Animal advocates push for pet breeding regulations on Maui

MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Animal advocates are calling for new rules to control pet populations as shelters across the island remain overcapacity.

Read more Former Tripler gynecologist accused of abusing patients faces new charges, allegations

Hawaii has no breeder regulation for pets, a gap that humane societies have tried to address for years through legislation that has repeatedly failed.

“There are no regulatory standards so that breeders have to provide sufficient space, sufficient housing, sufficient socialization. Most states have rules like that. We do not,” said Steph Kendrick, Hawaiian Humane Society vice president of community engagement.

The discussion comes after California-based content creator and animal advocate Nathan Kehn visited Maui in March to help a nonprofit with the island’s cat population.

While working with the organization, he said someone approached him offering to sell puppies.

“They had puppies all over that they were offering us for $200 a piece,” Kehn said.

Read more Mountain View resident in custody after reported firearms incident in Puna

Kehn said he was shocked to learn Hawaii has no breeding regulations.

Kendrick said the organization fights for bills each legislative session to control Hawaii’s dog overpopulation and help alleviate overcapacity at animal shelters around the state. Those efforts have failed each year.

“We’re dealing with overall an incredible overpopulation problem,” Kendrick said. “At this point, anyone who’s breeding animals in the state is contributing to pet overpopulation, and I would encourage people to be really mindful of that and to adopt animals who’ve been spayed and neutered and are not going to be contributing to the pet overpopulation problem.”

MORE: Hawaiian Humane Society waives dog adoption fees as shelters reach critical capacity

Kehn, who has traveled around the world to help rescue animals, said he hopes his video will raise awareness to the issue.

“We all want the same thing, less animals outside suffering, and that means regulations on breeding, and that gets us all to the same place,” Kehn said. “It’s time the government steps in and helps out.”

Read more Pepeekeo water main break shuts off service to nearby homes, businesses

Animal advocates hope to have better luck next legislative session.