Lawmakers seek consensus on Ohio puppy-mill bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The chairman of a state legislative panel that's considering new rules to crack down on puppy mills says he's not willing to advance a bill unless breeders and other stakeholders can find common ground.

The Columbus Dispatch reports ( http:// bit.ly/rQVirc ) that State Sen. Cliff Hite told supporters and opponents of the measure on Thursday that he believes the state needs to do something to regulate high-volume breeders. But he says he's becoming frustrated with the debate.

The newspaper reports that some Republican committee members are raising questions about the attempt to establish new licensing requirements and inspections for dog breeders.

Supporters say they want to protect dogs from abuse. Opponents argue the some of the bill's standards are unreasonable and could harm small business owners.