Hawaii State proposes laws to reduce dog overpopulation

Senate Bills in Hawaii aim to eliminate back-yard breeding

Hawaii legislature is proposing two new laws to crack down on puppy mills and backyard breeding and reign in stray populations of cats and dogs. Senate Bills 2492 and 2504 are currently being reviewed by the House.

Senate Bill 2492 proposes a dog breeding law that aims to curb large scale, unregulated backyard breeders (puppy mills) and road-side sales of puppies. The law would not apply to the overwhelming majority of homes in Hawaii where it is estimated over 43% of households own a dog. One reason for the bill's introduction is to stop future puppy mill cases such as a recent animal cruelty case that involved 153 dogs seized in Waimanalo.

The bill is meant to impact operations that have ten or more dogs over a year old that are capable of breeding. It also says an owner cannot have more than 30 breeding dogs. Puppies under a year old are not included in that count. The rules would require regular exercise, adequate shelters, a microchip and annual veterinary care for all dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States is in support of the bill, stating: "There is no question there is a desperate need for these basic regulations, these basic standards of care, that people are selling these animals often time putting profit over welfare." The American Kennel Club and Hawaiian Kennel Club both oppose the bill. However some registered breeders are in favor of it. Theresa Donnelly studs her pure bred boxer and says regulation is needed. "I also feel that responsible breeders can be the biggest advocate to help stomp out puppy mills and any irresponsible people breeding animals in bad conditions, what we call backyard breeders," said Theresa Donnelly. "I am not in any way worried for our responsible breeders and it is unfortunate that some do oppose this bill because at the end of the day this is about protecting animals."

"The concerns are misplaced and not focused on the bill, so we had a long discussion about focusing on the bill," said State Senator Clayton Hee, (D) Judiciary Committee Chair who introduced the bill. "If this bill doesn't become law than lawmakers haven't done their job." Amendments are already being made and the bill is will go to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 2504 aims to mandate that pet stores and private sellers sterilize their dogs and cats before they sell them. It would require pet sellers to implant an identification microchip in a dog or cat prior to sale or exchange and to provide specific written documentation regarding each dog or cat sold. It would also prohibit pet sellers from selling an unsterilized dog or unsterilized cat. The bill was first introduced to reign in Hawaii’s stray cat population, and then dogs were introduced. Dog sterilizations can cost from $100 to $400 per animal.

Small pet shops say this additional cost would place a heavy financial burden on them. "We're all for responsible ownership. And we believe it should be the pet owners responsibility and choice to spay and neuter their dogs," owner Tish Rothwell said. "Let's put it this way. If this bill passes, I'll be out of business," Napua Furtado, owner of Koolau Pets said. The bill would also have implications for registered breeders.

Inga Gibson of The Humane Society of the United States stated: "People that are literally parked on the side of the road, selling puppies out of the back of their van, out of the trunk of their car, on the beach, in public parks." But Rothwell believes the opposite would occur. "We believe that it would actually drive more roadside sales, parking lot sales of un-veterinarian checked animals," Rothwell said.

The pet sterilization bill drew such heated debate, Sen. Rosalyn Baker (D-South and West Maui, Makena) ordered supporters and opponents to end the fight and find a compromise.

Both bills are currently under review at the House.

SB 2492 - Relating to Animal Cruelty

SB 2504 - Sale of Dogs and Cats