Lanza Sponsors Legislation To Restrict The Sale Of Dogs Born On Puppy Mills

Senator Andrew Lanza (R - Staten Island) has introduced legislation, Senate Bill 5608, that would restrict pet dealers and others from purchasing or receiving any puppy bred, sold or transferred by a puppy mill. The bill also places a 75 dog limit on businesses that sell puppies to pet stores.

Puppy mills are mass dog-breeding operations run for profit, usually at the expense of a dogs' well-being. Various news reports about puppies born on a puppy mill have shown that the animals are subjected to horrible and inhumane conditions that can create health and behavioral defects ranging from genetic problems caused by over breeding, to overaggressive play. While a dog may at first seem healthy to its new owner, many become sick or die a short time after they are brought home. The owner is then left with astronomical veterinary bills after trying to make their pet healthy, sometimes to no avail.

"Dogs that are bred or raised in puppy mills are often subjected to horribly inhumane conditions and then sold to unsuspecting people at pet stores, over the Internet, or through newspaper ads," said Senator Lanza, a dog owner himself. "Many consumers possess an image of puppies at a family farm, lovingly raised and cared for, when too often that is not the case."

"This form of breeding can lead to various behavioral and health problems for the dog leaving the pet owner with the heartache of picking up the pieces," continued Lanza. "I believe we have the obligation to do all we can to protect innocent pets and unsuspecting perspective pet owners."

"This legislation addressed both humane and consumer issues. Dogs bred at such unsanitary and overcrowded mills often result in nothing more than heartache and costly veterinary bills to those of us who seek to enrich our homes with the companionship of a puppy," said Assemblyman Matthew Titone. "This legislation will ensure the health and well being of dogs as well the rights of a consumer to purchase healthy animals."

The bill has been reported from the Senate Consumer Protection Committee and is on the Senate Calendar.

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