A Missouri House committee is taking up a proposal to overturn a new dog-breeding law approved by state voters last year.
A bill by House Republican Tony Dugger, of Hartville, calls for the repeal of Proposition B, which was endorsed by 52 percent of Missouri voters in November 2010. A House committee planned to debate Dugger's bill Tuesday.
The voter-backed law limits dog breeders to 50 animals and requires daily feeding, annual veterinary care and greater access to outdoor exercise. It's scheduled to take effect later this year.
The ballot initiative was backed by national animal rights groups critical of the state's reputation as the "puppy mill capital." Agricultural groups and other opponents say the changes will punish law-abiding breeders and could lead to further efforts to restrict livestock production in Missouri.