Texas Takes First Steps to Comply with Puppy Mill Bill

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is taking the first steps to bring dog and cat breeders into compliance with the newly passed HB 1451, also known as the Puppy Mill Bill.  TDLR announced that a Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee (Committee) is now in the process of being formed to determine the rules and standards for large scale commercial dog and cat breeders as directed by the passage of HB 1451.

The Committee will be composed of nine members: two licensed breeders; two veterinarians; two members who represent Texas animal welfare organizations; two members of the public; and one animal control officer. Committee applications will be accepted through September 15, 2011. 

Governor Perry signed HB 1451, the Large Scale Commercial Dog and Cat Breeder Bill, popularly known as the Puppy Mill Bill, into law on June 17, 2011. HB 1451 is a regulation and licensing measure  for breeders and will provide basic protection for dogs and cats raised in breeding operations by providing humane housing standards , veterinary care, and inspections.

HB 1451 was championed by two highly respected legislators from Houston – Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Sen. John Whitmire.  Their commitment and persistence will provide protection for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats in Texas puppy mills. "We're very happy Texas has joined the many other states in regulation of commercial breeders, and we look forward to working with TDLR in developing and implementing humane standards for dogs and cats living in these facilities," says Cile Holloway, THLN President.

TDLR will promulgate regulations by March 31, 2012. Those breeders meeting the thresholds in HB 1451 will have until September 1, 2012 to come into compliance with the provisions of the bill and subsequent regulations and to obtain the license.

To learn more about Puppy Mills in Texas, click here. To watch the THLN puppy mill video, please click here.  

About Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN): Established in 1975, THLN is a grassroots, 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that fights for the enactment and enforcement of laws to protect animals from neglect and abuse. THLN is the political arm and voice for every animal and animal welfare organization in Texas. For more information, please visit www.THLN.org.