NC's first lady speaks out on puppy mills

North Carolina first lady Ann McCrory has made her first public foray into legislative advocacy on behalf of a bill regulating commercial dog breeders.

Posted 3:10 a.m. May 9, 2013 — Updated 2:19 p.m. May 9, 2013

Laura Leslie

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina first lady Ann McCrory is known to be a very private person – no fan of political battles over public policy.

But Wednesday night, she made her first foray into public advocacy on behalf of a bill requiring commercial dog breeders to meet basic animal welfare standards.

The proposal, House Bill 930, made it through House Judiciary B Committee earlier in the day, but only after it was watered down in committee. Sponsors said a stronger bill wouldn't make it through a House vote.

It may be in trouble, regardless.

Under normal House rules, the bill should be on Thursday's floor calendar, but it isn't listed, which likely indicates a lack of support from the majority caucus.

Ann McCrory seems to be seeking to bolster that support with the following letter on her official state letterhead:

Dear Judiciary B members,

I am writing to thank you for your unanimous support of House Bill 930. Passing legislation to establish basic standards of care for large commercial dog breeding facilities is a very important issue to me and to people across our state.

I especially wish to thank Representatives Saine, McGrady and Brown for their leadership on this issue. I hope you and other members of the General Assembly will continue to advocate for this bill and other legislation establishing higher standards for commercial breeders.

These policies increase our quality of life in North Carolina and ensure better care for dogs across the state. You have my full support. Thank you again.

The governor and first lady have a Labrador retriever named Mo.

Suggest A Correction