ASPCA has recently revealed some good news from the state of Missouri that promotes more humane treatment of dogs within the state’s large-scale commercial dog kennels. On Tuesday, August 3, the Missouri Secretary of State’s office certified the initiative for more humane treatment towards dogs in large-scale commercial dog kennels and therefore, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act will appear on Missouri’s November ballot as “Proposition B.”
The good news for this initiative is that if Proposition B is passed by voters this November, than the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act will unquestionably improve the lives of not only thousands of dogs in Missouri’s commercial kennels, but furthermore, this act has the potential to set the precedent for other states and improve the lives of dogs nationwide.
Essentially, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act has the power to improve the lives of dogs because it will require that large-scale breeding facilities provide all dogs under their care with sufficient conditions for healthy breeding. These conditions include: adequate food and clean water, necessary veterinary care, ample housing and space, and access to regular exercise and play time.
Missouri does not stand alone in this initiative, as ASPCA points out, the two largest dog-breeding states in the nation: Iowa and Oklahoma, both enacted puppy mill legislation earlier this year. In addition, 10 states have approved legislation to address puppy mill problems.
This specific example of Missouri taking steps in the right direction toward implementing guidelines towards humane treatment of puppies, one can hope becomes indicative of how other states, organizations, and individuals will come to recognize the significance of keeping animals safe and healthy throughout the country. As general awareness grows, hopefully more changes will be put into practice that require more humane conditions for breeding puppies and other victorious stories will be shared.