Effective January 1, 2010

By Sharon Powers, Best Friends Network volunteer

The date of June 18, 2009 became the day that changed the lives of dogs and cats living in dismal conditions at Tennessee pet mills. With the passage of HB 386/SB 258, the Tennessee Commercial Breeder Act, also known as the “puppy mill bill,” has become law and goes into effect January 1, 2010.

Tennessee is the home of numerous puppy mills in which the dogs live in appalling conditions. In fact, last year more than 700 animals were rescued from deplorable conditions in an operation that resulted in the largest ever puppy mill bust in Tennessee history.

What effect will the Tennessee Commercial Breeder Act have on these puppy mill operations? Under this bill, those breeding operations keeping more than 20 unsterilized female dogs or cats will need to acquire a license from the Department of Health and be subject to annual inspections as a prerequisite for licensure. In addition, it requires these breeding operations to comply with state sales tax and comply with the Consumer Protection Act.

While the bill will not put all puppy mills out of business, it is the beginning of important animal welfare legislation that will help protect those that can’t protect themselves.

For more information, click here.

Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Network editor