HB 4898 Summary

• Defines "large-scale dog breeding kennel" as a facility housing more than 15 female intact dogs over 4 months old for breeding purposes, and requires registration with the state department of agriculture and rural development at an annual fee of $500.

• Prohibits pet shops, animal control shelters, animal protection shelters, and large-scale dog breeding kennels from importing or selling dogs and cats less than 8 weeks old, with exceptions allowing importation of animals under 8 weeks if accompanied by their mother.

• Requires dogs and cats imported into or sold in Michigan to be vaccinated against specified diseases (distemper, parvovirus, canine adenovirus-2 for dogs; panleukopenia, calici virus, herpes virus-1 for cats) and accompanied by an interstate health certificate or certificate of veterinary inspection before entry into the state.

• Establishes recordkeeping requirements for large-scale dog breeding kennels, including acquisition sources, dog descriptions, breeding records, and daily animal counts, with records maintained for at least 2 years and made available to the department upon request.

• Requires the department to report annually to the legislature until September 30, 2019 on registration numbers, breeding animal counts, inspections, complaints, and penalties related to large-scale dog breeding kennels, along with recommendations for staffing and fee adjustments.