New Wisconsin Dog Law Might Mean Higher Fees at Shelters

On June 1, Wisconsin dog breeders, animal shelters, and non-profit animal rescue centers will be regulated by a new law, and at Countryside Humane Society, they’re still trying to figure out exactly what it all means.

One thing it might mean is higher fees.

The law, “Wisconsin Act 90,” will require many dog selling and adopting operations to meet new standards, and be licensed and inspected. Previously, these organizations and businesses were expected to police themselves.

Countryside Humane Society Director Jennifer Tilton said that Racine County residents who lose pets might face new delays and fees when they go to pick their pooch up, since the law requires that every pet that enters a shelter get a clean bill of health before heading out -- even if that pet is lost, found, and reclaimed in the same day.

“It’s up to the board to figure out how we’re going to compensate for those increased costs,” she said.

Tilton said they’ve always met the standards accepted by the pet shelter industry nationally, but the new Wisconsin law has some quirks that will take some time for them to meet. For example, the law requires quarantine areas for some animals, which will necessitate construction at the shelter. And the law requires a vet to be on staff full-time; right now, a vet is only on the premises when medically necessary.

The mandated health checkups will cause overall delays, leading to more crowding at the shelter, and Tilton said that more crowding could lead to more euthanizations. Still, she supports the law, and she said that the state is working closely with shelters to make sure everyone meets the new standards.

“The good part of the law is that we can now say we’re licensed,” she said.

The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project was a lead supporter of the new law, and Executive Director Eilene Ribbens said it will protect breeding dogs from inhumane treatment.

“For the first time in the history of our state, [it will] force owners to provide proper care, housing, nutrition, exercise and socialization. In the past, many dog breeders spent the minimum on care of the dogs to maximize profit and that lead to abuse,” Ribbens said. “Healthy, social dogs produce better puppies, and better puppies make better pets."

She also pointed out that dog owners will be able to file complaints with the state about any breeder, shelter or rescue group.

Act 90 Facts:

• Takes effect June 1.
• Operations that will need licenses include breeders or breeding facilities selling at least 25 dogs a year, out-of-state dealers selling at least 25 dogs a year in Wisconsin, and facilities that shelter at least 25 dogs a year.
• Does not apply to small-scale and home-based breeders who sell, shelter or adopt out fewer than 25 dogs annually, sporting dog trainers, boarding facilities, and private pet owners.
• Pet owners with complaints can contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for help.