At the risk of being labeled a "puppymill lover" I have to say I am against Prop B. I absolutely hate breeders who do things wrong and I want something done about them as much as the next person. However as a resident of Missouri and a breeder in this state for many years I have seen very few "puppymills". (I have seen a couple). Most facilities that people call a "puppymill" are commercial breeders. They are
not one and the same, please don't label all breeders in Missouri as "puppymills". Would I choose to raise my dogs this way? No, of course not but we really need to be very careful about laws that are passed.
Everyone intends to do the right thing for dogs but sometimes bills can have far-reaching effects, some that might not be what was intended. Remember that Missouri is a huge agriculture state, most areas are rural. We are the #2 beef producting state in the US so it stands to reason more breeders will live in Missouri than in another state like New York or Florida. Commercial breeders can't set their kennels up in large metropolitan areas and must live in rural areas to raise their dogs. Do I like living in a state known as the "puppymill capital"? Of course not, but my state is doing better and is improving.
As with most political arguments rhetoric, slandering, and fear-mongering will come from both sides, I certainly see this and it's only going to get worse in the next week. Am I sure if passed this bill will lead to affecting cattle production in Missouri? I don't think so but it's possible. Do I believe HSUS is only trying to help dogs in Missouri? No - I think they have an agenda here. Please watch the videos that are being posted and shown on TV, most of these puppymill rescues were actually from unlicensed breeders; the commercials don't tell you that. HSUS is using these to tug at the heartstrings of people who want to help and don't realize that these "breeders" were unlicensed and breaking the law already. These are the breeders who will not be affected by the new laws. They will continue to fly under the radar while licensed reputable breeders will be affected. Missouri is already trying to shut down unlicensed, sub-standard breeders by using Operation Bark Alert. This program is working! In 2009 it shut down 164 breeders, in 2010 it has already shut down 180 breeders. Instead of passing new laws (unfunded) why can't we pass a tax bill giving more money to our Dept of Agriculture? They could use more money to hire more inspectors to inspect kennels, use Operation Bark Alert, and enforce the regulations that we currently have. These regulations were put into place by a group that included vets, breeders, etc, not a bill created by HSUS who has their own agenda.
I just wonder why this bill only applies toward dog breeders. It doesn't apply to anyone else. Our local no-kill animal shelter houses 100+ dogs in small 3x6 foot runs - sometimes 2 large dogs or 3-4 small dogs to a run. These dogs are on concrete - they potty where they sleep and rarely get out to play. The odor in this shelter is horrible, I certainly would not let one of my dogs live there. Why does this bill not cover animal shelters, pet shops, hunting kennels, or anyone else? Why is humane care not the same for anyone housing any number of dogs?
Also, AKC and many other reputable agencies are against this bill. See the Columbia Missouri Kennel Club's website
index and AKC's response to this bill
American Kennel Club - AKC Opposes Missouri Proposition B
Again, please understand I do not support "puppymills" or unethical breeders. I have read this bill, compared it to the current laws, and have decided to vote NO. I always make my decisions based on what is best for my dogs and I have decided that this bill is bad for all breeders and it's bad for my dogs. For anyone who thinks I am only concerned about myself, please know that I have under 10 females and would not even be covered under this bill. (I have 5 breeding girls 1 who will be retired asap and 2 will be retired in the next year with one teenager and 2 puppies growing up that I may keep). I just know what is right and what I believe in and I have a strong conviction in my beliefs so I will speak out where I need to about this bill.
I respect other people's beliefs also and I really do think most people want to do the right thing. No one likes "puppymills" and we all want to prevent them. I just think this bill is not the way to go and plan on voting NO.
Teresa
Magnum Yorkies