When the Hawaiian Humane Society released photos of more than 153 matted, flea-ridden dogs living in utterly filthy conditions at a Waimanalo puppy breeding facility last year, animal lovers in Hawaii were shocked to learn that puppy mills are allowed to operate here in the Aloha State.
Certainly no one who purchases a puppy from a pet store imagines the parents of that puppy being confined in filthy, cramped cages for their entire lives, coated in their own waste, never setting foot on solid ground, pushing out litter after litter of puppies for the commercial pet trade.
We were even more shocked — and dismayed — to learn that our current laws are so weak that the owners of that puppy mill were able to simply move to another island and resume their breeding operation.
Hawaii remains one of a handful of states that has no laws or regulations for those who breed and sell large numbers of puppies to the public. In fact, were it not for a police complaint about excessive barking, the HHS would not have been able to set foot on the property of the Waimanalo puppy mill because current law does not allow for inspections of commercial kennels. Nor does the state provide any recourse to consumers who may unknowingly purchase sick or dying animals.
A modest but critical bill under consideration this legislative session, House Bill 108, supported by The Humane Society of the United States, statewide humane societies, animal welfare groups and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, would finally outline basic standards of care for large-scale dog breeders and those who sell animals to the public as pets.
As we learned from the notorious Waimanalo case, law enforcement must have the tools to regulate large-scale commercial breeders before they spiral out of control and become puppy mills with horrific conditions.
Passing laws that clearly outline sensible, measurable standards for the care of dogs would help prevent problems before the animals are on the verge of death or suffering tremendously.
Fortunately, the vast majority of dog breeders in Hawaii already meet or exceed the basic care and disclosure requirements proposed. Small hobby breeders would not be affected by the provisions in HB 108, which would apply only to those who possess more than 11 intact dogs solely for the purpose of breeding and selling their offspring. The law is carefully targeted to address substandard conditions at commercial breeding operations. Similar laws have already been enacted in more than 20 states. It’s not a novel concept; any reputable, responsible business engaged with the public understands that professional standards and accountability are necessary.
Hawaii’s residents are compassionate people who want our dogs protected. And the public, too, should be protected when acquiring a pet. This year’s legislative session is nearing an end, and it is crucial for Hawaii’s dogs, and for families who purchase pets, that HB 108 be enacted.
The HSUS urges leadership in both chambers to assign conferees for a conference committee, which is the last hurdle the bill must pass before final floor consideration. To protect our animal companions, legislators should move this measure forward.
