Hawaii lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to regulate commercial dog breeding to address the growing issue of dog overpopulation in the state. Senate Bill 593 (SB593) is gaining support from county animal shelters and advocates who are concerned about the constant overcapacity in shelters across the islands.
Key Points:
Overpopulation Crisis:
Hawaii’s animal shelters are overwhelmed, and the Hawaiian Humane Society reports an alarming increase in the number of puppies arriving in shelters. The issue is exacerbated by breeders not adequately planning for homes for the puppies they breed.
43% of Hawaii households own a dog, contributing to a higher demand for regulated breeding practices.
SB593 Provisions:
Licensing Requirements: The bill proposes licensing for breeders with more than 10 breeding dogs, aiming to regulate larger breeding operations.
Care Standards: It will impose standards of care to ensure that dogs are treated humanely and appropriately.
Limiting Breeding Operations: The bill would prohibit any individual or business from owning more than 30 breeding dogs.
Record-Keeping and Penalties: Breeders would be required to maintain written records for each dog. Counties would be authorized to implement their own licensing systems, and there would be civil and criminal penalties for violations.
Support and Opposition:
Support:
Hawaiian Humane Society: The organization supports SB593, emphasizing that it’s long overdue. They’ve noticed a concerning trend of breeders neglecting to secure homes for puppies before breeding.
Humane Society of the United States: They back the bill, citing that puppy mills contribute to the national dog overpopulation crisis, producing millions of puppies annually.
Opposition:
American Kennel Club (AKC): The AKC opposes the bill, arguing that the issue is not the number of dogs someone owns, but the quality of care provided. They believe it’s unfair to limit ownership based on quantity without considering the care given.
Concerns About Enforcement: Some opponents, like Terry Nii, question how the bill will be enforced and worry it won’t effectively eliminate puppy mills. There are calls for more funding to ensure proper enforcement at the county level.
Next Steps:
The bill has passed initial stages and is now heading to the Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees for further consideration.
Conclusion:
SB593 aims to tackle the growing dog overpopulation issue in Hawaii by regulating commercial dog breeders, ensuring better care standards, and holding breeders accountable for their actions. While the bill has significant support, particularly from animal welfare organizations, there are concerns about enforcement and the fairness of limiting the number of dogs a breeder can own. The legislation will continue to be discussed in the coming weeks.