Animal advocates are close to getting major changes they've sought to protect animals in large breeding operations.

State Assembly Bill 250 would require any entity -- single breeder or large organization -- that sells more than 25 dogs in a year to possess a license and undergo annual inspections. The Assembly passed the measure 96-0 Tuesday. If the bill is enacted, it would take 18 months to go into effect, allowing inspector training and temporary licenses for breeders.

"I think it will close down a breeder not doing the right thing, and puppy mills and auctions," South Wood County Executive Director Phil Hartley said.

Approvals from the state Senate and the governor are the lone remaining obstacles before the state can join 25 others that already regulate dog breeders. The Senate is scheduled to take up the matter Thursday.

"We had a feeling that this was the time for it and it would go through, but your nerves and worries always get the best of you," said Chuck Wegner, executive director of the Clark County Humane Society. "You've given years of effort for this."

Clark County is known for having a high number of breeding facilities, but Wood County has had its share. In the past 18 months, the South Wood County Humane Society has received more than 70 dogs that were seized from breeders.

Mass dog breeders that run puppy mills often are in it for the money, with little regard for the health of the animals, local animal shelter officials have said.

Wisconsin Rapids resident Amy Kolo knows about the conditions some animals experience. She adopted Frankie, a papillon, in June after the dog was removed from a home filled with dozens of animals that stood in their own waste.

"Her teeth weren't so good, and she does have an abscess in her mouth we're watching," Kolo said. "They were pretty bad."

The proposed state law would establish requirements for how breeders provide food, shelter and care for the animals.

"It's more of what your average person would consider standard care," Wegner said. "They can't be standing in their own waste -- it's a shame you have to legislate on this sort of stuff -- decent food, clean water and appropriate temperatures, and if they need medical treatment, you're required to go get it -- common sense things."