Measure To Regulate Oklahoma Breeders Approved

The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Legisation that would regulate dog and cat breeders in Oklahoma has been approved by the Oklahoma House.

House members passed the measure 74-26 Wednesday and sent it to the Senate for a vote.

The bill was authored by Rep. Lee Denny, a Cushing veterinarian who says it provides minimum standards for dog and cat breeding operations. It would apply to breeders who raise at least 35 puppies or kittens a year.

Opponents say they are concerned that animal rights activists are behind the legislation. Rep. Charles Key of Oklahoma City says Oklahoma already has laws on the books that forbid animal cruelty that need to be enforced.

Provisions dealing with the rescue and fostering of animals removed from illegal puppy mills were stripped from the bill.