South Carolina lawmakers look to crack down on “Puppy Mills”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A bill in the South Carolina Senate aims to crack down on so‑called “puppy mills” by creating new licensing, inspection, and care standards for professional dog breeders, a move supporters say would better protect animals and consumers.

The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Deon Tedder, D‑Charleston, would establish requirements that currently do not exist in state law, specifically targeting large‑scale breeding operations often linked to inhumane conditions.

Under the bill, a “professional dog breeder” would be defined as anyone who owns more than 10 adult female breeding dogs or sells more than 15 puppies per year. Those breeders would be required to obtain a state license and submit to inspections conducted by law enforcement.

The legislation would also limit dogs’ crate time to no more than eight consecutive hours, require daily exercise, mandate clean living conditions and weather‑appropriate housing, and require breeders to disclose any known medical issues.

Animal advocates say the changes are long overdue.

Bridgett Rowley of Charleston, who adopted her dog Scarlett following a puppy mill bust, said the experience opened her eyes to the realities behind many dog sales.

“She had never walked on grass. I had to teach her how to cuddle. It was so sad,” Rowley said.

Rowley said many consumers unknowingly pay hundreds of dollars for dogs they believe came from reputable breeders, only to later learn the animals were bred in poor conditions.

“You would pay $500 or $600 and think you’re getting this incredible, healthy dog from a legitimate breeder,” Rowley said. “When in fact, they were taking dogs from puppy mills, grooming them, and selling them.”

Tedder said the bill is about transparency and accountability for both animal welfare and buyers.

“For the consumer, you’re assuming you’re getting what you’re paying for,” Tedder said. “But in reality, most times these have been abused animals who don’t have current vaccinations.”

Animal welfare groups support the proposal. Kathleen Summers with Humane World for Animals — formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States — said similar measures are becoming more common nationwide.

“We strongly believe that dogs need room to run and play and individual attention,” Summers said. “And the public tends to agree. As soon as they find out about this problem, they’re usually asking for reform.”

The bill includes penalties for violations, which could range from civil fines to criminal charges. Breeders who fail to comply could also risk losing their animals.

A Senate committee discussed the bill but did not take action during its most recent meeting. Lawmakers said they plan to revisit the proposal in a future hearing, acknowledging concerns surrounding puppy mills.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.