A Response to Governor Doyle

"Why does Wisconsin need any new legislation? We already have humane laws, and the USDA regulates breeding facilities."

If a mill dog were "retired" to rescue for every time we've heard that, Wisconsin's puppy mills would be out of business!

Wisconsin's "Chapter 951: Crimes Against Animals," is vague and open to interpretation, making enforcement difficult, if not impossible — frustrating citizens and law enforcement investigators alike. (Read Chapter 951 for yourself.)

While it is true that the USDA does regulate some pet breeding facilities through the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, USDA officials are also frustrated in enforcement because:

1. ONLY those breeders selling animals WHOLESALE (to brokers, pet stores, or research facilities) are covered, leaving hundreds of facilities who sell direct to the public "under the radar,"
2. The Animal Welfare Act again provides only the barest of minimum of protection for the animals,
3. There are only around 100 USDA inspectors to cover thousands of licensed facilities throughout the nation.

Existing laws, as they stand, just are NOT doing the job. We need a strong, fair, enforceable Pet Facilities Law that closes up the loopholes and protects both the animals and the pet owners who buy them.