State Senate committee approves puppy mill bill

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Legislation to regulate so-called “puppy mills” has been sent to the Senate floor.
    The Senate Finance Committee unanimously endorsed the measure Wednesday. The bill requires large commercial dog breeding operations to get a business license and submit to inspections by local animal control officers. It also imposes strict record-keeping requirements.
    The legislation affects people who keep 30 or more female dogs for breeding. It was prompted by problems last year at several puppy mills, including a fire that killed nearly 200 animals in Bland County.
    Alice Harrington, president of Blue Ridge Shetland Sheepdog Club, predicted the legislation will cost much more than the $50,000 proposed in one version of the state budget.