Opposition to "puppy mill" law remains strong

JACKSON, MO (KRCU) - The debate over the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act is not quite over. Even though Missouri voters narrowly approved the proposition last November, lawmakers are scurrying to introduce bills to repeal or amend the law.

Representative Donna Lichtenegger thinks that the proposition campaign was deceptive and that voters confused the Humane Society of the United States with the local animal shelters that bear the same name. Lichtenegger says that the Humane Society of the United States is an extremist outside group that is dedicated to changing animal agriculture.

“There have been indications that they are going to come out against other farm animals within our state. And we are one of the top ag states in the country. We’re fighting for our rights here,” Lichtenegger said.

The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act sets limits on the number of breeding females that a dog breeder can have at any given time and establishes standards of care for dogs in breeding facilities.

Lichtenegger will hold a town hall meeting about the law tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Missouri Extension in Jackson.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: agriculture,Donna Lichtenegger,Jacob McCleland,Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act