The Lewis County Commissioners adopted a county ordinance that tightened up on the language in the Washington State puppy mill bill. They changed the wording used in the state bill, which says that a person can own no more that 50 intact dogs age 6 months or more to there can be no more than 50 intact dogs on one property. This ensures that several people living on a property can't each own 50 dogs. This will hopefully start to limit the number of puppy mills we see here in Lewis County.
I would also like to thank everyone who wrote letters, called and attended the public hearing on this matter. You made a difference! A lot of dogs lives will be better because of you.
The next step will be to institute some type of annual certification for all breeders with an annual inspection. Right now there has to be legitimate reports and complaints of abuse and neglect occuring before the animal control officer can investigate and they still can't enter anyones property without being invited. This means they have to get a warrant to enter the property. An annual inspection would allow for regular access to their property to make sure they are complying with the law, which also requires kennel sizes to be certain size and that the dogs have exercise at least one hour a day. The commissioners will be looking into kennel licensing in the coming months. I will keep you posted.
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