Bill > HB1318

This bill, titled the "Beagle Freedom Act," proposes several key provisions. It prohibits dealers and kennels from selling dogs or cats bred by persons who have received certain citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill also requires persons, kennels, and animal testing facilities that have dogs or cats they do not need to offer them for adoption through a releasing agency or their own adoption program, subject to certain conditions. The bill establishes recordkeeping requirements for persons and kennels engaged in raising dogs or cats for research purposes and provides whistleblower protection for employees who report potential violations. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to submit annual reports on the implementation of the act, and it imposes penalties for violations.