More than 240 dogs were rescued from a puppy mill in Bradley County by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals last week – mostly beagles and small-breed dogs. It was the largest rescue the SPCA has participated in since being formed in 2013. Most puppy mill seizures over the past few years number 100 to 125 animals.
But if the Tennessee General Assembly listens to animal breeder organizations like the Sportsman’s & Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance and the American Kennel Club, such rescues might have to become more common for more dogs.
The 5-year-old Tennessee law that regulates puppy mills — the Commercial Breeder Act — is set to “sunset” or expire on June 30. And those so-called pillars of animal breeding want the law to go away. Why? That’s a very good question.
The law requires a license for any person who possesses 20 or more unspayed adult female dogs or cats for the purpose of selling the offspring as companion animals. Think about it: “20 or more breeding females for the purpose of selling the offspring.”
Not four. Not 10. Not a dozen. We’re not talking about interfering with a hobby breeder or a serious hunter or even just a dog lover with more heart and money than sense.