A 3-year-old bulldog that was rescued by the Hawaiian Humane Society with a life-threatening abdominal hernia hanging down from her belly is being held up as an example of the need for a new animal protection law.

The bulldog appeared to have been injured during a home cesarean section, according to written testimony from Stephanie Kendrick, director of community engagement for the Hawaiian Humane Society.

The Humane Society is advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 2562 and a related measure, House Bill 1527, which would legally prohibit surgeries on pet animals performed without an active veterinarian’s license.

“We see terrible impacts from backyard surgeries at the Hawaiian Humane Society,” Kendrick said, adding that many animals in similar situations die before ever reaching the shelter or veterinary clinics. 

Many of these backyard surgeries are done as a way to save money by profit-oriented breeders, Kendrick testified. While the Humane Society opposes cosmetic surgery on animals of any kind, the organization considers these proposals a step in the right direction. 

“Veterinarians without a license (would be) prohibited from performing surgery — with the exception of students training under a licensed veterinarian,” said Big Island Sen. Tim Richards, vice chair of the Agriculture and Environment Committee, which recently reviewed the proposal. 

But some of the other details of the bill are still in flux, he said, as a way to avoid creating loopholes and to be as specific as possible, including to classify what legally is considered a “surgery.”

“We are working on amendments with the livestock community,” he said, “and with the folks who have concerns about procedures being done without licenses.” 

The Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council both expressed concern about an earlier version of the Senate proposal, wanting to make sure the bill targeted unlicensed surgeries on dogs or pets and not procedures performed by farmers and ranchers.

Sen. Karl Rhoads said he thinks the bill is a step toward reducing animal cruelty.

“I think that it’s best for pet animals to avoid suffering as much as possible,” he said.

HB 1527 will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Both measures appear headed toward conference committee, where the House and Senate will try to negotiate a final version.