[Teresamag]

I've been studying this bill for some time. In my opinion this is a poorly written bill who will do more damage than good. In fact, I feel strongly enough about it I have a page against it on my website, my Facebook page, and I've emailed all of my pet families living in Missouri asking them to vote NO for this bill. I am not the only person against this bill - AKC and a whole host of other reputable organizations are against this bill.
I do breed and have bred Yorkies for 12+ years in Missouri - what most people don't realize is that many of these requirements are ALREADY the law here. You can find the laws that we LICENSED breeders are required to follow under the Missouri Department of Agriculture website. The problem in Missouri and other states stems from unlicensed substandard breeders. We should not be passing other bills to correct the problem and spending tons of our taxpayer money (estimated to be over $1 million!)when we should focus on enforcing the laws currently in place and making those unlicensed breeders come into compliance. Missouri already has a program working on this called Operation Bark Alert where people can report unlicensed breeders in Missouri (do a web search to find out more info). It is currently a misdemeanor to be breeding dogs in Missouri if you have over 3 breeding females and are not licensed. When they are licensed they have to follow the laws already in place. I have other problems with this bill I will outline below. I may have to make serveral posts to cover these objections to the bill.