Here are my objections to this initative:
1). This ballot initiative was brought by HSUS who is NOT a friend to breeders. No matter what you might think HSUS spends tons more money legislating bills to reduce our rights and on helping animals. This is directly from their budgets and information that can be found online. (Check out humanewatch.org) According to their records they spend less than 1/2 of 1% on helping animals and the rest of their budget goes to advertising, lobbying, and helping pass bills.
2). What is a "Puppy Mill" - there is no official defination. While we each have our own ideas about what a puppy mill is we will all disagree. Everyone wants to prevent puppy mills (me included) but having this language in the bill will influence people to vote yes for the bill without reading or taking the time to understand it.
3). Another objection I have to this bill is that they are going to mandate how often I breed my dogs. Since when have we let the government mandate this, how many lawmakers understand breeding issues? Shouldn't the dog's owner consult their vet/reproductive specialist about breeding timing? Dr. Hutch tells us now that it's actually healthier for a dogs uterus to be breed several times in a row and then spayed. Breeders should already be thinking of the dogs best interest and I shouldn't have to listen to a law passed by the non-breeding public that may not understand all the issues.
4). Under the constitution I am allowed "property", I love my dogs but they are considered my property. Why is the government going to tell me I can only have so many dogs? Will they someday tell my neighbor next door he can only have so many beef cattle, or the lady down the street who shows horses she can only have so many? I will never have that many dogs, the ones I have now keep me very busy - thank you very much
. I just don't think there should be a # limit, I think we should have laws on how animals should be taken care of, not a limit. I've seen people with 3 dogs neglect them and I have seen large commercial kennels where the dogs were well taken care of (I don't agree with having that many dogs - but feel it's their right as long as the animals well taken care of). How many breeders have co0owned dogs? The count will include your co-owned dogs even if they don't live with you and you are not responsible for their day to day care.
5). Someone mentioned food being mandated once a day - this is actually less than what the law already is. The current law says at least twice a day with clean water always available. Why go back to less?
6). Vet care mandated "for ANY ILLNESS OR INJURY". How many of you breeders have albon or other meds for diarrhea at home and give to your puppies if they have a problem. How many give medications at home for any reason if your pet is mildly ill, give aspirin or meds for a slight injury? This will no longer be allowed - you will have to make a vet visit for every illness and/or injury. By the way, humane euthanasia by a vet is already the law