This bill is introduced by Member A. Paulin of the Assembly, a Democrat and Senator Boyle, a Republican in the Senate. Assemblywoman Paulin is joined by half a dozen or so co-sponsors. Sen. Boyle is alone.
The bill would add six requirements to the law.
- Diurnal light cycle. Adds a requirement that a diurnal light cycle be provided. Since it doesn’t say how this is to be accomplished, I assume it could be something as simple as not leaving the lights on all night long.
- Space for nursing. Provides that in addition to providing a whelping box for a pregnant or nursing animal, the dog’s regular allotment of space is to be also provided. Fair enough, but it then goes on to say that “Each nursing dog shall be provided with a sufficient amount of floor space to nurse and care for her litter.” This adds an element of confusion in my mind because it implies that nursing and litter care would take place outside the whelping box.
- Cleaning. A cleaning of “primary enclosure units” requirement is added. Requires daily cleaning. Also requires disinfection every two weeks. One can use steam, 180 degree F water, or detergent and disinfecting agent. One is cautioned to not leave the animal inside the enclosure while steaming, etc. It doesn’t seem too hard to comply with all this.
- Annual physical. Breeders who sell 25 or more animals per year must provide all the intact animals in their kennel veterinary exam annually. Seems reasonable enough to me. Who doesn’t have their animals checked out that often.
- Exercise program. This also applies to those selling 25 or more per year and requires them to file their plans with the Commissioner of Agriculture in accordance with instructions which he/she is to promulgate. Seems more like a bother to the State than to the breeder. Current law already requires you have such a plan and provide same if the Commissioner asks for a copy. Must be Commissioners aren’t asking often enough to please the sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill. I don’t see this as a big problem. If you can handle the paperwork necessary to sell 25 dogs per year, you can handle this too.
- Grooming. Establishes some minimal grooming for health purposes: nails to be trimmed; grooming to keep animals mat free; and the animals to be kept free of flea and tick infestation. None of this seems unreasonable or burdensome to me.
All in all, not a threatening bill and one that stands a fair chance of passing.