Hello readers! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend. Today we want to talk about an issue that has been getting a lot of people’s tails in a twist. If you got that corny dog reference, then you know that we are talking about Proposition B.
Prop B, or the “puppy mill initiative” is an attempt to regulate the large breeding facilities that are plentiful in Missouri. There has been an increase in coverage over Prop B in the recent weeks as those in support and opposition of the initiative are voicing their concerns (Click here to read an article from the student-run newspaper at Truman State University detailing the two sides about Prob B).
Those who are the biggest supporters of the initiative are animal welfare organizations, particularly Missouri for Protection of Dogs, which includes the Humane Society, and the American Society of the Protection of Cruelty to Animals. Their main objective is to stop the inhumane cruelty of animals. As the President and CEO of the ASPCA stated, the initiative is a "crucial step in combating the horrific cruelty perpetuated by many commercial breeders."
Those who are the biggest supporters of the initiative are animal welfare organizations, particularly Missouri for Protection of Dogs, which includes the Humane Society, and the American Society of the Protection of Cruelty to Animals. Their main objective is to stop the inhumane cruelty of animals. As the President and CEO of the ASPCA stated, the initiative is a "crucial step in combating the horrific cruelty perpetuated by many commercial breeders."
Now, let's look at those who oppose this initiative. Some of the biggest opponents are The Alliance for Truth, a group started by America's Pet Registry, Inc. that claim that Prob B will eliminate all professional dog breeders.
It's important to us that readers get both sides of the stories so that they can make their own informed decisions when they cast their ballots. However, we also want to give our opinions on these important decisions. That's what blogs are for, right?
With that said, let's look at a youtube video from America's Pet Registry and see what they have to say.
So....let's recap what this means.
- Clearly states that America's Pet Registry Inc is against this initiative? Check.
- Clear distaste for the name "puppy mill cruelty act"? Check.
- Clear reasoning as to why voters should vote no? UNCHECK.
And in regards to the name "puppy mill cruelty act," the dispute was settled after the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners sued Secretary of State Robin Carnahan in May 2010 claiming that the term was misleading to voters. In August 2010 Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetum upheld the ballot language and said that the term was fair and accurate. Furthermore, the judge made sure to note that "puppy mill cruelty" was quoted to show that the term was taken from the initiative and not from Carnahan herself. So that argument seems a bit invalid at this point.
Now, we understand that everyone needs to make a living and for some that's running animal operations. But we can't support you if you're not clear about what exactly it is you do and we will NOT support anyone who allows animal cruelty to take place. And if you don't want the initiative to take effect, then tell us something that will convince us that no change needs to be made.
That's our opinion on the issue but we'd love to hear what our readers think! Leave us a comment!
Look,
ReplyDeleteIt's not like animal cruelty is this titanic issue in Missouri these days, and the rules on the books right now are clearly enough to prevent abuse if enforced properly. The problem with Prop B is that the restrictions it's placing on breeders are bad for dogs.
The temperature issue in particular is problematic, as the highest allowable temperature is so low it gives newborn pups hypothermia.
The limit on females in a breeding facility is also totally arbitrary, and not grounded in any sort of science or rigorous study as to what number of females demarcates puppy mills from large breeding organizations.
These and other poorly thought out provisions of Prop B do more harm than real, constructive good. This isn't even going near the jobs issue. Missouri employs the most certified dog breeders in the country, and of course the job losses from this proposition could be quite large.
If puppy mills are a problem, enforcement, not new regulations, are the answer.
I wish there was a "like" button for comments. I couldn't have said it better myself, John!
ReplyDeleteProp B does nothing to stop animal abuse but only targets those who are licensed breeders by limiting the number of animals regardless of the care they receive, calls for more government regulations of an already heavily regulated industry, and will eliminate 1450 legal small businesses during an already weakened economy. It places harsh provisions on licensed breeders while exempting those who wrote the initiative that will cause the death of many puppies due to the required unfettered access to outdoors. Prop B is BAD for animals and BAD for Missouri!
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for their comments.
ReplyDeleteJohn, there are actually over 3,000 puppy mills in the state so yes, it is a big problem. I totally agree that there needs to be better enforcement with breeding facilities but I don't see the harm in having more regulations that breeders need to abide by.
And kjeeper, I agree that Prop B may not be doing enough, but I disagree that it would be doing more harm than good. What's wrong with wanting animals to have better care? Yes, some jobs might be lost, but if they follow the guidelines they won't lose their jobs.
Actually there are no laws on the books that address the degree of issues on these farms! Dogs are in WIRE CAGES at many of these puppy mills through blistering heat in the summer and cold winters. Many die. Many are "debarked" with metal tubes. The female dog can be bred EVERY TIME she goes into heat. Again NO LAW against this. They are also fed low grade food and wind up with rotted teeth due to this. Their FEET never touch the ground or grass and they spend their entire lives in small cramped cages. Dogs often lose their feet or legs trying to more about. Many get into fights. A YES ON PROP B IS CRITICAL!
ReplyDeleteWe have over 33% of all puppy mills and if these conditions persist, innocent families buy these puppies not having a clue to their background. If they follow guidelines then they won't lose their jobs. Kelly is right.
ReplyDeletePress Release
ReplyDeleteNow a person can experience the many aspects and workings of a puppy mill almost as if they were standing amidst the cages, listening to the barks. There's a terrific new and involved piece of fiction on the market entitled "A Cold Breed." It focuses on the vivid discovery, investigation, and shutdown of a realistic puppy mill. The storyline is fresh; the characters are rich; the gamut of emotions become real. A portion of every purchase is donated to the ASPCA. Swing by the author's site for good information at caseyoryan.com or stop into the author’s blog at caseyoryan.blogspot.com. Thank You for your consideration.