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On 03/28/2009 John Ferman said: HF253 News Below is the House Ag Committee action Excerpt from House Session Daily. Pet breeder bill tabled Published (3/27/2009) A controversial proposal for stricter regulations of commercial puppy and cat breeders met up with stiff opposition in the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee and was tabled in a 8-0 roll call vote. HF253, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tillberry (DFL-Fridley), made its way through two committees before opponents were successful in derailing its progress because of several concerns; among them that it would violate the 4th amendment to the U.S. Constitution regarding search and seizure. Supporters said current law does not have any “teeth,” and there are no consequences to breeders who treat their animals inhumanly. The bill would provide state licensing and inspection procedures, additional standards of care, and administrative and criminal penalties for dog and cat breeders. Keith Streff, director of humane investigations with the Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley, said current federal regulations are inadequate, and there are no state laws for dog and cat breeding. But Frank Lanasa, president of the Minnesota Federation of Field Trail Clubs Inc., said the proposed regulations are unnecessary and the marketing of the bill has “trashed the character” of a whole industry of retail breeders. The companion, SF7, sponsored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), was tabled March 24 by the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Committee.

On 03/27/2009 JL said: Status? Where can we get up-to-date (or better yet, up-to-the-minute) information on the status of these bills? Do you know what happened with SF7? The website for the senate hasn't been updated since 3/20, so am just wondering.