Stronger laws regarding ‘puppy mills’

Animal advocates say Iowa is one of the worst states for 'puppy mills” - large-scale dog breeding operations that treat animals inhumanely in their pursuit of profit.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates Iowa is home to about 200 of the country's more than 2,100 commercial breeders. Of those 200 Iowa breeding operations, 11 made the group's 'Horrible Hundred” list for 2015, making Iowa the country's fourth worst for 'puppy mills.”

The Humane Society defines a puppy mill as 'a dog breeding operation offering dogs for monetary compensation, in which the physical, psychological, and/or behavior needs of the dogs are not being fulfilled due to inadequate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care and/or inappropriate breeding.”

Allowing unscrupulous breeders to freely operate doesn't only cause animals to suffer, it unfairly penalizes the overwhelming majority of Iowa dog breeders who operate humane breeding operations.

Although there are state and federal laws on the books requiring commercial dog breeders to meet certain minimum standards of operation, we believe more could be done in our state to protect responsible breeders while weeding out bad actors.

The Puppy Mill Bill, House File 2280, passed in 2010 and gave the Iowa Department of Agriculture increased oversight of the USDA-licensed facilities. There have been several attempts to strengthen the law, including current legislation, Senate File 502, which would increase state oversight of large non-agricultural animal breeders and increase sanctions for those that don't meet minimum standards.

The bill would grant the Iowa Department of Agriculture the power to perform inspections of large commercial dog breeders and give the department authority to suspend or revoke the license of operators that don't comply with the law.

The bill also would allow state and county prosecutors to bring criminal action against violators. It would exempt hobby and other specialized breeders from oversight intended to zero in on bad actors.

Iowa's reputation as a haven for 'puppy mill” operators is nothing to be proud of.

State lawmakers should take up the issue next legislative session.

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