Jumat, 20 September 2013

Legislation tightens leash on dog breeders

Supported by Rep. Jim Gerlach, the rule subjects breeders to federal inspections if they sell on the Internet


By JOHN LATIMERLebanon Daily News


Updated: 09/20/2013 11:04:24 AM EDT



New rules designed to provide better oversight of dog breeders who sell via the Internet are getting contrasting reviews from dog breeders and pet welfare advocates.


But one Lebanon Valley lawmaker stands firmly behind the regulations.


The new rule announced last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would close a so-called Internet loophole that previously exempted commercial dog breeders who sold pets 'sight unseen' from having their kennels inspected.


Under the new regulations, a commercial breeder with more than four breeding females must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act, which means being licensed and undergoing regular inspections, said Ed Avalos, the USDA's under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. These are the same regulations already required of large wholesale breeders.


'Requiring these breeders to adhere to the Animal Welfare Act standards is important because we know that if the federal standards are being met, the animals are getting humane care and treatment,' Avalos said in a news release.


The rule change follows a 2010 inspector general's audit that found more than 80 percent of sample breeders were not subject to inspection, resulting in many unhealthy dogs being sold to unsuspecting buyers.


The new regulations do not apply to 'hobby breeders' with four or fewer breeding females, and most animal rescue groups and shelters are also exempt, according to the USDA. It also does


not apply to retail dog stores where buyers can inspect dogs before purchasing them.


Congressman Jim Gerlach, whose 6th District includes Lebanon County, applauded the USDA's action. For several years, the Chester County Republican has been advocating greater oversight of Internet dog breeders by introducing bills to correct the problem. The bills never made their way through Congress.


'Puppy mill profiteers will no longer be able to hide online and sell starved and sickly dogs to families looking for a new pet,' he said in a news release. 'By closing this Internet loophole in the federal Animal Welfare Act, the law has finally caught up with technology.'


Gerlach added that the regulations are not targeted at reputable breeders.


'Reputable and responsible breeders will not be hindered by this new federal rule,' he said. 'It is aimed at protecting dogs and making individuals motivated by profit rather than the fair and humane treatment of dogs accountable.'


But Cindy Williams isn't convinced.


Williams, who sits on the board of Harrisburg Kennel Club, breeds Brittany spaniels at her North Londonderry Township home. While she supports the intent of the regulations, she believes the language is too vague.


For example, there is no definition for a breeding female, Williams said. Brittany spaniels should not be bred before they are 2 years old, she explained, but females of most breeds can be bred before they reach a year.


Without a clear definition of a breeding female, Williams maintained it could create a situation in which a breeder with a large litter of young dogs for sale would be in violation of the regulations.


Williams also is bothered by the regulations because they will affect trusted breeders who may have occasional Internet sales to buyers who purchase a dog sight unseen.


As a member of Gov. Ed Rendell's task force that several years ago made recommendations that tightened Pennsylvania's breeder regulations, Williams said she understands rules regulating Internet sales are needed, but the ones announced by the USDA need refining.


'Current laws are not geared towards the Internet or the World Wide Web, but that is the way we are moving, and we need some regulation there,' she said. 'I just think the way we are set up right now is going to encompass a lot of hobby breeders. I don't think that is what they meant to do. But that is what will happen. And it is all because of the vagueness of the wording.'


The Humane Society of Berks County recently took over management of the Lebanon County Humane Society shelter in Jackson Township. A spokesman for the organization said he feels the stronger state regulations have been helpful, but a law governing Internet sales is long overdue.


'We do have a lot of dog breeders in the area, and so far the state dog law-enforcement officers have done a good job of regulating those kennels, but you will always see exceptions and sometimes those exceptions are horrific,' Dylan Heckart said.


Heckart said he understands Williams' criticism of the regulations but feels they will successfully address a problem that outweighs the concerns of reputable breeders.


'I don't think necessarily that common sense protective legislation is outweighed by private business interests,' he said. 'In a case like this, where a need is demonstrated and it's clear there are problems, closing the loophole makes a lot of sense. If it does have a negative impact on reputable breeders, I think that impact will be minimal.'


johnlatimer@ldnews.com; 717-272-5611, ext. 149


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