State should enact ban on puppy mills

Man’s best friend deserves some reciprocal support. We hope state lawmakers are successful in passing tougher animal welfare laws, especially those that outlaw so-called “puppy mills.”

Puppy mills aren’t the carefully arranged breeding of show dogs or a beloved family pet. They are strictly business, churning out puppies as a commodity, quickly, efficiently and heartlessly.

At a puppy mill, breeding females can be confined to cages during their entire pregnancies. Little attention is given to their health or comfort. The goal is simply to create as many puppies to sell as possible.

Thankfully, a number of legislators hope to enact laws that would create regulations to prevent puppy mills. Under a bill crafted by Sen. Greg Hembree, R-North Myrtle Beach, state policy would require pet owners with a specified number of female dogs to register as breeders. They also would be required to get a commercial license and be subject to inspections and oversight from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, which already regulates veterinarians.

Another bill in the works would outlaw the use of gas chambers for animal euthanasia. While there are no known gas chambers operating in the state now, no law prohibits them.

North Carolina recently banned their use, and South Carolina lawmakers fear that, unless the state follows suit, gassing operations will crop up here. South Carolina doesn’t want to become the center for mass euthanasia for animals.

The Legislature has increased penalties for animal cruelty and dog fighting convictions in recent years. But any new regulations must include penalties that are a real deterrent.

If an assembly-line dog breeder is making thousands of dollars a year off the sale of puppies, he is unlikely to be deterred by a small fine. It will take a significant fine and the potential of jail time to stop major breeding operations.

Proponents of new animal protection laws want to make sure they do not draw up bills that might be threatening to hunters or legitimate breeders. But hunters and mainstream breeders often are the most vocal advocates of sensible laws to prevent animal cruelty.

Some might argue that, with crumbling roads and inadequate education in the state, we have more important things to worry about than puppy mills. But nothing should prevent lawmakers from dealing with those issues simultaneously. We can fix our roads, make strides in improving education and pass laws to prevent animal cruelty at the same time.

This is not just an issue for dog lovers. Ultimately, the way we treat the most vulnerable of creatures is a measure of our humanity and the nature of our society.

South Carolina needs to ensure that ruthless dog breeders and others who cruelly exploit helpless dogs for profit are not welcome here.

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 6:57 PM with the headline "State should enact ban on puppy mills."