The Vermont State Legislature is now in session, and immediate outreach to your legislators is critical to help us pass important animal welfare reforms.  This past July the Vermont State Police seized 59 Labradors at an alleged puppy mill in Bakersfield, Vermont.

The dogs were living in filth and suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and a variety of untreated medical illnesses. We have bills pending to protect dogs in breeding operations in both the House and the Senate, and we will be lobbying hard for their successful passage. But we can’t do this alone.

Your lawmakers need to hear from YOU, their constituents—especially during this election year.  They need to know that Vermonters care about the way dogs are treated in breeding facilities, and that we need stricter regulations to prevent abuse and neglect. This is not only a matter of animal welfare, but consumer protection as well. Attached are fact sheets on both bills if you want to learn more, but you don’t need to be an expert to take action.

Please take a moment to contact your Representative(s) and Senator(s) and tell them that we need stronger regulations in Vermont for pet breeders in order to protect animals and consumers.  If your lawmaker is listed as a sponsor of either bill, please thank them for their support and leadership.

S. 142, An Act Relating to Pet Merchants: This bill seeks to eliminate a “personal use” loophole in current law in order to require all people that sell animals to consumers to be licensed as pet merchants.  (Click the bill number to view the current text)

H. 340, Large-Scale Dog Breeding Operation Cruelty Prevention Act: This bill proposes to prohibit puppy mills by requiring any large-scale dog breeding operation to provide each dog under its care with basic food and water, adequate shelter from the elements, necessary veterinary care, adequate space to turn around and stretch its limbs, and regular exercise.  (Click the bill number to view the current text)

If you don’t know who represents you, find your lawmakers here. Please take action now, and help us spread the word to other Vermonters who care about animals. Together, we CAN get these bills over the finish line this year, and create a safer world for animals here in Vermont.

Information about other pending legislation in Vermont can be found HERE.  We encourage you to learn more about the potential laws and let your representatives know what you think.