"The breeding of cats and dogs in the state of Oklahoma has gone unchecked," said the bill's author, Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, a veterinarian who said the measure will promote animal welfare and protect consumers from unscrupulous breeders.

Denney said it is not uncommon for families to receive an animal from a puppy mill operation that is weak and ill and dies within a few days or has to be placed in a veterinarian's care at the cost of hundreds of dollars.

Denney and other supporters expressed alarm at the increasing number of breeders accused of animal abuse.

Last November, authorities investigating a dog-breeding operation in Delaware County found 10 dead animals and dozens of others starving to the point that some were eating the carcasses of the dead ones.

In December, authorities found nearly 100 pit bulls neglected by a breeder in Kay County.

"This legislation simply establishes commonsense standards in Oklahoma that will allow legitimate breeders to continue their operations while weeding out those who mistreat animals," Denney said.

House members passed the measure 74-26 and sent it to the Senate for a vote.

Denney and other lawmakers said they were deluged with e-mails from breeders who oppose the bill prior to the vote. She said provisions dealing with the rescue and fostering of animals removed from illegal puppy mills had been removed from the bill.

Animal rights groups said they are disappointed the bill was watered down but happy that it passed.

"We feel like Oklahoma has to have something to start with," said Claudette Selph of the Oklahoma Humane Federation.

"We think this is a very brave step forward," said Ruth Steinberger of the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals. "This is totally for the benefit of those voiceless."

Under the bill, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry would license and regulate individuals and businesses that buy or sell at least 35 dogs or cats in the state in a year.

The agency would be authorized to inspect breeding operations to ensure animal abuse is not occurring and ensure animals are kept in clean cages and fed regularly. Violations would be punishable by fines of between $50 and $2,500.

Denney said the licensing and inspection program would cost the state about $400,000 a year. The bill would not apply to out-of-state breeders participating in dog shows or field trials.

Denney said 26 states already require a dog breeding license. Officials have said there are 700 breeding facilities in the state licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and at least three times that many that are unlicensed.

Rep. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City, said laws already on the books forbid animal cruelty and there is no need for state government to get further involved.

"It's about enforcement," Key said.

But Rep. Brian Renegar, D-McAlester, also a veterinarian, personally appealed to lawmakers to support the bill and said he is confident the Agriculture Department will regulate breeders fairly.

"I appreciate any support you could give the animals," Renegar said.