Virginia becomes first state to limit the number of dogs at breeding kennels
From ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2008:
RICHMOND–Virginia dog breeders may not keep more than 50
dogs over the age of one year after January 1, 2009.
Virginia on April 23, 2008 became the first U.S. state to
limit the size of dog breeding kennels. At least 30 states
considered “puppy mill” bills of various sorts during 2008 spring
legislative sessions, with several others believed likely to pass as
the May 2008 edition of ANIMAL PEOPLE went to press.
Introduced by Spotsylvania state representative Bobby Orrock,
and amended by recommendation of Governor Tim Kaine, the Virginia
bill was pushed by the Humane Society of the U.S. and the Virginia
Animal Control Association.
The bill received a boost from a five-month HSUS
investigation that discovered more than 900 active dog breeders in
Virginia, only 16 of whom held USDA permits to sell dogs across
state lines. HSUS released the findings on November 1, 2007.
The next day, responding to a tip from Virginia Partnership
for Animal Welfare and Support, of New River Valley, Carroll County
animal control officers raided Horton’s Pups, of Hillsville.
Licensed to keep up to 500 dogs, proprietor Lanzie Carroll Horton
Jr. reportedly had more than 1,100, including about 300 puppies.
About 700 dogs were taken into custody. Horton was charged in
January 2008 with 14 counts of cruelty, 25 counts of neglect, and
one count of failing to update his license.