HI HCR36

Requests the Auditor to conduct a sunrise review on regulating large-scale dog breeders through county permit programs as contemplated in H.B. No. 1192.

Identifies concerns that approximately 4,000 puppy mills in the United States breed over 500,000 puppies annually under conditions causing animal suffering and producing unhealthy dogs sold to consumers.

Notes that Hawaii lacks permitting and regulatory controls for large-scale dog breeders, allowing puppy mills to operate, with a major operation identified in Waimanalo.

Proposes that a permit program would require facility inspections, track puppy births, and collect licensing fees to prevent dog cruelty and protect consumers.

Requires the Auditor to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2012.