OLYMPIA, Wash. -- In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs.

A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide "humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices" by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.

Supporters of the bill include Brandon Hatch, who last month tipped off investigators to a lifelong friend after witnessing the ghastly conditions at her dog kennel in Gold Bar.

Hatch's tip led investigators to Mary Anne Holleman's kennel where even veteran animal control officers were "astounded" by the size of the operation and the filthy conditions the animals were living in.

Officers rescued 155 dogs who were locked up in tight crates overflowing with feces and heavily soiled shavings. Medications and used syringes used to treat sick animals were found scattered in front of pens and in a refrigerator.

Most of the dogs were heavily matted, covered with their own feces and saturated with urine. Investigators said many dogs had open sores on various parts of their bodies and all were covered with fleas.

When he saw the horrific conditions at his friend's kennel, Hatch said he couldn't keep silent.

"Regardless of if we were friends or not, right is right, wrong is wrong. And this is plain wrong," he said. "I was appalled at what I saw. It was the most unsanitary, disease-ridden, disgusting (scene) that I can't even explain it."

Hatch's tip led to another raid at Holleman's parents' kennel in Skagit County.

Nearly 450 dogs were rescued from Marjorie and Richard Sundberg's unlicensed Mount Vernon kennel, and the couple was charged with four counts of animal cruelty. Prosecutors said more charges could follow.

Skagit County Animal Control Officer Emily Diaz, who has been examining the dogs rescued from the Sudbergs' kennel, urged lawmakers on Monday to toughen up the law.

"Right now, we are powerless. Law enforcement is powerless to intervene until dogs show obvious signs of abuse and neglect," she said.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle and a sponsor of the bill, agrees.

"It really tore at my heart," she said.

But some dog breeders say current licensing laws are adequate and the bill goes too far.

"Breeders shouldn't be shut down because other breeders are doing wrong things," said breeder Melanie Keel.

A similar bill was introduced during the last legislative session, but did not pass. The current bill is sponsored by Kohl-Welles, Jerome Delvin, R-Richland; Adam Kline, D-Seattle and Rodney Tom, D-Medina.

The bill will be put to a vote in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection.