We've been digging into our state's puppy mill problem for months. As Ohioans, we call the second worst state in the country for these mills, home.
State legislators just passed House Bill 506, that would raise the standards for breeders in Ohio.
The bill is in the governor's hands now, currently on his desk awaiting his signature.
The bill would require the following standards be set for puppy breeders:
- Access to water
- No stacked cages or wire floor bottoms
- No cages too small to hold an animal
- Food twice a day
- An annual vet exam
Sounds like a pretty standard way to care for a pet, right? Not here in Ohio. Breeders here are technically in state compliance without providing animals any of that.
House Bill 506 will require those standards for all breeders statewide.
The bill would also mean pet stores here in Ohio could only buy dogs from breeders, even out of state, who comply with the new standards.
RELATED: Puppy mill problems: USDA redacts animal welfare information
