Missouri Senate passes bill easing Proposition B restrictions on dog breeders

The Missouri Senate removed a year's worth of efforts to restrict Missouri dog
breeders by passing a bill that dilutes most Proposition B restrictions.

The bill, passed with a vote of 20-14, removes the measure's limitation on 50 dogs
in breeding facilities and also dissolves requirements for bigger cage sizes.

Missourians voted 52 percent in favor of Proposition B in November general election.

Since then, some lawmakers have argued voters were unaware that the measures passed
in Prop. B were harming good breeders and a legitimate industry in the state.

Humane Society spokeswoman Barb Schmitz said this isn't true.

"The issue was thoroughly debated for a year," Schmitz said. "Voters knew what they
were doing. And if lawmakers are really intent on overturning the will of the
people, then I find that extremely disappointing."

Sen. John Lamping, R-St. Louis County, warned there is a problem with easing the
restrictions Missourians voted to pass with Proposition B.

"There's a risk to legislating this way, by proposition," he said. "I think I'm
quite confident that my district read the bill, did their best to understand the
bill and voted their will. I think this is a very dangerous way to legislate."

Sen. Maria Chappell-Nadal, D-St. Louis County, voted against changing the law, but
she acknowledged supporters' arguments about voter confusion in November.

"Proposition B does not deal with pounds, yet it is messaged to our constituents
that Proposition B is saving puppies," she said.

The bill now will be sent to the House for debate. If it passes, it will be sent to
the governor to sign into law.