How can Missouri lawmakers allow puppy mills to continue?
Missouri is principally an agricultural state. Agricultural interests – even those unrelated to puppy mills – have a strong voice in the legislature and oppose measures that tend to further regulate agricultural pursuits. For instance, in 2001, a bill was proposed that would tax “commercial breeders” $1 per puppy sold. The money would be earmarked to additional inspectors. Because of the lobbying efforts of the Missouri Pet Breeders Association, and others, the bill never made it out of committee. Missouri leads the nation in “commercial breeding” facilities and these facilities contribute significant wealth to the state.
