Two bills introduced to protect dogs

[DoozyDog]

(Montpelier, VT - AP) — The Legislature is considering two bills designed to protect dogs.

One proposal bans the cropping of dogs' ears. The other bill would set up enforcement and licensing policies for dog sellers in an effort to close down "puppy mills" that often breed and sell sick animals.
Both bills are controversial.

The puppy mill proposal requires anyone who sells a dog or cat to get a $150 license and pay a five dollar tax per animal sold.
Under the ear cropping ban, Vermont would become the first state to prohibit veterinarians from performing the cosmetic procedure.
The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association plans to survey its members about the bills next week.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
http://www.wrgb.com/news/regional/re...=article_46340

[calgal]

I can understand not cropping ears.........I like the all natural ears anyway, but that was not much of a determent from over breeding in puppy mills. Hell, that was only a very light tap on the wrist. When will this madness EVER stop! We need tough laws.......like only having so many breeding female dogs in the first place, NONE to be kept outside when they have a litter, ALL dogs must be registered by the city EVERY year, all dogs must be Vet. checked every year before a new license can be issued, if any infractions occur then a VERY hefty fine is given and if it's a repeat offender then they pay another big fine AND go to jail.

[Mellie]

VT is actually very good to animals compared to other states.
Sometimes things have to progress in steps so as not to cause a backlash or vehement opposition to the new legislation. At least this is a step in the right direction.