The new license and regulations apply to those who sell 60 dogs a year and breed at least nine litters. Erica Hawkins with the Ohio Department of Agriculture says the license will create and enforce care standards that were nonexistent before.
“If they’re outdoors, they have adequate protection and shelter from the weather," Hawkins said. :If they’re indoors, that the indoor facilities are properly ventilated. That they have regular access to food and water. That they have opportunities for socialization and for exercise regularly. All of that is new for state law.”
The license also lays out caging standards to make sure they’re the right size and clean.
Hawkins says the department hired a new team of professionals that will inspect these dog breeding operations around Ohio and make sure they’re up to code.