"PAWS" law in PA

[Louisa]

Dont know that any of you are in PA, however I am just learning of this PAWS act that apparently was causing controversy a little under a year ago (is when the press releases are dated). Wondered what became of it? 
I am not sure on the details about it, but I know it had some apparently reputable breeders upset.   It was supposed to "Protecting animals from poor breeding practices and unethical standards of care. The legislation would require a USDA license for breeders who breed seven or more litters of dogs or cats per year. In addition, this broad ranging legislation would cover importers, Internet sellers and other non-breeder dealers who sell more than 25 dogs or cats per year, strengthen USDA's enforcement authority, and assure USDA access to source records of persons who acquire dogs for resale. Finally, PAWS expands the USDA's authority to seek injunctions against unlicensed dog and cat dealers".... but it is limiting private home breeders in some way?  ... I was just wondering if anyone knew anything else about this?

I hadn't heard anything else about it, I seen breeders outside the state comment on it. ( http://www.briergoldens.com/ed_dog_politics.htm ) 


Did this pass?  I guess I am confused why hobby breeders would oppose it.

[Marge]

Dont know that any of you are in PA, however I am just learning of this PAWS act that apparently was causing controversy a little under a year ago (is when the press releases are dated). Wondered what became of it? 
I am not sure on the details about it, but I know it had some apparently reputable breeders upset.   It was supposed to "Protecting animals from poor breeding practices and unethical standards of care. The legislation would require a USDA license for breeders who breed seven or more litters of dogs or cats per year. In addition, this broad ranging legislation would cover importers, Internet sellers and other non-breeder dealers who sell more than 25 dogs or cats per year, strengthen USDA's enforcement authority, and assure USDA access to source records of persons who acquire dogs for resale. Finally, PAWS expands the USDA's authority to seek injunctions against unlicensed dog and cat dealers".... but it is limiting private home breeders in some way?  ... I was just wondering if anyone knew anything else about this?

I hadn't heard anything else about it, I seen breeders outside the state comment on it. ( http://www.briergoldens.com/ed_dog_politics.htm ) 


Did this pass?  I guess I am confused why hobby breeders would oppose it.

is that it is not just for PA it is a Federal law that would apply to ALL states not just PA.  If Senator Santorum had stuck just to PA nobody would mind because so many understand that there is a problem with the puppymills there.

The reason for the opposition is that the exact wording of the proposed legislation would mean that all dog breeders would be subject to USDA regulation.  The USDA rules for example would prevent us from raising our litters IN our homes because the regulations require they be raised on an impervious surface (so it can be disenfected).  Don't know about you but my rugs and couches are not impervious.

More legislation is not the answer to the problem.  In most cases if they simply enforced the existing regulations it would go a long way towards eliminating the problems.

Marge