Missouri for the Dogs

Last month, Missouri passed legislation improving conditions of puppy mills.   Proposition B, as it is called, is a new measure requiring these large-scale, commercial breeding facilities to provide the necessaries of humane treatment such as food, water, shelter, and vetrinary care.  "An important step forward" Dr. Connie Meddling, a Humane Society vetrinarian called this new law, which, by the way, won't take effect until November 2011.

Puppy mills are the commerical breeding facilities that put profit above animal welfare.  These puppies are sold to places like pet stores, where shopppers might possibly be overcome by the cuteness of this "pedigree" puppy.  Breeding females are kept in cages too small to move in, and are continously bred.  There is no concern for the health of the dog.  There is no care for a dog's happiness.  There is only money.

This is no way for any animal to live.

Missouri, being the largest commercial dog breeding state, has begun to attack this practice, but its attack is a drop in a bucket.  First, the legislation will not come into effect until November 2011.  How many dogs will die in that time?  How many more will suffer through their bleak experience that can't be considered life?  The time for action is in the present, not in the future.  Even though this legislation is a year on the horizon, it could be deemed wonderful, except for its content.  Instead of putting strict limits on commercial breeding, Missouri has put generic guidelines down.  That's not to say that this isn't an amazing development, but it could use improvement.  Guidelines need to be set down for strict enforcement, because the law is useless if there is no enforcement.

But then, the act is specific and covers the basics of life.  I applaud the people who came together, the vetrinarians, the activists, and the people, to champion those who many times go ignored.  We as humans have a history of ruthlessly exploiting our environment and others.  Now, in the land of consumerism, we exploit these dogs who can't defend themselves.  Maybe we can redeem ourselves with this step- and hopefully subsequent steps- in the right direction.