AP-IN-XGR--Puppy Mills,0126Bill to crack down on 'puppy mills' clears House
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indiana lawmakers looked at grim photos of injured and neglected dogs today before approving legislation aimed at regulating puppy mills.
Bill sponsor Democrat Rep. Linda Lawson of Hammond, says puppy mills are a problem across the state.
Lawson says breeders cram animals into filthy, crowded cages, then breed them repeatedly. The puppies are sold online or though newspaper ads.
The legislation would add requirements for commercial dog breeders, defined as those with adult dogs producing 10 or more litters a year. Breeders would be limited to 30 adult dogs that aren't spayed or neutered.
The bill also requires commercial breeders to provide dogs with sanitary conditions and an hour of exercise a day. Breeders could not hire staff members convicted of animal cruelty.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-02-19-09 1828CST
I fear Gracie may have been a product of a puppy mill. I cannot be certain. Legislators should probably see the above picture, though, just so they know what life is like for a dog born of such filthy conditions.
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