Jan Viney knows precisely when the issue of puppy mills and unregulated dog breeders in Wisconsin became more to her than a news story and a bill on the state Legislature's schedule.

It was on a day this summer when she met Skylar, a 2-year old Shih Tzu rescued from a breeder in Richland County who is now being prosecuted for violating the state's animal cruelty laws.

"It made this very real to me," said Viney, development director for the Dane County Humane Society. Viney eventually adopted Skylar, who had such badly matted hair upon her rescue that her circulation was impaired. She also suffered from malnutrition and dehydration.

As a result, Viney paid very close attention Wednesday to a legislative hearing on a proposed law that would require licensing and inspection of commercial dog breeders in Wisconsin. Viney watched the hearing on her computer in her Humane Society office while Skylar slept at her feet.

Skylar was among 322 dogs rescued from the Thyme & Sage Ranch in Cazenovia in Richland County on June 1. Seven dogs were found dead and the other dogs were severely neglected, kept in small enclosures and suffering from malnutrition, matted hair, open sores and skin infections. Jennifer Petkus, the owner of that operation, awaits trial on 11 misdemeanor animal cruelty charges and five counts of unlawful disposal of animal carcasses.

Such situations would not arise to begin with if Wisconsin regulated dog breeders, Viney said. Wisconsin is one of only a handful of states that doesn't regulate dog breeding operations. The lack of oversight came up repeatedly at Wednesday's hearing.

"Wisconsin law provides for violations of animal cruelty, but the threshold is so high that even the worst offenders often come away with little more than a slap on the wrist," said State Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Eau Claire, who co-authored the bill.

Breeders are actually relocating to Wisconsin to take advantage of the state's reputation as a regulation-free zone, said Yvonne Bellay, humane officer and veterinarian with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

"Wisconsin is a desirable destination for those not willing to be regulated," Bellay said.

Among those testifying in favor of the bill was Pam McCloud Smith, executive director of the Dane County Humane Society. The organization was deeply involved in the rescue of animals from the Thyme & Sage Ranch and has spent $100,000 on caring for dogs it rescued from the ranch, including 88 dogs the shelter is required to continue holding as evidence in the upcoming trial.

"This could have been prevented if we would have had laws in place," Smith said. "This is not meant to be punitive, it's meant to be preventative."

One of the few to testify against the bill was Rob Hurd, with America's Pet Registry, a national professional group representing dog breeders. Hurd said the proposed law is "fraught" with problems. He said the organization disagrees with the threshold that the bill sets for the size of breeding operations that will be regulated. The law would apply to breeders that sell more than 25 dogs in a year if those dogs sold come from four litters or more.

Hurd said his organization, which he added does not dispute the need for regulation, believes the threshold of 25 dogs should be higher.

He also said the state is asking breeders to support the legislation even though specific rules have not yet been written.

"That's problematic," Hurd said, adding that a major fear of breeders is that the new regulations will put even responsible operators out of business.

But others, including Viney, said the bill is necessary to protect not only animals and the consumers who buy them but also reputable breeders.

"Honestly," Viney said, "I don't understand why you wouldn't be in support of this. If you're reputable, you have nothing to hide."