Puppy mill bill measures have been distorted

The Jan. 27 Iowa Farm Bureau periodical, Spokesman, includes an article titled “Proactive animal care effort offers lessons for all,” in which the article's author, Teresa Bjork, writes: “Many states, including Iowa, are facing legislative efforts to limit livestock production practices. For example, animal rights groups are trying to regulate or outlaw dog kennels.”

First, the above conflates regulation of companion animals with livestock production. This is wrong, but the above implies there's a direct and threatening connection. There is no link, and it's deceitful to imply that there is. The puppy mill bill before the Iowa Legislature specifically states it has nothing to do with livestock regulation in any form, nor are there any intentions of doing so in the future. The primary organization involved in pushing for the bill is named Iowa Voters for Companion Animals because companion animals are its focus.

Second, the article states that concerned Iowans are attempting to “regulate or outlaw” dog kennels. Wrong. The bill specifically applies regulation only to those dog breeders who attract complaints about the conditions in their facilities.

The full text of the bill, Iowa HSB 604, can be accessed at www.legis.state.ia.us Search for HSB 604 in the Quick Find box.

Mistakes like those above can and should be avoided so an honest debate about the issues can be undertaken by all parties.

Iowa needs the very basic regulations called for in the puppy mill bill.

Christian Schoon

Cedar Rapids