 Post #3
7). Constant and unfettered access.... this is probably my most hated thing about this bill. This means we will not be able to place our dogs in crates or ex-pens. How many of you use crates, ex-pens, puppy pens to keep your girls away from intact males, separate dogs that don't get along, grow coat for show, or to keep them safe when you cant watch them or to help with potty training? You will no longer be able to use these. Also, how many of you keep your momma's in a puppy pen to keep the temp stable, without drafts, and in a quiet area? This will be "out". The mom will need access to go out whenever she wants, can you say cold drafts on fragile newborn puppies? Puppies accidently getting outside in weather too hot or too cold for them? Temp ranges are already covered in existing law too.
8). And lastly - this bill ONLY covers Breeders who sell pets. It doesn't cover breeders who breed hunting dogs to sell for "hunting", I have seen huge hunting kennels. It also does not cover pet stores, animal shelters, dog trainers, or hoarders. So, the bill is to protect puppies from breeders but not from pet stores or shelters - then it's ok to put them on wire and in cages? I don't think so.
9). Who is going to inspect breeders to make sure they are following the law? The Missouri Department of Agriculture is overwhelmed already (why can't we give them more money to do their job of making sure we are following the laws ALREADY in place?), are we going to create another branch of the government to inspect? How much will that cost? Will HSUS volunteer to inspect? (that would be a nightmare when they want to shut down ALL breeding).
I know there are many who will disagree with me but I stand by my convictions as a Missouri resident and a Missouri licensed breeder. This is a bad bill that was written by HSUS representatives in the hope that naming it the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act would make it easier to pass because all people want to prevent cruelty. However this bill is poorly written and can actually harm the reputatable and ethical breeders who are already following the laws already in place, it can harm my dogs! This bill will not cover the "puppy millers" who are not licensed - why would they follow this law when they don't follow the laws already in place?
Please do more research online before you vote yes. AKC has a position on their website against it and a ton of other groups have come out in oppostion of this bill. I am voting NO and asking everyone I know to vote NO.
Teresa
Magnum Yorkies |