http://winnipegsun.com/News/Winnipeg/2008/09/16/6776316-sun.html

The City of Winnipeg is looking to take aim at puppy mills, even if they are operating outside city limits. "We want to ensure that no dog sold in the city comes from a puppy mill," said Coun. Gord Steeves (St. Vital). That could be done by requiring individuals selling dogs to provide specific information about the animal's origin, said Steeves. "My assumption is that a lot of dogs coming out of puppy mills are being sold here in Winnipeg," he said, adding no exact figures are available. The city's four-member protection and community services committee passed a motion yesterday to examine the issue. However, it will wait to do so until the province finishes reviewing the Animal Care Act.

Bill McDonald, executive director of the Winnipeg Humane Society, said planned changes to the act will further define what a breeder is and how they are licensed. But he said any new regulation put in place by the city will assist in cutting down on puppy mills, which in some sad cases put profit before the health of animals. 'HORROR STORIES' "They are compromising the health of the animal ... they aren't vaccinated, they are confined in small places, not socialized, not healthy," McDonald said. "We hear all these horror stories." But he added legislation and bylaws are only effective when the proper resources are in place to enforce them. "Words of the law don't shut anything down, it's feet on the ground," said McDonald.