Rep. Donald Pridemore, from Hartford, Wisconsin, has introduced LRB1798/1 in the Wisconsin Legislature.

This bill amends state statute 173.41 and would change the number of dogs sold per year from 25 from 3 litters to 100 or more dogs sold per year in order to meet the licensing requirements. This would eliminate 3 positions from the Department of Agriculture/Trade and Consumer Protection. Rep. Pridemore was one of the original co-authors of Act 90, what is considered to be Wisconsin's "Puppy Mill Act". Act 90 was passed in 2009 and went into effect on June 1, 2011, and included animal shelters and animal control facilities.

Critics of his current proposal state that this would be a step backwards in regards to Act 90. Proponents of this bill state that it will make Act 90 fairer to small and hobby breeders, who were seen as having to fund Act 90 with the licensing fees they were expected to pay. It also changes the wording of "person" to "dog dealer or out of state dog dealer."

In a letter dated August 2, 2011 to his Constituents, Rep. Pridemore clarifies his intent, which was taken out of content for a television interview with TMJ4 on July 27, 2011. He states "TMJ4 was the first news source to air a story about some of the abhorrent living conditions that a few of the larger breeders forced their dogs to endure. They apparently were happy with the legislation that former Gov. Doyle signed into law, even though Act 90 put an unjustified burden and expense on small, responsible dog breeders. .. The intent of the legislation was to address the puppy mills and not the many small breeders who provide humane and loving care for their animals until they are ready to leave and find a new home. In addition, the many small dog breeders are being asked through the license fee to foot the bill for the program. We do not need to force undue costs and regulation on individuals and breeders producing a small number of dogs. Increasing the number of dogs to 100 or more returns the legislation to its original intent and targets the most egregious offenders. This bill will also eliminate the need for three (3) FTE positions."

Could it be that Rep. Pridemore recognizes the fact that Act 90 was heavily supported by the animal rights groups and now sees the facts for what they really are? Could it be that he is now attempting to correct a situation that was based on propaganda by these groups? Whatever the reason, I commend Rep. Pridemore for attempting to be fairer to responsible breeders. Wisconsin, your legislators need to hear from you urging them to support LRB1798/1.

By Debi R***