Bill > H3266

This bill, titled "Relative to puppy mills," aims to regulate commercial dog breeding facilities, often referred to as puppy mills, by establishing new licensing and care standards. It amends existing Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 140, to remove the term "commercial breeder kennel" from one section and then inserts a new section, 137E, which mandates that anyone operating a commercial breeder kennel must obtain an annual breeder license from the city or town where the kennel is located. This license will serve as the primary permit for dogs kept at the kennel, and licensed breeders will be required to ensure dogs wear collars with identification tags displaying license information when at large. The bill also outlines procedures for transferring ownership of dogs, including providing a certificate of description and requiring purchasers to license the dog within two weeks. Furthermore, it grants the commissioner of agricultural resources or an animal control officer the authority to inspect kennels for sanitary and humane conditions, with the power to issue orders for correction and recommend license suspension or revocation if non-compliance occurs. Finally, the bill mandates that by December 31, 2015, the commissioner must establish minimum standards of care for dogs in commercial breeder kennels, covering living space, shelter, nutrition, and sanitation.