Agricultural News
Author of Pet Breeder Oversight Law Praises Governor Fallin
Wed, 30 May 2012 11:51:42 CDT
State Rep. Phil Richardson praised Governor Mary Fallin for signing into law a measure that alters the oversight of commercial pet breeders in Oklahoma. House Bill 2921 abolishes the Commercial Pet Breeders Board and transfers the board's responsibilities to the state Department of Agriculture. The legislation would apply to breeders who have 11 or more female cats or dogs capable of reproducing.
"This was a bipartisan bill meant to insert some balance into how these small businesses are regulated," said Richardson, R-Minco. "The Department of Agriculture knows about proper animal husbandry and how to regulate it. There were a number of lawmakers who did not agree with some of the decisions of the Commercial Pet Breeders Board. I believe the industry needs to have some scrutiny, but that they did not strike the proper balance between oversight and support for the industry."
The legislation was approved by a vote of 89-1 in the House, Richardson said.
"This was not a divisive issue," said Richardson. "Almost everyone was on board with the idea of giving the Department of Agriculture the authority to regulate this industry rather than an independent commission. I'm pleased by the consensus."
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