In support of Missouri's Proposition B

On November 2, 2010 Missourians will have the chance to vote on, Proposition B, legislation designed to improve conditions for dogs in large-scale breeding facilities - 10 breeding dogs or more. If passed, operators will be required to provide basic care to the dogs they own. Basic care is defined as:

• yearly veterinary care, prompt attention for injury or illness
  
• clean cages
• sufficient space in cages
• proper food
• clean water
• shelter from the elements (it can get very hot and very cold in Missouri)
• exercise
• a break from breeding between heat cycles (no more than two litters in 18 months).

Operations will also be limited to 50 "covered" (older than six months with intact sexual organs) dogs.

(If you've been living under a rock (or in a very small cage) you might not know that Missouri produces about a third of the puppies born in America.)

Various groups are against this legislation - I've included some of the more interesting comments. Please don't just read the comments out of context, click on a few of the links too.

The Tea Bag Party - "The society (HSUS) seeks only to raise the cost of breeding dogs, making it ever-more difficult for middle-class American families to be dog-owners."

Missouri Federation of Animal Owners - "Our goal has always been and shall always be to protect the rights of animal owners and enthusiasts against the devastating effects of the animal rights movement."

United For Missouri - "... Proposition B is an economic question as well as one of basic liberty."

Missouri Farm Bureau - "HSUS has introduced Proposition B as a means of eliminating the legal, licensed professional dog breeders in Missouri."

Missouri Veterinary Medical Association - "The issue of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act has come about because breeding facilities that are unlicensed are not being regulated or inspected."

The Alliance for Truth - "It is not unusual for outside interests to try to impose their will on the people of Missouri."

The American Kennel Club - "... (the provisions in) Missouri Proposition B do absolutely nothing to improve the wellbeing of animals; instead, it would add excessive expenses to responsible breeders who strive to produce well-bred family pets."

Missouri Pet Breeders Association: News - No comment

Personally... well you probably know how I feel about this legislation. I won't try to sway you - yet - just look at the arguments put forth by those who oppose Proposition B. I wanted to give them their day in court, let their side be heard. Next time, I'll discuss each of their positions, as I see them.

(And notice please that I didn't use the emotionally-charged phrase usually associated with this issue. You know the one I mean....)