As we round 3rd base and start the home run stretch in this legislative session, we are spending more and more time on the floor debating and passing legislation that will result in a better Missouri.
Proposition B and the legislature’s plan to fix some of the flaws inherent in the voter-approved amendment has received a lot of media attention. For some this has become an extremely controversial subject as they disagree with the idea of changing any of the provisions contained in Prop. B. But for anyone who takes the time to look at some of the unreasonable requirements contained in the act and the damage they could do to honest and lawful dog breeders, they understand the need to fix this well-intentioned but flawed change to our constitution. These fixes are based on good old common sense.
We passed the Proposition B fix legislation last week and sent it on to the governor for his approval. The bill maintains the heart and soul of the proposition adopted by Missouri voters and even strengthens many of the protections for our canine friends. Some of the changes include requiring more inspections of dog breeding facilities each year; dramatically increasing the amount of veterinarian involvement in decisions made by and about dog breeders; and giving the Missouri Department of Agriculture additional authority to go after and shut down unlicensed breeders. The bill also would require breeders to pay fees to help generate funding for the state to hire additional inspectors. Some of the fixes made to the original language include common sense changes like removing the 50-dog limit for breeders and clarifying the penalty provisions so dog breeders aren’t sent to jail for something as simple as a dog knocking food into its water dish.
Some have tried to portray this legislation as a way to undo the will of the voters. I can tell you with certainty there isn’t a single legislator who would support a bill that would cause additional danger for an animal. However, some of the provisions in Proposition B would have done nothing less than force many reputable dog breeders out of business. The bill we passed protects the health and safety of “man’s best friend.” At the same time it allows this important industry, which employs thousands of Missourians, to continue in our state. I am confident in saying the reforms we passed put the care and health of the dog as the number one priority of any breeding facility.
Protecting dogs was not the only crucial issue we took up last week, however. We passed two proposed constitutional amendments that would give voters the chance to protect rights such as raising livestock and the right to hunt and fish from groups that may want to limit them or even take them away. If approved by the Senate, voters will have the opportunity to reaffirm those rights at the polls.
As we continue to approach home plate, more crucial issues will be debated that affect thousands of Missourians every day. I will continue to do my best to represent the people of Northwest Missouri and to help make Missouri a better place to live.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101
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