Missouri Prop B: Vote Yes
Print This Post
The New York Times reports:
More than one of every three dogs sold in pet stores nationwide come from Missouri, whose breeders produce hundreds of thousands of dogs — from poodles to pit bulls — each year, according to one estimate. That distinction has made this state the target of a well-financed ballot referendum to place tougher regulations on businesses that raise and sell dogs. The effort pits animal rights groups, led by the Humane Society of the United States, which compiled the estimate, against agricultural interests — old foes who have recently done battle in many states over the welfare of farm animals. Animal rights groups have won a number of protections for animals, as those who make their living selling livestock complain that they are being regulated out of business.
“I am an American; I have a right to raise dogs,” said Joe Overlease, president of the Professional Kennel Club of Missouri, who owns a large breeding operation of cocker spaniels in southern Missouri that was cited by the state this year for overcrowding and inadequate shelter.
Emphasis added.
One of the key changes Prop B would make to breeding facilities is that it would stop some of the killing.
Once used up, the breeding dogs in puppy mills are often cruelly killed, abandoned, or sold at auction. After being bred again and again, sometimes until their uteruses literally “prolapse” or protrude from their bodies, used up breeding dogs are often quickly discarded or killed when they can no longer turn a profit for their owners. Puppy mill owners often kill these dogs themselves to save on veterinary bills. Currently there is no specific law in Missouri that prevents puppy mill operators from destroying “used up” dogs themselves. Prop B would prevent the euthanasia of unwanted dogs by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian. (source)
PLEASE VOTE YES ON PROP B
Here’s a video from the Yes On Prop B website:
Respond