Landmark Agreement Restores
Core Prop B Dog Care
Priorities
The Humane Society of Missouri has entered into a
landmark agreement regarding a compromise on the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention
Act, better known as Proposition B. In cooperation with Governor Jay
Nixon, Dr. Jon Hagler of the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), the
Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation (MAAL) as well as the pet breeder and
farm groups, we worked diligently to reach an agreement which restores many of the core
provisions of Proposition B.
The
most important of our dog care priorities that will be restored include:
|
Priority
#1
|
An
annual veterinarian
examination of each dog; dogs with a serious illness or
injury receive prompt
treatment by a veterinarian.
|
|
Priority
#2
|
Improved
living space.
By Jan. 1, 2012 each dog
will have:
-twice
the space currently required
-a solid surface
on which to lay down
By Jan. 1, 2016 each
dog will have:
-three
times the space currently required
-constant and unfettered access
to an outdoor exercise run
-no wire strand
flooring
|
|
Priority
#3
|
Access to nutritious
food at least twice a day.
Continuous access to clean, unfrozen water
generally free of contaminants.
|
Concurrent with this agreement is a proposed provision for funding additional inspectors and
veterinarians to help ensure the humane treatment of dogs in
commercial breeding operations.
This agreement will be submitted to the Missouri
General Assembly for what we hope will be quick passage.
There is no doubt these discussions and this
agreement would never have taken place without the considerable and significant
efforts of the Missourians for the Protection of Dogs coalition and all
organizations and individuals who have worked so hard to make a difference for puppy
mill dogs. Your efforts have markedly raised public awareness about Missouri’s
puppy mill problem, enabled the successful effort to place Proposition B on the
ballot, achieved a victory in November 2010 and subsequently, vigorously
defended the core provisions of Proposition B.
If this proposed legislation is approved, we can
move forward assisting MDA and other state and local agencies as they enforce
these new standards to ensure a better life for dogs in commercial breeding
facilities.
The Humane Society of Missouri is proud to be on
the front lines of this effort and we promise to keep fighting every day for
all abused, neglected and abandoned animals. |
