The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Update: Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 12:50 p.m.

Missouri will have tighter regulations on dog breeders under a ballot measure approved Tuesday.

Proposition B establishes new rules for dog breeding in a state that has drawn national attention for a high number of so-called "puppy mills."

The measure requires anyone who has more than 10 breeding dogs to meet certain standards for housing, food and veterinary care. Owners will be limited to no more than 50 breeding dogs.

Opponents had warned that Proposition B would affect licensed dog breeders that follow the rules and could make it more expensive to buy pet dogs. Others feared the measure could be a precursor to additional regulations for animal agriculture.

See the results for the vote here 

Original Story:

A ballot initiative in Missouri that would create stricter laws for commercial dog breeders has pitted animal rights activists who call Missouri the "puppy mill capital of the nation" against those who claim the measure could put breeders out of business.

Proposition B ballot initiative reads as follows:

Shall Missouri law be amended to: 

   -require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles;

   -prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and

   -create a misdemeanor crime of “puppy mill cruelty” for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduce animal care activities.