HB 570 Summary

• Establishes standards of care for commercial dog breeders operating registered kennels, including requirements for enclosure size, ventilation, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care, and grooming

• Requires commercial breeders to maintain records for at least two years on each dog, establish fire evacuation plans approved by fire safety inspectors, limit intact dogs to 50, and restrict breeding to female dogs aged 18 months to 6 years with annual veterinary certification

• Prohibits commercial breeders from tethering dogs as primary housing, performing surgical births without veterinarians, selling dogs under four months old from locations other than registered kennels, and participating in dog auctions or renting dogs

• Requires sellers to provide buyers with detailed documentation including receipt, medical history, congenital defect disclosure or veterinary health certificate, lineage information, and vaccination records at time of sale

• Establishes buyer remedies for dogs with congenital defects, hereditary disorders, or pre-existing illnesses within 15 months of purchase, including refunds, replacements, or veterinary fee reimbursement up to purchase price, with civil penalties of $500-$5,000 for violations