Voters Crack Down on Puppy Mills
Missouri voters approved a ballot measure that will place limits on some of the worst aspects of the puppy mill breeding business.
When it becomes law, in a year’s time, Proposition B will restrict commercial breeders to no more than 50 dogs for breeding. It will also increase the size of their cages and require that:
All dogs are examined at least once a year by a veterinarian.
The dogs are fed at least once a day.
They are not bred more than twice in any 18-month period.
They are housed indoors and with free access to an outside area.
“This is truly a watershed moment,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “We give our heartfelt thanks to Missourians for doing the right thing and providing a voice for Missouri’s defenseless animals.”
Missouri is the capital of the puppy mill business in America, with approximately 1,400 licensed commercial operators and hundreds of unlicensed ones operating under the official radar.