chambers

Malinda Chambers
=== United States Senator   === ===Nevada  Senator Chambers has always been a dedicated citizen of Nevada. She served her community well during her days as a veterinarian, and then turned her attention to the government and was elected to be the newest Nevada State Senator. ===  Senator Chambers is working hard to improve citizen’s lives and fulfill her promises to the state of Nevada. Influenced by her veterinary background, one of Senator Chambers’ main issues is animal right. She has long advocated the idea that animals are a valuable part of our lives, and their needs and rights must be addressed by the governme nt. Senator Chambers is committed to serving the people and is always ready to hear what the citizens have to say. If you, as a citizen of Nevada, have a pressing concern please contact the senator’s office so that she can address the needs of the people.

Senator Chambers is currently attempting to improve animal rights legislation with a new bill. In a recent interview she said, “Animal rights have rarely received the government attention they deserve. One area of animal rights that the government needs to crack down on is puppy mills.” Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities, were puppies are produced in large numbers. The puppies and the females used for breeding are kept in poor conditions, they are generally in small cages and get very little exercise or care. The government has put in place some legislation attempting to stop these practices but it is not well enforced, and not effective. Senator Chambers is currently trying to eliminate Puppy Mills with the Puppy Mill Prevention Act.  **The Senate** A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act in order to eliminate puppy mills.
 * 1st Session**
 * S.**

Sponsored by Senator Chambers of Nevada Co-Sponsored by Senator McLellan of Louisiana, Senator Gural of New York, Senator Bachaud of Washington, Senator Levenson of Iowa, Senator Fisher of New Hampshire, Senator LeJeune of California, Senator Good of Connecticut, Senator Tillery of Hawaii A Bill
 * IN THE MCGEHEE CONGRESS**
 * April, 2009**

To amend the Animal Welfare Act in order to eliminate puppy mills.  //Be it enacted by the Members of the McG Congress // //of the United States of America in Congress assembled, // This Act may be cited as the “Puppy Mill Prevention Act ” Definition of Puppy Mills: Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities, were puppies are produced in large numbers. The puppies and the females used for breeding are kept in poor conditions; they are generally in small cages and get very little exercise or care.
 * SECTION 1. Puppy Mill Prevention **
 * SECTION 2. FINDINGS **

Dealers currently regulated by the AWA: Pet Wholesalers: anyone importing, buying, selling, or trading pets in wholesale channels

Pet Breeders: anyone breeding pets for the wholesale trade, or selling dogs to other breeders for breeding stock (use in planed breeding)- ‘hobby breeders’ are exempt for license requirements

Unregulated Dealers: Retail pet stores: anyone whose entire business consist of selling domestic animals to pet owners. (if the person also exhibits animals or sells exotic or wild animals they must be licensed)

Direct Sales: Anyone who sells domestic pets directly to pet owners

Hobby Breeders: small-scale breeders whose gross sales are under $500 (doesn’t not include those who sell wild or exotic animals, dogs or cats) The purpose of this bill is to amend the Animal Welfare Act in order to eliminate puppy mills by increasing the frequency of inspections and imposing new regulations for dealers.  1. Funding for the AC will be increased, in order to allow for increased frequency of inspections. The AC will receive 10% of the USDA’s budget.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">SECTION 3: PURPOSE **
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY. **
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;">SECTION 4. TERMS AND BENEFITS OF SERVICE. **

2. The current risk system used to determine frequency will stay in place, but with a few changes. Low risk facilities must be inspected at least twice yearly, with at least a month in between; Medium risk facilities must be inspected at least three times yearly, with at least a month between inspections; High risk facilities must be inspected five times yearly, with at least a month between inspections.

3. Unscheduled inspections may occur when the AC deems them necessary.

4. Female dogs must be at least one year old in order to be whelped, and must not be whelped more than 3 times within a 24 month period

5. Cages must be large enough so that each dog is able to stand up, turn around, and lie down

6. If any dealer is found in violation of any of the above regulations the violation will be brought to their attention and they will be given a month to correct their problems. If they do not make to appropriate changes their license will be suspended until they comply

7. If any dealer has more than 3 violations over the course of 18 months their license will be immediately suspended and potentially revoked if further investigation merits this action. If the dealer is given back their license they will be categorized as a high risk facility for a minimum of 2 years after.

8. All animals in the facility must have access to the appropriate amount of clean food and water

9. All animals in the facility must be examined by a certified veterinarian a minimum of once a year, and receive the necessary veterinary treatment for any medical problems 10. All animals must up to date vaccines as required by the state in which the breeding facility is located.

11. All facilities maintained well enough to provide acceptable shelter for the animals

12. The AWA regulations will be extended to apply to direct sales <span style="display: block; font-size: 90%; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; text-align: left;"> Senator Chambers is an active member of the community. Here she is volunteering at a local animal shelter and visiting a local alpaca farm.

Senator Chambers cares about the animals!