An Act relative to puppy mills

This bill requires commercial breeder kennels (often called puppy mills) to obtain an annual license from their local city or town. Breeders must tag each dog with a license number and provide a certificate to buyers, who then have two weeks to either return the dog with the tag or get it licensed locally. The bill also mandates kennels maintain sanitary and humane conditions, with inspections by animal control officers or veterinarians, and failure to comply can lead to license suspension. Additionally, by December 2027, the commissioner must establish a standard of care for these kennels, including minimum requirements for living space, shelter, nutrition, and sanitation.