MADISON, Wis (WSAU) - A rural Clark County woman has been forced to give up several dogs after violating the state’s dog seller’s law. The 2010 law addresses issues with breeding operations to protect the health of animals and protect consumers purchasing animals from breeders.
Court documents say 37-year-old Tammy L. Kautzer pled no contest to charges of selling dogs without a license and was ordered to give up all but six dogs. Documents claim Kautzer continued to advertise puppies for sale after having been denied a license for failing to meet minimum standards. She also advertised the animals through relatives to avoid detection by Wisconsin Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Department inspectors.
The 2010 law, often called the Puppy Mill Law, also requires inspection and licensing of facilities that sell or adopt more than 25 dogs from more than three litters in a year. It also prohibits selling puppies less than 7 weeks old unless they go with their mothers, and requires that certificates of veterinary inspection, or health certificates, accompany dogs that are sold or adopted for a fee.
Kautzer will have a hearing in the near future to determine the amount of restitution she must pay.