Senate adopts puppy mill bill after applying stricter amendments

The Senate passed a bill Monday night to regulate "unhealthy, inhumane" puppy mills, but appeased breeders by allowing those raising greyhounds, hunting or herding dogs to be exempted.
Under the bill by Sen. John Whitmire , D-Houston, a dog and cat breeders that have 11 unspayed females and sell or exchange 20 animals a year would have to be licensed, abide by basic United States Department of Agriculture standards of care and be subject to an initial and annual inspection.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/mxtVbq

Republican senator wants to alter puppy mill bill language

A Republican senator said that once the so-called puppy mill bill hits the upper chamber he will suggest new language to protect hobby breeders from what opponents say are onerous restrictions on dog and cat breeding operations.
Erin "Front Page" Mulvaney reports: http://dallasne.ws/lmmxf0

House tentatively approves puppy mill bill

The so-called puppy mill bill that would regulate large-scale commercial dog breeding operations passed the House 95 to 44 Tuesday.
The measure by Rep. Senfronia Thompson , D-Houston, would require a commercial breeder -- with 11 or more adult female breeding animals -- to obtain a license, pay a fee set by the Department of Licensing and Regulation and allow initial and annual inspections to uphold basic U.S. Department of Agriculture rules.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/fgAuci

Freshman member questions placement of puppy mill bill on Local and Consent

For the second time, the so-called puppy mill bill was placed on the House's calendar reserved for non-controversial legislation, and a freshman member once again raised questions to squash the popular measure.
The bill's author veteran Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, made it clear she would not be intimidated by his efforts to stall the bill.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/helHOD

Trouble brewing for puppies and kittens

It's rare when the Local and Consent Calendar gets a lot of attention, but when it does - watch out. Thursday's calendar may see some fireworks, and some changes, if rumors are true about the first item on the list.

Brooks: http://dallasne.ws/dFkOCu

Puppy mill bill knocked off local calendar by Simpson

Freshman Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, just knocked the puppy mill bill off the local calendar, saying he'd like to see a full floor debate on the general state calendar - which allows for a lot of debate, whereas the bill on the local calendar usually flies through and can't have amendments.

Brooks http://dallasne.ws/fn0QUc

Dog owners, breeders, others testify against ‘puppy mill’ bill

 AUSTIN — Pet owners told lawmakers Tuesday that shady puppy mill operators will remain active under the radar while reputable breeders are put out of business under a bill discussed by a House committee.

Roughly 20 opponents — breeders, dog owners, a few law enforcement officials and a veterinarian — ...

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/i7pWi2

Capitol Minute for 3/15

Brooks and Mulvaney discuss the Rainy Day fund and Puppy Mill legislation:

Dozens of animal-related bills show wide interest in pet protection

AUSTIN — Texas has long lagged behind other states in its regulations to prevent harm to animals, advocates say, but that may be changing as lawmakers are considering dozens of proposals to strengthen protections.
At least 30 bills have been offered, ranging from crackdowns on puppy mills and cockfighting to

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/hmNoen

Puppy mills dodge regulations in Texas

Mulvaney:

AUSTIN – The Better Business Bureau said Monday that more than half of the complaints it received against Texas dog breeders in the last three years couldn't be resolved, probably because they were linked to shady breeders who operate with little or no regulation. The BBB also reported that Internet sales have become one of the main ways for breeders to avoid federal inspections, which are infrequent. Most of the 123 complaints involved smaller, unregulated and unlicensed breeders.
http://dallasne.ws/bTqbPY

Petland in Austin closes as city steps up scrutiny of pet stores

Mulvaney follows up last week's puppy mill story:
AUSTIN -- The lone franchise here decided last week to close because of a proposed city ordinance aimed at stores that might sell puppies and kittens from unscrupulous breeders. 
http://dallasne.ws/9d31wA

Puppy mills spur call for new legislation in Texas

Mulvaney reports: AUSTIN – Animal rescue officials are scrambling to combat commercial dog-breeding farms, saying that as surrounding states clamp down on puppy mills, Texas risks becoming a haven for a largely unregulated industry.
Police and animal officials have entered barns and sheds around the state to find hundreds of dogs stacked in cages, many malnourished and diseased.
http://dallasne.ws/clj12I