The Associated Press has an article on the House passage of HB 1468 concerning puppy mills. The bill passed on an 81-14 vote. Whatever the legitimate concerns its opponents may have had, it would probably be tough for a legislator to vote against the bill after being confronted with images of “A pug with a missing eye. A shih tzu with fur so matted that it cut into its leg, which had to be amputated. A poodle that underwent a controversial medical procedure to prevent it from barking.”

The legislation would add requirements for commercial dog breeders, defined as those with adult dogs that produce 10 or more litters a year. Breeders would be limited to 30 adult dogs that are not spayed and neutered.

The bill also requires commercial breeders to provide dogs with sanitary conditions and an hour of exercise a day, and breeders could not hire staff members if they have been convicted of animal cruelty.

I’m a dog lover, and were I a religious person, I figure there’s a special place in hell for those who abuse dogs. So, if I were a legislator, I suspect I would have a hard time approaching the topic on a purely rational basis.