Congress Considers Crackdown On So-Called Puppy Mills

WASHINGTON,None — Congress is considering a crackdown on so-called puppy mills.

A new bill in the U.S. House would require all commercial dog breeders to register with federal officials. The legislation also calls for stricter safety inspections.

The Humane Society said puppy mills are cheap dog sale operations that cut corners in caring for the animals to save money.

Melanie kahn, humane society of the united states

"They're breeding the dogs purely for profit with complete disregard for the welfare of the dogs," said Melanie Kahn of the Humane Society of the United States. "Whenever we show up at these facilities, we see dogs with severe health problems, underweight, malnourished, living in their own dirt, their own feces. It's a very sad situation."

The proposal would also require any business that sells more than 50 dogs a year to get a federal license and allow their animals outside to exercise each day.

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