Bill to register breeders and require puppy birth certificates draws sharp split between rescues and responsible hobby breeders

Delegate Rick Metzger introduced HB 15‑51, saying it "will establish the dog breeder shelter and rescue organization accountability fund" and require breeder registration, a modest fee and a state-issued puppy birth certificate tied to a microchip. He and rescue advocates argued the measure increases transparency, helps trace origins and funds enforcement and shelter supports.

Jim DiFrancesco, representing a coalition for breeder accountability, described the bill’s three-part approach — breeder registration, a puppy birth certificate and microchip identification — and argued the steps would help curb ‘‘puppy mill’’ operators who flood markets and overload shelters. Rescue workers and animal‑welfare advocates said the changes would improve traceability and reduce euthanasia at full shelters.

Opponents, including the American Kennel Club and numerous hobby breeders, argued the proposal would expose breeders’ home addresses and personal data, impose heavy fees and regulatory burdens on low‑volume ethical breeders, and might push responsible breeders out of state. Charlie Hall of the AKC called HB 15‑51 "a blunt instrument" that risks penalizing small reputable breeders and urged a stakeholder work group to refine thresholds and fees.

Committee members pressed on definitions (hobby versus commercial breeder), enforcement, fee levels and whether revenues would primarily fund enforcement or shelter programs. The sponsor and supporters said the bill targets bad actors and that the fee would be modest for compliant breeders. No committee vote was recorded in the transcript.