Here is a look at some of the animal legislation that Tennessee lawmakers are working on for this session:

{HB386 Sontany & Maggart/SB258 Jackson} Commercial Breeder Act (puppy mills): Regulation of puppy mills which are large commercial breeding operations mass producing puppies for sale to the public. Commercial breeders would be required to comply with a mandatory inspection and licensing program administered by the Dept of Agriculture and meet a minimum standard of care and housing. This legislation will significantly improve the quality of life for dogs maintained in puppy mills. The HSUS has partnered with the ASPCA, Nashville Kennel Club leaders, TN Attorney General's Office, and the TN Dept of Agriculture to craft a strong, enforceable bill to protect consumers and animals used in mass breeding facilities.

{HB1123 Maggart/SB879 Ketron} Felony Cockfighting: Cockfighting is organized crime which brings drugs, weapons, and illegal gambling to our communities. During an investigation of the Mexican Gulf Cartel, the DEA recently exposed one of the nation's largest cockfighting operations in Cumberland County, TN.

http://www. usdoj.gov/ dea/pubs/ states/newsrel/ 2008/atlanta1230 08.html

{HB627 Maggart/SB537 Ketron} Spectator at Animal Fights: Animal fighting spectators, with their admission fees and gambling wagers, fuel these undeniably cruel and criminal industries. This loophole allows many animal fighters to avoid meaningful prosecution and stronger penalties are needed to deter attendance at these illegal events.

{HB1433 Sontany/SB1322 Berke} Public Animal Sales/Animals as Prizes: Prohibiting public animal sales (parking lots and roadside sales) and providing restrictions on companion animals sold at flea markets. It will also prohibit the use of any live animal as a prize in a contest, raffle, or promotion.

{HB385 Sontany/SB182 Jackson} Animal Abuser Registration: to create a public registry for persons convicted of violent animal offenses, animal fighting, and bestiality.