Thursday, November 5, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Wisconsin Humane Society Applauds Legislators
  Puppy Mill Bill Passes Senate

MILWAUKEE – When the puppy mill bill passed the Senate today in Madison by a unanimous vote, there were few dry eyes at the Wisconsin Humane Society in Milwaukee.

“Victoria Wellens, our former executive director who passed away in March, was a significant contributor to this bill, literally working on it the last days of her life,” said Tony Enea, board president of the Wisconsin Humane Society.  “To her colleagues and friends at WHS, this bill is Victoria’s legacy, her way of ensuring a better future for animals for generations to come.”

For several years, animal activists throughout the state have been pushing for stronger laws to protect dogs in Wisconsin puppy mills.   Senate Bill 208/Assembly bill 250, authored by Senator Pat Kreitlow and Representative Jeff Smith, creates a regulation and inspection program, and creates minimum standards for care.

“This legislation will have an incredibly positive influence on the lives of dogs in puppy mills across the state,” said Enea. “Not only will the bill help alleviate the suffering of dogs in puppy mills, but the regulation and licensing aspect will level the playing field for reputable breeders who already vaccinate, socialize and properly care for their dogs.”

Since the Assembly passed the bill on October 27 in a unanimous 96-0 vote, the Wisconsin Humane Society has been fielding calls about the bill’s progress. 

“We have received an outpouring of phone calls, emails and letters from supporters of the legislation,” said Ellen Clark, interim executive director. “We hope that the legislation will soon land on Governor Jim Doyle’s desk for his prompt signature.” 

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For more information about the Wisconsin Humane Society or information on how to contact your legislators, please visit www.wihumane.org.

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