Neb. lawmaker wants to crack down on puppy mills

Regional News

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Pet stores would have to cut through red tape to sell dogs and cats, under a proposal meant to put unsafe puppy mills out of business. On Wednesday, Sen. Cap Dierks of Ewing, a veterinarian, introduced a bill (LB588) that would require pet shops and breeders to have veterinary checks of the dogs and cats they sell. In cases where Nebraska animals were earmarked for pet shops or breeders outside the state, the dogs and cats would have to undergo vet checks before being delivered. For dogs and cats sold to pet stores in Nebraska, the stores would have to arrange the vet checks. So-called ``puppy lemon laws'' have been popular the last few years as states try to crack down on rogue breeding operations.