A Nebraska law barring sales of kittens or puppies less than 8 weeks old has gone into effect in Nebraska.
As of Friday, July 14 three months after the legislative session ended the law became active. Sales of kittens under the age limit are a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by a $100 fine.
The age limit was set at 8 weeks because six to eight weeks is a key period in learning good behavior and how to get along with other animals and with humans, according to Judy Varner, president of the Nebraska Humane Society.
This is when the mother tames the wild child and teaches her not to bite too hard or play too rough. But separation anxiety is perhaps the most serious problem with animals who leave the litter too young, Varner said.
The new law, which is also intended to help regulate mass commercial breeding of puppies, gives more authority to inspectors under the states Commercial Dog and Cat Operator Inspection Act, and it allows the Agriculture Department director to set a sliding fee schedule for licenses.
Posted: July 15, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST