Puppy Mill Measure Should Help Reduce Abuses

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With all the economic challenges and budget woes state lawmakers are now trying to resolve, our Legislature still has taken time to address Hawaii’s unfortunate reputation as one of the “five worse states to be an animal.” We all applauded the rescue of more than 154 dogs and puppies from the Waimanalo puppy mill. I did receive news from the city Department of Planning and Permitting that the puppy mill property has accrued more than $15,000 in fines due to permitting and zoning violations. So far, DPP is not taking action on these violations or collecting the fines which are due.

I am pleased to report that legislation for the regulation of puppy mills passed this session. although changes need to be made in order to make it effective in regulating or preventing puppy mills, while not discouraging responsible hobby breeding.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which would be the enforcing and licensing agency for large commercial dog breeders, has asked for a Sunrise Review of the bill (SCR111), which examines how licensing should be implemented and, at the beginning of this session, I introduced a resolution that initiated that process.

Some toughening of animal cruelty laws has been done this session; however, much could be accomplished by adding strict standards of care in future regulations. This should include stringent requirements for fresh water, food, clean and sanitary living conditions, adequate room for exercise, and socialization. Regardless of how many animals are living on a property, these standards of care should be strongly enforced and monitored.

One of the biggest problems of over-population in pets is the lack of quality and affordable neuter/spay programs. Although a city spay/neuter program does exist, funds are often depleted early in the year. A typical spay or neuter costs $300 or much more - a prohibitive price for many. California has introduced a bill adding a voluntary check-off item on the state tax return for contributions to low-cost spay neuter programs. Perhaps Hawaii can consider such a program in the future. Mobile spay/neuter services for pets of the indigent and homeless also have been successfully implemented in other states.

They say that you can judge a society by how it provides for its weakest members. Caring for our four-legged furry friends may seem like a low priority when faced with today’s concerns and challenges. But for those of us who come home to a loving, joyous family pet after a hard day at work, we know differently. Mahalo also to the many “foster families” who are now unselfishly caring for the Waimanalo puppy mill dogs. Give all those very special puppies an extra hug for me tonight!

Contact state Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R-District 50 (Kailua-Kaneohe Bay), at 586-6480.