppies under 12 weeks may not be housed in the same enclosure with other adult dogs, other than their parents.  

        Protection from the weather

The bill would also require temperatures in the mill to remain between 50 and 85 degrees F and the dogs must protected from extreme humidity.  The dogs must have sufficient lighting and ventilation, and there must be fire protection.  

         Sanitation

The bill would require daily cleaning or "more often" to prevent disease hazards, insects, pests and odors. Dogs would be required to be removed from cages during cleaning. Cleaning includes food and water bowls.

          Water

 Each cage would be required to have "potable water that is not frozen, is free from debris, and is readily accessible" all the time.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Here is a copy of the bill.

Go here for an email and phone number list for Massachusetts state senators. Write or call and urge them to support S.B. 774, the puppy mill bill.  Urge senators to give authorities the tools to slow the breeding of dogs for sale, 25% or more of which end up in public shelters, and help them enforce standards of care to protect communities from the burden of large cleanup costs when a kennel must be shut down for cruelty and terrible conditions.