MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin lawmakers been working on regulating dog breeders to no avail for years, but more work on the bill has gotten some detractors to come onboard.

At its last hearing a bill to regulate dog breeders split the crowd between those that thought the bill went too far and not far enough.

But those at a hearing Wednesday said it seems that work on the bill has led to compromise.

Humane societies, dog breeders and animal lovers packed a Capitol room for a joint Senate and Assembly hearing Wednesday.

A modified bill would require any person who sells more than 25 dogs in one year, from at least three litters, to be licensed. Unlike previous proposals, it only applies to dogs and not other animals.

State Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection spokeswoman Donna Gilson said Wisconsin has become a magnet for breeders because it has no regulations.

"We are long overdue for legislation that protects consumers, dogs and our reputations. I have been to the dog auctions and I have seen for myself the conditions of the dogs at those auctions and it's deplorable," said Michelle Hyllested, of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project.

"This lack of regulation has actually made Wisconsin a desirable destination to those who are not willing to be regulated in other states and has actually increased the number of calls and complaints that I receive," said Dr. Yvonne Bellay, a Wisconsin state humane veterinarian.

The issue has come to the forefront after recent dog seizures at the Thyme and Sage Ranch in Cazenovia.

Numerous efforts in recent years to regulate breeders have failed in the Wisconsin Legislature either due to their cost or opposition from groups concerned about unintended consequences and how good operators would be affected.

But now breeders and hunting groups are onboard because there is a minimum number of dogs that breeders must have to be licensed.

The two committees still have to vote on the bill.

Currently 27 states have laws regulating dog breeders, WISC-TV reported.