JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Update: Friday, January 28th at 11:20 a.m.:
A Missouri Senate panel has given its approval to a bill changing the state law for dog breeders, Proposition B.
The Senate agriculture committee endorsed legislation Thursday that would modify a ballot measure approved by voters in November.
The bill would delete the limit of 50 dogs per breeder and give licensed breeders up to 180 days to correct serious violations before they face criminal charges.
The measure would still require veterinarians to do an onsite examination of the dogs at least once per year. Veterinarians would also care for seriously injured dogs and euthanizing them, if necessary.
The legislation next goes to the full Senate.
We first told you about Proposition B last year. The debate in Mid-Missouri started picking up a few months before the November elections when the President of the Humane Society of the United States came to Columbia to speak on the issue. His arrival was met with both protestors and supporters.
In November, the measure passed with 52% voter approval. Early results looked as though the measure would fail, but later in the night as more votes were tallied; it passed.
As the issue continues to get attention in the Missouri Legislature; it continues to garner the attention of Missourians, we well. You can read the comments below and post your own about the issue.
A Letter to the Editor at the St. Louis Post Dispatch talks about the lack of respect lawmakers have for the will of the voters by wanting to overhaul a voter approved measure.
We want to know what you think. Is it an issue of democracy? Dogs? Business? Let us know by posting a comment below.
Original Story:
Hundreds of dog owners and animal rights activists packed a Missouri House hearing Tuesday as lawmakers considered whether to repeal or roll back a law regulating dog breeders that voters approved last year.
A bill by House Republican Tony Dugger, of Hartville, would repeal Proposition B, which was endorsed by 52 percent of Missouri voters last November. Two other legislative proposals would scale back changes in the law.
That is exactly what dog breeder Barb York wants to happen. She said she will be put out of business, “Oh absolutely, I would definitely be put out of business, the cost of rebuilding our facilities is so cost prohibitive that we would never be able to do that, and even if I was able to get a loan at the bank, 50 dogs will not pay the bill."
York and others said voters were mislead and they didn't know what they were voting for last November.
Karen Strange is the President of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners. She said, "The voters did vote in November but I do believe that a lot of what they heard in the campaign was not necessarily factual".
Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, Executive Director, Bob Baker responded to Strange's comment, he said, "I think the truth is on our side. This is strictly about dogs. I think for some reason their main concern, is that for some reason, this is about agriculture and that we want to shut down agriculture in the state, and if nothing else I do feel confident that they know that we are only here to talk about dogs."
Those who want to keep Proposition B in place like the voters intended said “the people have spoken”.
Ed Storey said, "These animals need help, this is a morality problem, most of the people here today were here from an investment stand point".
The new 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 initiative was backed by national animal rights groups. Agricultural groups and other opponents contend the changes will punish law-abiding breeders and could lead to other efforts to restrict livestock production in Missouri.
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