Common Sense Legislation Concerning Puppies
I was not surprised that Proposition B passed last November. Proposition B was the legislative initiative designed to further regulate the pet breeding industry in Missouri. I assumed that the language on the ballot approved by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan described this entire industry as "puppy mills" could have only one outcome - a favorable vote. Despite the outcome, I was surprised in the closeness of the vote. The measure passed by the very thin margin statewide of 51.6% in favor. This was surprising in that statewide public opinion poll taken in February of 2010 showed that over 90% of the respondents favored this legislative change.
The vote in the 128th Legislative District was markedly different than the statewide vote with over 60% of voters opposed to this proposal. Similar to the 128th District, this measure failed in 103 of Missouri's 114 counties. This change of opinion from February to November was a result of some grass roots opposition to this measure which helped the voters to recognize the problems with this proposal. As the campaign proceeded, many voters recognized what the Springfield-News Leader editorial opined, "the measure [was] well intentioned, but not in the state's best interest."
I certainly support humane treatment of all animals. I know that those who voted in favor of Prop B were certainly well intentioned. Following a careful examination of the inadequacies of Prop B, it is clear to me that changes need to be made. At the urging of many of my constituents, a bill was filed to make some common sense changes to this legislation. The goal of this proposed legislation (House Bill 131) is to prevent abuse of animals associated with dog breeding. I know this is the intent of the voters. The voters did not intend a wholesale destruction of the dog breeding business in our state. It is my belief that some modifications of Prop B can maintain the will of the voters and allow the dog breeding business to continue.
The first problem with Prop B is that it eliminates thousands of jobs. In the public hearings of this bill in the Missouri House Agriculture Policy Committee, no one disputed this conclusion. Everyone agrees that no existing licensed dog breeder could meet its requirements. Unfortunately, neither the Veterinarians Associations, the Missouri Department of Agriculture or other associations with industry standards were consulted when the language was created for the legislation. One example of Prop B weakness would be the mandatory temperature range for dog facilities that would ban the use of heat lamps for pups. Veterinarians who testified confirmed some young puppies would die under this regulation. Another shortcoming of Prop B is that it provides no funds to ensure regulation of the pet breeding industry. Prop B also fails to address the issue of unhealthy puppies who enter into the market place.
The current version of this legislation which has passed out of this committee allows hundreds of family owned licensed pet breeding facilities who do a good job to stay in business. It helps retain several thousand jobs in rural Missouri. It doubles the required number of veterinarian visits to the facilities. It increases the license fee to provide funding for inspection of licensed facilities and to promote Operation Bark Alert which targets unlicensed facilities. This legislation increases from a maximum fee of $500 to $2000 plus an additional $25 for Operation Bark Alert. The bill uses scientific principles, industry standards, veterinarians, and Department of Agriculture to help set requirements. It requires puppies purchased from exempt operations to have the same vaccination and health standards as those sold from licensed facilities. The bill increases the penalty for breeders having stacked cages without impervious barrier. It further defines the process in which the Department of Agriculture handles repeat offenders of violations in their facilities and requires the Attorney General and prosecuting attorneys to file charges.
By eliminating the 50 breeding dog limit of Prop B and recognizing that all breeds do not have the same health and space requirements, this legislation allows good dog breeders to stay in business. In addition to criminal penalties violations, this provides injunctive relief and civil penalties up to $1000 for each violation. The legislation clearly provides more regulation on the dog breeders than existed under prior law, but regulation improves the business of dog breeding rather than eliminating it.
Thank you so much for contacting me. Please come by my office whenever you come to Jeff City.
Charlie Davis
State Representative
128th District
Vice Chair - Veterans Committee
Member of Utilities -Small Business - Tax Reform
Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrism and Homeland Security
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