Colorado: Debbie Willard

Colorado dog breeders panned a "puppy mill" bill Wednesday, saying more inspections and not more rules are the answer.

But an animal activist pointed out that some of the same breeders who testified against the measure were found to have operated filthy facilities and had reportedly sold sick dogs.

As amended, House Bill 1072, by Rep. Beth McCann, D-Denver, limited the number of dogs in a facility to 50 and also required breeding dogs to be seen annually by a veterinarian.

Lawmakers on the House Agriculture Committee killed the bill on a 7-5 vote, saying they were concerned it wouldn't stop puppy- mill operators and instead would hurt reputable breeders.