Have you kicked a puppy today?

by: Michael Bersin

Fri Sep 24, 2010 at 16:35:26 PM CDT

Note the cute dog graphic. A "no" vote is for those who think that puppy mills as they currently exist in Missouri don't need any more regulation.

Official Ballot Title
Proposition B

[....]

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 reduced animal care activities.

Fair Ballot Language:

A "yes" vote will amend Missouri law 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.  The amendment further prohibits any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets.  The amendment also creates a misdemeanor crime of "puppy mill cruelty" for any violations.

A "no" vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding dog breeders.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

The Humane Society, interfering fly by night radicals that they are, believes a "yes" vote is the right thing to do:

...Prop B will not shut down all puppy mills in Missouri. But it will require that breeders maintain certain humane care standards, and if past patterns hold, a fair number of them won't be interested in complying. They turn hefty profits by cutting corners-not providing sufficient space for the animals, denying them veterinary care, and starving them of human affection and attention. If they weren't able to cut so many corners, many of them would no longer be in the business, since they wouldn't realize the profits they counted on...

Ah, such a choice - profits or humanity? It'll be telling to find out which of the two the voters of Missouri will choose in November.