First Lady Urges Senate Action on House Bill 930 | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release:

    Ann McCrory: "Now is the time for the Senate to take action on House Bill 930"

    Raleigh, NC     First Lady Ann McCrory and Representative Jason Saine released the following statement urging Senators to take action on House Bill 930, bipartisan legislation that establishes basic standards of care for large commercial dog breeding facilities and helps ensure that all dogs are treated humanely:

    "Our state has become a magnet and safe haven for bad puppy mill operators that are harmful to animals, and they are impacting responsible breeders, animal shelters, and our communities," said First Lady Ann McCrory. "Now is the time for the Senate to take action on House Bill 930. Passing legislation to establish basic standards of care for large commercial dog breeding facilities is a very important issue to me, and to the people across our state. I'd like to thank Representative Jason Saine for his leadership on this issue and I look forward to seeing the Senate move quickly to pass legislation."

    First Lady Ann McCrory hosted a press conference today with Representative Jason Saine, the sponsor of House Bill 930, urging Senate action on the legislation. Alongside the two were Ernest and Ricky Bobby - two puppies rescued from puppy mills.

    "This consensus legislation deals with the importance of addressing puppy mills in our state and is a narrow approach that seeks to not infringe upon any legitimate businesses across the state. It protects consumers, families and anyone that purchases puppies," said Representative Jason Saine. "This bill has overwhelming support and I look to the Senate to take up this matter because we have demonstrated that this is an issue that crosses party lines and something that the people of North Carolina want us to do."

    Ernest, a French Bulldog, was one of 90 puppies rescued from a puppy mill in Jones County. He was found with severe swelling, infection, scarred and leathery skin, and was suspected to be blind. After weeks of rehabilitation, Ernest now lives with his new best friend Vanessa Budnick where they celebrate his "Freedom Day" every March 14.

    Ricky Bobby, a Dachshund, was one of 56 puppies rescued from a puppy mill in Sampson County. A hardened disc in his hind quarters that had gone untreated for years left him paralyzed without the use of his two back legs. This led to Ricky Bobby having to drag his hind legs which caused sores to develop on his underside. Now, Ricky Bobby lives with his new companion Megan Bliss, who crafted a cart from donated materials to help Ricky Bobby get around.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
     govpress@nc.gov