Bill would tighten rules on breeding dogs

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- More than 20 people testified before the Agriculture Committee at the Nebraska Legislature Tuesday to let their voices be heard on a bill that would set stricter rules for commercial dog breeders in the state.

The bill, introduced by District 45 Sen. Abbie Cornett of Bellevue, proposes a number of new medical and well being requirements for dog breeders.

It would also create an option for dog breeders to earn an "outstanding" certification from the state Department of Agriculture and recognition on the department's website.

Proponents for LB427, like Mick Mines, lobbyist for the Nebraska Humane Society, argued that the bill would address dog breeding deficiencies. Those deficiencies include little mental stimulation, no exercise or limited interaction with humans, said Judy Varner, CEO of the Nebraska Humane Society.

The bill makes sense for Carol Wheeler, founder of Hearts United for Animals.

Wheeler, of Auburn, described sickly dogs with dental and skin disease that have come to her rescue dog shelter from breeders. Because of her experiences, Wheeler agreed that the provisions set forth in the bill are reasonable and warranted.

Varner, who helped draft the bill with Cornett and two dog breeders, called the bill "common sense" and "realistic."

But opponents of the bill, like Casey Schaaf, a full-time dog breeder from Atkinson, said the new requirements would put him out of business.

Schaaf, who runs a full-time breeding business with 200 adult dogs, said his operation has been inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the past 14 years.

Because some of the requirements in LB427 are more rigid than those set forth by the USDA, Schaaf said he would have to pay thousands of dollars making adjustments to his operation. Among those changes would include increasing space for his animals and implementing an exercise program that could cost $30,000 a year.

"That's when I have a problem," he said.

Other opponents, like Judy Williamson of Stamford, argued that more rules and regulations are not the answer to better dog breeding operations.

"Do you feel we need more regulations? We got a lot," she said. "It will literally destroy our business."

Cindy Johnson of Holdrege and Mark Christensen of Stanton agreed, adding that their businesses already are inspected several times a year. Christensen also said he already takes good care of his animals and legislation to require good care isn't necessary.

"I don't think that's the responsibility of anyone but me and a dog owner," he said.

Many opponents argued that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) encouraged the legislation, which Varner fervently denied. Some Nebraska organizations have criticized the HSUS for its positions on confinement livestock operations.

"HSUS has had nothing to do with this bill," she said.

Under the bill, the new requirements would include:

Each dog should have a primary living space based on a formula determined by the size of the dog. Also, all flooring in a dog's primary living space should be a solid surface so it can be disinfected.

A female dog cannot be bred more than once every year and half unless a licensed veterinarian has seen her.

Dogs must have a health and welfare examination every 60 days.

All dogs should have mental stimulation that is not related to their daily care.

All surgeries, with the exception of tail docking and dew claw removal, must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Dogs must be implanted with a microchip for tracking purposes.