The Senate Commerce Committee passed a bill today that would impose tighter regulations on commercial dog breeders, which some proponents call an anti-puppy mill bill.

The bill, among other steps, would license commercial breeders, who are defined as anyone with 15 or more adult female dogs intended for producing puppies. The board of agriculture would establish standards of care for exercise, veterinary care and housing under the bill. It's chief sponsor is Sen. Don Davis, of Snow Hill.

The bill comes after the February raid of a puppy mill in Wayne County where 300 dogs and puppies were seized from unsanitary conditions, some with matted fur and shivering.

Some dog enthusiasts, though, oppose the bill's imposition of government regulation and inspections. The state's pork and meat industries also allege that the bill, backed by the Humane Society of the United States, is that group's first step in trying to ultimately ban meat eating. The Humane Society's president has said that is an unachievable goal and that the organization is fighting to minimize the pain and stress on animals in a variety of industries.