Governor Praises House Amendment Aimed at Shutting Down Puppy Mills | Eastern NC Now

    Raleigh, NC – Governor Pat McCrory issued the following statement after the North Carolina House passed a budget amendment to expand the definition of dealer in the Animal Welfare Section to include commercial dogs breeders who have 10 or more female dogs. The amendment exempts breeders of hunting dogs. The amendment was introduced by Representative Jason Saine of Lincoln County.

    "Today's rescue of more than 50 dogs from a suspected puppy mill in Rutherford County further demonstrates that North Carolina continues to be a haven for puppy mill operators," said Governor McCrory. "By applying existing common sense standards for dog breeders, we can help stop unscrupulous puppy mill operators who take advantage of our state's lack of regulations. I congratulate Representative Saine and the House for providing law enforcement this valuable tool."

    To improve coordination with local law enforcement officials, the recommended budgets of Governor McCrory and the North Carolina House would shift the state's animal welfare section from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Public Safety.

    Earlier today, the Rutherford County Sheriff's department rescued 56 dogs from behind a home in Rutherfordton and at two other locations.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman