NC H159

Establishes standards of care for large commercial dog breeding facilities with 10 or more female dogs over six months old kept primarily for breeding and selling offspring as pets.

Requires breeders to provide daily exercise, fresh food and water, appropriate veterinary care including preventative treatment, daily health assessments, parasite prevention, humane enclosures with solid flooring and lighting, and protection from extreme weather.

Mandates facilities and enclosures be kept clean and free from debris, odor, and feces to protect dogs' health.

Violations constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor with fines of $25 to $1,000 per animal; repeat violations are Class 1 misdemeanors.

Exempts kennels and facilities primarily breeding or maintaining dogs for hunting, sporting, field trials, or show purposes, and does not restrict ownership of non-breeding dogs or hunting dog operations; effective December 1, 2015.