brandiw

I live in and do rescue in Missouri and I have seen first hand the problems that Missouri has with puppy mills. I can't even find adequate words to describe the horrific condition of some of the dogs rescued from these horrid places. That said, I am conflicted about the bill. I do rescue and own mutts myself, however I'm not one of those rescue people who think that all breeding is bad. There are definitely good, reputable breeders who care about their dogs. The problem is, I don't think very many live in these parts. If they do, they don't show themselves often.

I don't like HSUS for a variety of reasons and wish they weren't involved in Prop B at all. There are things about the bill that I believe are ambiguous and not well written, but I likely will vote for it anyway, despite the fact that I don't believe that the legislature will fund the Department of Ag sufficiently to enforce it. Missouri (particularly rural MO) is a bad place for dogs (and cats), period. People here are stuck back about 40-50 years when it comes to animal welfare, and it is definitely time that these poor animals quit being seen as a cash crop.

Elvismom

It seems there are many issues here that aren't entirely related. HSUS & PETA are no loved by many people. As a rescuer I deplore the amount of money people send to them thinking they are doing good work. I wish those people who send the money to their local shelters or rescues. I also dislike the companies such as AKC and APRI who seem to be more into registerig dogs for the money rather than caring about the various breed standards. AKC often sets up at mill auctions offering specials to millers who have bought dogs never registered with them before.
Not all rescues are against breeding. One of my fosters has a male with many titles who she studs out - very selectively. She is a great foster, and a blessing to both rescue and breeding. As I've learned over the years, breeders & millers (a big difference) come in all shades of gray. My biggest complaint with many of them is the horrible conditions they keep their dogs in, selling dogs too young, selling sick animals and not giving a damn what happens to them when they leave. None of the breeders I've personally known over the years would allow any of that to happen. They care deeply about their dogs. Millers do not.
Unfortunately no law is ever perfect and we usually discover that they have unintended consequences, but I will personally support many puppy mill bills because they will help to provide more humane treatment for the thousands of dogs condemned to live in mills.
Maybe someone with far more wisdom than I have will eventually come up with a solution that protects both the dogs and the responsible breeders & dog owners.

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Chris
Foodslave, chauffer & doorperson to Elvis, Georgia, Ginger & Maggie, Crissy & Dart