Mo. adopts new laws to clarify Prop B

Missouri’s controversial anti-puppy mill law, "Proposition B," has been altered by two state senate bills signed into law last week, reports the Bolivar (Mo.) Herald-Free Press.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed SB 161 and SB 113 into law on the same day. SB 113 was designed to clarify that Proposition B refers to dogs only, and not other animals, and to reduce restrictions on small business owners who breed dogs.

SB 161 was also introduced as a compromise legislation, which would require certain extra measures to ensure breeding dogs’ welfare.

This bill changes Proposition B and clarifies several terms including:

  • "Adequate rest between breeding cycles:" now means at a minimum, ensuring that a female dog is not bred to produce more litters in any given time period than what is recommended by a licensed veterinarian as appropriate for the species, age, and health of the dog;
  • "Necessary veterinary care:" now means prompt treatment of any serious illness or injury by a licensed veterinarian and humane euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian when needed;
  • "Sufficient food and clean water:" now means access to nutritious food at least twice a day instead of once a day and water that is not frozen and is generally free of debris, feces, algae, and other contaminants.

The new law also requires a phase-in of additional space requirements beginning in 2012. Wire strand flooring will be prohibited for any enclosure newly constructed after April 15, 2011, and for all enclosures as of Jan. 1, 2016, when they must meet the flooring standard established by the Department of Agriculture.

NEWStat Legislation & regulation