When proposals are written, they don't necessarily remain with the same language after they become law as when they were first introduced.  Many changes can take affect, effecting the entire first proposal.  Then over time, laws are changed or modified to be made clearer because of court actions that cite that law to be vague.

     If I wanted to begin a legitimate puppy breeding operation in Eugene, Oregon, I would need to limit my dog population to 50 sexually intact dogs two years or older.  That might sound like enough dogs to successfully breed my Cocker Spaniels, however it is not.  Responsible breeders know it is not healthy to breed a female more than twice a year and once a year is better for her health.  These statements are regarding my business and not my personal pets which could be what the Eugene city ordinance allows;  depending on zoning.

     The Oregon state #2470 bill passed in June with a margin of 18 to 10, showed some concern for all the components with the composition bill.  Doubt was in many minds the date the vote was taken for Oregon state just by looking at those numbers.  There is doubt in many states as the dog laws are quickly being changed even though protective legislation is in place for canine protection and guidelines for breeders too.  So why the need for changing laws?   The organizations who are proposing those words know the answer.  It is with a like mind that the lay person, even an astute dog breeding business person, can know the ulterior motives to adjust or revamp an existing law that is working well.  In time the changed language will reveal the underlying need for those adjustments, however repercussions by honest breeders and people wanting to purchase pure bred dogs will already be felt.

     Through correspondence with long time breeders, suggestions were offered.  One such recommendation was for the areas the law is deficient in for some implementation to be introduced without an entire law change.   

      In a short time, Oregon law will be reducing the number of sexually intact dogs I will be able to legally have.  Many dog club owners and members agree too, but are not comfortable having me list their names.  The fear of reprisal from powerful lobbyists drafting and being funded with seemingly bottomless pockets are the reasons.  An organization that has 7 paid attorneys has silenced some statements here.

     As soon as the litter is born, the practices are up for scrutiny since the number of animals has increased the circumstances that are mandatory by law  and now require a business to Agricultural inspections.  The Animal Puppy Mill Protection Act has slated 50 sexually intact dogs over the age of 2 as the lawful number in Oregon.  The report, after the inspection will reveal the number. 

     Other states have different laws, so check before you consider a dog breeding business for yourself in your state.  Many states have a limit of 20 dogs.  Read the language and check for an addendum to the law.

     If for some reason I determine to keep some of the litter from each of the breeding events from more than two of my females, I am not within the law when they become 2 years of age.  Limitations are set with language accompanying the number of puppies I sell as well.  Even if my facility is tip top, humane and I have adequately cared for my dogs, I am bound by the law and subject to its limitations.

     Not only is this picture turning out as if I will be illegally able to keep any pups of the litters due to the numbers, but the vocabulary;  should it ever change to mention Companion Livestock" or "Companion Animals", my 4 goats, 10 cows, 16 cats and 22 chickens put me well over the limit.  Language is a focus that is most valuable to read and understand so the law will be followed in any state.

     Another Oregon law # 690.030 is vague and yet is a very powerful hand.  The strength is in the language;  given to the keeper:  who is defined as a person who owns, possesses, controls or otherwise has charge of a dog other than specific organizations listed.  One on the Oregon law books is A Humane Society or non profit animal shelter. 

     When legislation is introduced the interpretation is vital to understand, yet the legal lingo leaves many wondering "What does that mean"?  It quite often takes a lawyer to convey the meanings of the statements in both proposals and even sometimes the law.  When petitions for propositions are circulated, those are valuable tools which can someday become the first steps to a law.  Understanding the words are important to know as they are written and if there are changes in the language when offered as law, since they can vary.  Petitions are important to fully read before signing which might mean asking to see the full proposal those petitions represent.

     As legislation is initially written it can be modified afterward and "Bang" it is law with very changed language meaning something very different than the proposal.