SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE Oregon State Legislature State Capitol Salem, OR

News Release

June 2, 2009

CONTACT:    Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

molly.woon@state.or.us

Senate votes to shut down abusive puppy mills

HB 2470 passes final legislative vote, on its way to Governor

SALEM – Coming on the heels of yet another high-profile puppy mill bust in the Northwest, the Senate voted this morning in support of House Bill 2470, a bill that limits breeders to owning no more that 50 sexually intact dogs 2 years or older.

“Passing this bill will create one of the most effective and comprehensive puppy mill laws in the nation,” said Senator Diane Rosenbuam (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “We’ve seen story after story describing deplorable conditions in these puppy mills. This legislation will give us the ability to crack down on the inhumane treatment of animals.”

HB 2470 also specifies conditions under which pet dealers must provide refunds, replacement, or reimbursement if a dog is found to suffer from certain diseases or birth defects. This will offer recourse to purchasers who learn that their puppy has serious emotional or health problems. In many cases owners find themselves overwhelmed and the distressed dogs are given up to local humane societies.

“By targeting both large-scale breeding facilities and unscrupulous retail pet stores, this bill will end the cruel cycle of events that leads to the abuse and neglect we see repeatedly in Oregon and around the country,” said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene), a chief sponsor in the Senate. “Nationwide, approximately 25 percent of dogs entering shelters are purebred dogs. Given that number, it seems clear that puppy mill dogs are a significant contributor to the overpopulation of animals.”

Puppy mills are generally defined as large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that function solely for the purpose of turning a profit. Oftentimes the dogs are kept in filthy and crowded conditions where they receive little to no socialization, affection, or exercise.

“I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for animals,” said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem). “It is heartbreaking to think about innocent puppies beginning their lives in such cruel and horrible circumstances. This bill is another step toward eliminating animal abuse in Oregon.”

House Bill 2470 was chief sponsored in the House by Representative Paul Holvey (D-Eugene) and Representative Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis). The bill will now go to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

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For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit oregonsenatedemocrats.com