ST. LOUIS (AP) - The number of dog breeders in Missouri is on the decline since the state has begun enforcing tougher standards and regulations.
The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation tells KMOX Radio (http://cbsloc.al/qE5JO7 ) that more than 500 commercial kennels have closed in Missouri since January 2009. That is when animal welfare groups launched a statewide ballot campaign aimed at cleaning up the state's dog breeding industry and ridding Missouri of so-called "puppy mills."
The initiative ultimately led to a compromise on new standards enacted earlier this year.
Alliance director Bob Baker says the reduction in kennels is evidence that many were simply out for a quick buck.
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Information from: KMOX-AM, http://www.kmox.com