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	Home Daily Life Education Fundraising Get Involved Legislation Newsletter Projects Rescue What's Happening Thank You Login	Education Puppy Mill Bill passed effective Jan. 2009 Commercial dog breeding operations; penalty. Defines a commercial breeder as 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. Commercial breeders will be required to: (i) apply for a business license from their respective locality; (ii) cooperate with inspections by animal control officers to ensure compliance with state and federal animal care laws; (iii) maintain records of animal sales, purchases, breeding history, and veterinary care; (iv) dispose of dead dogs and confined waste in accordance with law; and (v) maintain no more than 50 dogs over the age of one year at one time for breeding purposes. The bill also provides that any person who has been convicted of any law concerning abuse, neglect, or cruelty to animals may not sell or trade any companion animal. Commercial breeders that violate any of these provisions are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Pet shops must ensure that their dogs are purchased from dealers or persons that are properly registered and licensed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This bill incorporates HB 690 (Armstrong) and HB 1232 (Vanderhye). The provisions of the bill are made subject to funding in the general appropriation act.