Pleasants County Senator Donna Boley was among those who viewed the dogs transferred to a 29th Street warehouse from the Whispering Oaks Kennel in late August.

Now, she's among those pushing for laws governing the operation of such businesses, something Boley says that, for the most part, don't exist now.

The head of the Humane Society of Parkersburg says it's to prevent a situation like the one her agency responded to, where nearly a thousand dogs had to be removed from the Wood County kennel.

"It's not a way of more control or shutting down businesses," says Executive Director Maryann Hollis. "It's just so this never happens again, where those conditions exist."

Hollis says a neighboring state is working to enact tougher legislation.

"Pennsylvania had regulations, which weren't fairly strict. They are looking at a bill that would strengthen those even further, so they can enforce much easier."

She says she's not suggesting there should be federal laws, but adds the regulations vary among each of the 50 states.

"There's so many variables in state regulations and state law," Hollis notes. "You've got some very strict kennel legislation, in states such as Virginia and very lax legislation in places such as Missouri."

The effort is in its early stages. Boley says she plans to discuss it in a conference call with humane society officials and other legislators later this month.

It's hoped a bill will be ready in time for next year's legislative session, which will begin in February.