Oklahoma's New Commercial Breeder Regulations At Risk

With the passage of State Bill 1712, Oklahoma sent a powerful message to the puppy mill industry: Treat your animals humanely or you may lose your business. And they're not letting cat breeders off the hook either.

S.B. 1712, more commonly known as the Oklahoma Commercial Pet Breeders Act, was signed into law in May 2010 by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. As part of the new law, the Oklahoma State Board of Commercial Pet Breeders was formed.

After months of research and planning, new rules for dog and cat breeders in Oklahoma are open for public comments; rules that require any breeder who owns eleven or more intact females to comply with basic standards of care. Fresh water, daily food and cleaning, dry shelter and adequate space are among them. Routine inspections will take place and breeding licenses must be kept current.

Naturally, puppy mill breeders are outraged that the new regulations will cut into their bottom-line profits. Not surprising, as prior to the passage of this bill, Oklahoma had no previous state regulations for animal breeding.

Now that the rules are open for review, organizations on both sides of the issue are crawling out of the woodwork to once again call Oklahoma citizens to action. With Oklahoma holding the #2 spot for dog production in the country, the welfare of countless dogs (and cats) is at stake.

One group in support of the new rules is Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. They are committed to reducing the pet overpopulation crisis by educating on the importance of spay/neuter and adopting from shelters. Their belief is that no animal in Oklahoma should be euthanized simply due to a lack of shelter space. In addition, responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals is advocated through education.

Oklahoma Alliance for Animals is concerned that pressure from breeders, and businesses that profit from dog and cat breeding, will cause the new law to become “diluted to the point that it will have no real improvement for the care and wellbeing of the animals it was created to protect.”

They have good cause to be concerned — the rules are ambitious and more strict than many other states. (Simply the inclusion of cat breeders sets them apart.) Oklahoma has the ability to lead other states by example, but they need to hear support from citizens.

Another group, Oklahoma Humane Federation, consists of humane organizations and animal control organizations across the state. Frustrated by the protests against the new breeding rules, Oklahoma Humane Federation is trying to level the playing field. Notes and status updates on their Facebook page urge Oklahomans to contact their legislators and express support of the proposed rules.

The rules are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2011. I applaud Gov. Henry’s decision to pass S.B. 1712, despite the loud objections he encountered from the American Kennel Club and other groups. While the new rules are being reviewed, let’s see if we can make the voices of support heard over those in favor of animal cruelty.

Additional information about puppy mills in Oklahoma can be obtained from The Truth About Oklahoma Puppy Mills, including statistics and more details on S.B. 1712.

Photo credit: NeitherFanboy