North Carolina's First Lady, Ann McCrory, is lobbying to get a bill passed at the General Assembly that would require large commercial dog breeding operations to adhere to minimum standards of care.
Commercial breeders with more than ten breeding females would have to provide food and water, daily exercise, appropriate housing, and veterinary care and humane euthanasia if needed. The measure has already passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. But it hasn't been brought to the floor by Senate leaders yet. In her first press conference since moving to the governor's mansion, Mrs. McCrory told reporters she hopes that happens soon.
"When we think about puppy mills and what we're asking- basic standards of care, veterinary services, clean water, and food- it's hard for me to imagine why this would be held up and something that wouldn't be what we as a state would want to do," said McCrory.
Senate leaders haven't said whether they intend to hear the bill.
McCrory says it's a simple measure intended to protect animals and make sure that North Carolina doesn't become a haven for puppy mills. Many neighboring states have already passed laws to crack down on dog breeders who don't follow humane standards.
