The size of dog cages would be regulated under a new law scheduled to take effect in Missouri this fall. (Photo by T. Rob Brown/Joplin, Mo., Globe)

CNHI News Service

JOPLIN, Mo. - New, tougher dog breeding regulations approved by Missouri voters in November are under fire in the state Legislature before they even take effect.

More than 15 bills have been introduced to either repeal or change the regulations aimed at preventing the operation of so-called puppy mills.

The stricter rules were part of a citizens petition law that passed by a 52 percent margin in last fall's election. They are scheduled to take effect this fall.

The law establishes a 50-dog breeding limit and also sets rules for cage sizes, breeding cycles, weather protection and dog exercising.

Several legislators said the regulations are too restrictive and could end up destroying the state's dog breeding industry.

"We need to control the industry, not get rid of the industry," said State Rep. Bill White of Joplin.

State Rep. Tom Flanigan of Carthage questioned whether the public understood the severity of the rules on dog breeders. Among other things, he said, the 50 dog limit needs to be repealed.

But Barbara Schmitz, Missouri director of the U.S. Humane Society, said the regulations were thoroughly debated during the fall election campaign and should not be changed.

"There is a larger issue at stake here: basic democratic values," said Schmitz. "Voters statewide had a chance to voice their opinions."

She said opponents of the law "are simply seeking a do-over."
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Details for this story were provided by The Joplin, Mo., Globe.