Mayer: Senate Advances Measure to Go After Unlicensed Dog Breeders in Missouri

Bill Strengthens Proposition B Provisions Passed by Voters

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Senate gave second round approval today advancing a measure that would create a new crime targeting unlicensed dog breeders, as well as strengthening the guidelines and increasing the number of inspections of licensed dog breeders in Missouri. Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, sponsored Senate Bill 113 & 95. The bill now moves to the House for similar consideration.

Parson said the bill keeps the heart of the proposition Missouri voters adopted by strengthening provisions and inspections of licensed dog breeders and cracking down on unlicensed breeders. It is estimated there are more than 1,500 unlicensed breeding facilities in Missouri.

“We all want puppies and dogs to be bred and raised under healthy and safe conditions,” said Parson. “That is why we have created a new crime and funding mechanism to hire more inspectors to go after and shut down unlicensed breeders in our state. We also build on the will of the people by making sure licensed breeders must follow common-sense guidelines to protect the health and well-being of their dogs and new puppies.”

Senate Bill 113 & 95 allows the Missouri Department of Agriculture to refer cases of unlicensed breeders to the Attorney General, circuit attorney, or local prosecutor. It also makes it a crime to operate without a license, with punishment ranging up to a Class A Misdemeanor. Parson said the bill also raises the cap on the license fee for breeders from $500 to $2,500, and creates an additional fee of $25 per breeding facility to fund Operation Bark Alert. The fee structure funding would potentially go to hiring an additional five inspectors to join the department’s current staff of twelve inspectors.

“This legislation will truly make a difference as it gives the Dept. of Agriculture every tool they need to combat bad operators, and go after unlicensed facilities,” said Parson.

Parson said the bill also dramatically increases veterinarian involvement. It requires breeders to consult veterinarians to determine how often a dog can breed and must have a veterinarian approved exercise plan for each dog. Stacked cages would be allowed, but only if they include an impenetrable barrier keeping waste and fluids from dropping on the dog below.

The bill also requires breeding facilities to keep sale and veterinarian records for two years on every dog, and make them available to Dept. of Agriculture inspectors upon request. The measure also changes the definition of "pet" to only apply to dogs.

Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, said it was important to clarify provisions in Proposition B.

“These common-sense changes will protect the health and safety of ‘man’s best friend,’ while allowing this important industry to continue in Missouri,” said Mayer. “It reforms the industry by making the care and health of the dog the number one priority of any breeding facility.”