HB1620 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas Commercial Breeding Kennel Act of 2015 to regulate commercial dog breeding operations with at least 10 female breeding dogs, effective January 1, 2016

• Requires commercial breeding kennels to register with the Department of Health, pay $250 registration fee plus $100 inspection fee, and renew annually with standards including sufficient food/water, veterinary care, grooming, housing, exercise, and adequate rest between breeding cycles

• Establishes inspection authority upon credible complaints, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $100 per violation (maximum $1,000 per 24-hour period) and potential registration revocation for inhumane conditions

• Creates the crime of "canine cruelty" as an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by 1 day to 1 year jail time (or 90 days to 1 year for repeat offenders) for repeatedly violating the act in ways that pose substantial risk to dogs' health

• Creates the Arkansas Commercial Breeding Kennel Fund using registration fees and civil penalties to fund Department of Health administration of the act, and exempts animal shelters, humane societies, retail pet stores, hunting dog breeders, and dog trainers from regulation