OAA’s Vicki Deisner Speaks on Senate Bill 232 to Strengthen Puppy Mill Protections in Ohio
We’re grateful to the Ohio Animal Foundation for highlighting an issue that urgently needs public attention: Ohio Senate Bill 232, legislation that would strengthen oversight and improve conditions for dogs in commercial breeding facilities.
In a recent OAF article, our Executive Director and co-founder, Vicki Deisner, shared why S.B. 232 is a critical step forward for animal protection in Ohio.
Why Senate Bill 232 Matters
Ohio’s 2018 puppy mill law was intended to improve care standards, including requiring that euthanasia and surgery be performed by licensed veterinarians. However, as Vicki explained, the term “required” has been narrowly interpreted — allowing certain cosmetic procedures, such as tail docking and dewclaw removal, to be performed by breeders rather than veterinarians.
S.B. 232 would clarify that all surgeries must be performed by licensed veterinarians.
The bill would also reinstate unannounced inspections of commercial breeders. In 2023, inspections shifted to being announced in advance — giving facilities time to prepare and potentially mask ongoing conditions. Unannounced inspections are a basic accountability tool in animal welfare oversight.
Ohio’s Role in the Puppy Mill Industry
According to Humane World for Animals’ annual Horrible Hundred report, Ohio consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of problematic commercial breeding operations.
Many of these facilities are USDA licensed, meaning they can legally sell puppies to pet stores and online consumers — even while accumulating documented animal care violations.
The consequences are real:
Breeding dogs kept in confinement for years
Repeated health and welfare violations
Puppies born with preventable genetic defects
Families unknowingly purchasing sick animals
This is why legislative reform matters.
What You Can Do
S.B. 232 will next move to a proponent hearing, and public engagement is critical.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Contact your Ohio State Senator by submitting an Action Alert
2. Share information about S.B. 232 with your community
3. Adopt, don’t shop
4. Sign up for our newsletter to receive OAA alerts and updates about other action alerts delivered straight to your inbox.
Thank You, OAF
We appreciate the Ohio Animal Foundation for elevating this important conversation and giving space for deeper discussion about how Ohio can — and must — do better for dogs.
To read the full article and learn more about S.B. 232, visit the Ohio Animal Foundation’s website.
To get involved with Ohio Animal Advocates and take action on this and other animal protection issues, visit our website and sign up for action alerts.
Together, we can make Ohio a place where animals are protected from cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
Source: Ohio Animal Foundation
