VIRGINIA BEACH – The new year brought newer and tougher laws to protect animals. Breeders and sellers are accountable for the animals in their care.

The law is designed to crack down on puppy mills.

“They live in wire cages stacked on top of each other where the urine and feces drops from one cage to another. Their feet are often splayed from living in the wire cages, they never get out of the cage except when they are bred," explained Sharom Adams with the Va. Beach SPCA.

Video: Va. law designed to stop puppy mills

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The law took effect January 1. It limits the number of animals a person can have and breed to 30 females.  It limits the ages for breeding – between 18 months and eight years.

It also requires animals be kept in floored cages, mandates an exercise regimen and veterinary care.

Large commercial dog breeding operations must get a business license and submit to inspections by local animal control officers. Those operations now must meet strict record-keeping requirements.

Adams hopes it will help man’s best friend.

"It will only be as successful as the animal control bureaus throughout the state.. this is a statute, there are criminal penalties associated with this statute.. these businesses have to register and get a business license, they have to keep records and our animal  control officers are supposed to inspect them, respond to complaints and bring charges," Adams noted.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, commercial breeders caught violating the law could have up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

The HSUS also says pet stores are now required to buy dogs from dealers or people who are properly registered and licensed with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

“It’s a new day for animals in substandard breeding facilities,” said Ann Church, regional director for the Humane Society of the United States. 

“Virginia was first state to pass a cap on the number of animals that could be in a facility and several states have taken similar steps,” she noted.  “Virginia is really a leader in this field.”

Church said state leaders were quick to act once puppy mills were exposed.

Church also said that if the law is enforced the way it’s intended, a lot of animals will be helped as well as people who are buying dogs.