The discovery of an alleged puppy mill in Waimanalo last year has prompted state lawmakers to introduce stricter legislation for dog breeders.
There are several bills that were created specifically in response to the alleged puppy mill.
For one senator, it really hits close to home.
These are Senator Donovan Dela Cruz' two dogs.
"When I picked up Ola at the Humane Society, she was frozen. You could tell she was shivering, she was really really scared," said Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, (D) Mililani, North Shore.
They were among more than 150 dogs rescued last February from Bradley International -- a commercial breeding operation in Waimanalo, and alleged puppy mill.
"It's disturbing to see the animals used in that fashion." said Dela Cruz.
That's why he introduced Senate Bill 2274.
"It will establish and identify animal control officers in each county and they would develop a process for permitting. That way dog breeders or anyone associated with dog breeding will have to follow that process," said Dela Cruz.
It would also establish a process for inspecting the dog breeding facilities.
SB2274 is one of several bills moving through the legislature, relating to the regulation of dog breeders.
They call for stricter enforcement of existing laws, and harsher penalties.
Monday afternoon, Hawaiian Humane Society volunteers and students spread their messages to pau hana drivers.
Volunteers like Caroline Viola.
"We have really weak laws here , and we're pretty much bound by the letter of the law. And basically we want to get the public involved in writing to the legislators to strengthen the animal welfare laws," said Dela Cruz.
Senator Dela Cruz is hoping SB2274 will pass because he thinks about his pets, and wants to prevent other dogs from "living in horrific conditions."
"Right now you would just follow your regular business permits but not in regards to this, to breeding animals. So this would allow the humane society to really create rules they find are fair and reasonable," said Dela Cruz.
SB2274 and other bills related to the regulation of dog breeders have passed first reading, and have been referred to various committees.
