Update June 12, 2011: Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has now signed S.B. 299 into law.
The final version passed overwhelmingly in both the Assembly and the Senate.
Nevada state Sen. Manendo introduced Senate Bill 299, which, as enrolled, defines "breeder" as a person who operates a commercial establishment engaged "in the business of breeding dogs or cats for sale or trade". Any person who breeds dogs or cats as a hobby is expressly exempt.
Also, this law requires local governments to require breeders to obtain an annual permit with a permit number assigned to each breeder. Each permit issued must specify the premises where the breeder operates. The permit number must be displayed in all advertising and receipts for the sale or trade of dogs and cats by the breeder.
The law authorizes animal control agents to conduct inspections.
The local governments must provide a means for the suspension, revocation or denial of a permit for breeders found in violation.
Dogs and cats must have registered microchips and all the required vaccinations for rabies before they can be sold. Breeders cannnot sell dogs and cats without a written sales contract.
No female dog can be bred before she is 18 months old or more than once a year.
Under Nevada law prior to S.B. 299, there were standards of care for dogs and cats by kennels or catteries, breeders, sellers and animal shelters. NRS 574.360-574.440
The new law make various changes to certain standards of care for dogs and cats.
Changes include requirements to provide shelter so animals "[r]emain cool during a period for which the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory". There would also be a duty to protect animals "from wind which creates a wind chill below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or for which the National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning"; and from temperatures below 50 degrees F.
Under S.B. 299 a primary enclosure would include any cage where an animal is kept more than 7 hours a day. Primary enclosures or cages would be required to have a solid floor and could not be stacked. Shelters would be excluded.
S.B. 299 makes some important improvements that will allow the local governments and state authorities to track and regulate breeders that breed dogs and cats for sale of their offspring. Local governments can help keep puppy and cat mills out of their communities.
By requiring permits with a number assigned to the breeder, it will be much easier for the state to collect sales taxes. Finally, the bill would require improvements in the standard of care for all animals held in kennels, catteries or by breeders and dealers. Dogs and cats will benefit from improvements in sheltering and protection from the weather.