Wisconsin is among several states that have enacted a puppy lemon law in response to abuses by commercial puppy breeders. Seventeen states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, have such laws. Overbreeding and inbreeding are not only cruel to the dogs, but they often produce unhealthy, malformed puppies that are sold to the public. Dogs from puppy mills can cost thousands of dollars in vet bills because of genetic diseases and poor care.
Licensing
Wisconsin's law, called AB-250/SB-208, the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill, states that those who sell dogs or run animal shelters or control facilities must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Those required to be licensed are: anyone who sells 25 or more dogs a year; anyone who operates a dog breeding facility that sells 25 or more dogs a year; anyone operating an auction at which 50 or more dogs are offered for sale in a year; anyone who runs a shelter with at least 25 dogs in a year; and anyone who runs an animal control facility contracting with any city, village, town or county.
Sale
Wisconsin law now states that a licensed dog breeder many not transfer a dog to a buyer until the puppy is at least 7 weeks old. The breeder must give the buyer a copy of vaccination records and a statement from a vet that the dog is free of contagious disease. The law prohibits any dog to be sold at auction unless the animal has tested negative for brucellosis. Anyone who sells a dog at a flea market or any other temporary dog market must provide information about the dog to the owner of the market. The owner of the market must register with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and keep that information on file. If the dogs are offered for sale on two or more consecutive days, a veterinarian must examine the dogs.
Standards of Care
Licensed dog breeders must provide dogs with adequate food, water, health care, shelter, and exercise. Enclosures must be large enough for the dogs, and they must be structurally sound. The enclosures must be clean, and the use of wire flooring must adhere to restrictions. The dogs must be observed every day, to check the health and emotional state of the animal, and to provide any necessary care.
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