As Wisconsin Certified Humane Officers, we urge the Joint Finance Committee to vote in favor of 2003 AB 536, otherwise known as the Pet Facilities Bill.

       Mass pet breeding operations, commonly known as puppy mills, are becoming an increasing problem in many of our communities. The isolation and lack of human contact that is characteristic of a puppy mill operation produce animals that are a public safety risk due to their lack of socialization and resulting aggressive behaviors. Puppy mills have created an increasing burden on the limited resources of local law enforcement. The licensing and penalty provisions of the proposed Pet Facilities law will go a long way toward controlling, if not eliminating, these inhumane operations and the public nuisance and safety risks they pose to the citizens of this State. Enforcement of the proposed Pet Facilities law by the DATCP will benefit local governments and local law enforcement agencies which should experience a sharp drop in complaints against pet facilities as a result of the enforcement actions that will be conducted by DATCP.

       Thank you for your anticipated support of this important piece of legislation.

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