Substitute Senate Bill 95 Summary

• Establishes licensing requirements and standards of care for high volume dog breeders, dog retailers, and animal rescues under a new Kennel Control Authority administered by a director and nine-member board.

• Requires high volume breeders (producing at least 9 litters or 60+ dogs annually) and dog retailers to obtain licenses, pay application fees ($150-$750 for breeders based on production volume; $500 for retailers), and maintain insurance or surety bonds ($5,000-$50,000).

• Imposes detailed care standards including enclosure size requirements, exercise periods, sanitation, veterinary care, temperature control, nutrition, and prohibition of certain practices like tail docking and debarking for licensed operators.

• Establishes inspection procedures (biennial for high volume breeders, upon complaint for rescues), civil penalties ($25-$15,000 depending on violation), and authority to impound dogs and suspend/revoke licenses for violations that threaten dog health or welfare.

• Creates the High Volume Breeder Kennel Control License Fund from collected fees and penalties; exempts medical kennels, research kennels, municipal animal shelters, and veterinarians from licensing requirements.