High profile issues and some congressional races attract attention and money from states all across our great nation.
An issue on Missouri's November ballot is no exception. Proposition B deals with regulation of dog breeders in our state and is being promoted by the Humane Society of the United States.
Approximately 90 percent of the money spent to advocate for the proposal has come from outside Missouri.
The measure gained its place on the ballot through the initiative petition process of gathering signatures. This collection process was also funded by interests outside of Missouri.
The proposal focuses on two key requirements for breeders. The first is difficult to argue against and is already covered by current Missouri law.
It simply requires anyone breeding dogs to provide the animals with proper and adequate food, water, and shelter.
Missouri's current animal abuse laws already cover neglect and provide for substantial penalties if those laws are broken. In the interest of keeping healthy and profitable dogs, responsible breeders already follow these practices on their own accord.
The proposal also requires a certain amount of rest time between breeding cycles and medical care to be provided by a licensed veterinarian.
Dog breeders maintain they are able to attend to many medical needs themselves and being forced to use a veterinarian will do nothing except drive up the cost of doing business.
If Proposition B passes, dog breeders would be the only segment of Missouri's animal agriculture industry to be subject to these requirements.
The most controversial portion of Proposition B limits the number of breeding females to be capped at 50 dogs per owner. We know of no other segment of agriculture where limits of ownership are dictated by any governmental entity. If farmers were told they could only raise 100 acres of wheat per year or own 50 breeding cows, I would anticipate the reaction to be swift and vocal.
Although advocates of Proposition B claim they are working in the best interests of the animals, the proposal only applies to licensed and regulated breeders.
If an individual is not a breeder, they are exempt from the provisions even if their animals live in substandard conditions. In this case, Missouri's current laws apply, just as they already apply to anyone owning animals of any kind.
As usual, I can be reached at State Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or 573-751-2076, or [email protected] for your questions, comments, or advice.
State Sen. Carl Vogel, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 6th District.