As I've mentioned before (click here), Missouri leads the country in the number of puppy mills. There is an initiative to get something on the November ballot to change that. I hope everyone will participate.
Missourians for the Protection of Dogs is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative that will improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Missouri.
Columbia Campaign Kickoff:
Columbia Public Library (Daniel Boone)
100 West Broadway
January 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visit http://www.missourifordogs.com for more information.
I am so disappointed to see that you are promoting this horribly unjust piece of proposed legislation. Breeders are already inspected to the hilt. These proposed things will do nothing but put good people out of business. This will destroy the economy in Missouri.
ReplyDeleteI have used your store many times and really am thinking hard about never setting foot in it again.
This does nothing for the real problem--the unneutered pets wandering and breeding indescriminently.
Please think before you support thing.
I want to preface this reply by saying a few things. These blog entries are my opinion. Although I am passionate about a number of the topics, they are my opinion. It is my intention to make available links to the information so readers can form their own opinion. Am I biased? Probably. But such is human nature.
ReplyDeleteI would first point out that this is an initiative to get on the ballot. Although I personally support this act as it presently stands, I usually sign any petition put in front of me. It just says I think it should be voted on, not necessarily that I am for or against it. If someone is passionate enough to try getting an issue on the ballot, they have to right to have their voice heard and have the state make a decision one way or the other.
That said, now to the issue at hand: The point of the act is "to prohibit the cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills by requiring large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with basic food and water, adequate shelter from the elements, necessary veterinary care, adequate space to turn around and stretch his or her limbs, and regular exercise."
Clair McCaskill, as State Auditor, found scathing deficiencies in the inspections made at breeding facilities according to a 2001 report, inspectors spending an insufficient amount of time at the breeding facilities and neglecting to cite repeated infractions. Although inspections are improving, they are still severely lacking, some of the most severe problems still persisting, according to the 2004 State Auditor's follow-up report. I believe the proposed act more clearly defines what is expected and shows compassion for the dogs in these situations.
A large part of the problem with inspections is the department is severely understaffed, which I feel should also be addressed.
I would also argue that puppy mills are exacerbating the problems you mention. As a result of the puppy mills, people are receiving poorly socialized dogs and/or dogs of questionable health, many of which end up on the streets or in shelters. It will certainly not resolve all the problems, but this is a piece of the puzzle that should be addressed.
I hope that we can agree to disagree on this matter and invite any and all well reasoned and constructive comments and opinions. I will certainly be following this issue closely and reserve the right to reverse or modify my opinion between now and April.
The proposed statute: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010petitions/2010-085.asp
State Auditor's report from 2001: http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2001-09.pdf
State Auditor's report from 2004: http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2004-91.pdf
That should have read "between now and November."
ReplyDelete