Latest news with #MegWeinberger
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Florida bill aims to crack down on puppy mills and bad breeding
The Brief A new bill targeting unethical dog breeding is moving through Florida's legislature. If passed, it would force breeders to register with the state, undergo inspections and be listed in a public database. Some call the bill overly broad and potentially dangerous. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A new Florida bill called "Make America's Dogs Safe Again" is sparking debate over how to regulate dog breeding in the state. The bill, introduced by Florida Rep. Meg Weinberger, aims to target unethical breeding practices like puppy mills and backyard breeding. Breeders would be forced to register with the state, undergo inspections and be listed in a public database. What they're saying "We sought to base our legislation on established guidelines and best practices to protect both dogs and consumers," Weinberger said in an open letter. "This support for high standards serves as a cornerstone of our efforts to ensure a better future for dogs in Florida." However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly opposes the bill, calling it overly broad and potentially dangerous for responsible breeders, especially the public database with information like addresses. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "I think it's reasonable to expect that any identifying information, including location, would open up breeders and owners to being targets of pet theft, which is a serious issue that is increasing in numbers across the country. It would also allow anti-breeder activists the opportunity to target locations and individuals for harassment," said Phil Guidry with the AKC. What's next Despite the criticism, Weinberger stands by the bill. "Just as we regulate daycare centers and nursing homes, it's our moral responsibility to ensure that animals bred for sale receive the care they deserve," said Weinberger. The bill and its companion in the Senate are moving through Tallahassee's legislative process. The Source FOX 13's Evyn Moon collected the information in this story. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS LIVE: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida Senate passes bill to fund foster-care pilot program
The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill that includes providing $3.3 million to establish a foster-care pilot program and attract workers to investigate child-abuse reports. The bill (SB 7012) would require the Department of Children and Families to establish a four-year pilot program that would place children with behavioral problems in family-like settings rather than in group homes. It also would require the department to create a recruitment program for child protective investigators and case managers. The program would seek to hire people such as former law enforcement officers, first responders, military members, teachers and health-care providers to help investigate child-abuse reports. 'I know that I'll be following up with DCF regularly for updates to see what's working, what's not, and how we make sure that these services are available to the children in the system in hopes that they don't repeat the cycle that has placed them in the system,' bill sponsor Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, said. Rep. Meg Weinberger, R-Palm Beach Gardens, has filed a similar House bill (HB 1127). Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
