Oregon Bill Calls for Restrictions on Dog Dealers

The rules for people selling dogs, as well as those keeping exotic animals, in the state of Oregon are set to change under two new bills scheduled for hearings on May 12, 2009.

Regarding dog dealers, the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation that imposes oversight conditions on people who possess, control, or have charge of more than 75 dogs. Additionally, the measure provides customers of pet dealers with specific remedies if a purchased dog has disease.

The act, House Bill 2470, would impact breeders, pet stores, and anyone else qualifying as a pet dealer or boarding kennel.
A “pet dealer” is defined by the bill as anyone selling five or more litters of dogs during any one-year period.

A “boarding kennel” is defined as any facility that provides care for a fee to dogs that stay at the facility an average of less than 30 days.

The bill also prohibits possessing, controlling, or having charge of more than 50 sexually intact dogs that are 2 years of age or older for the main purpose of reproduction. Any person in possession or control of at least 10 sexually intact dogs at least 8 months of age is also subject to the specific care requirements, including:
* Providing enough space for dogs.
* Providing enclosures meeting certain restrictions, including solid flooring.
* Maintaining detailed records for each dog.

Pet stores would also be required to disclose certain information to customers, such as the origin of a dog, identifying information, and any congenital disorder or hereditary disease of the dog’s parents.

The second act, Senate Bill 391, calls for exotic animal permits. It changes the state’s definition of “exotic animal” by adding and deleting certain species as well as mandates a permit requirement for possession of an “exotic animal.” The bill also prohibits breeding of exotic animals except for small exotic felines.