Proposition B is the first step in an attempt to end animal agriculture in the state of Missouri. There are over 100,000 farmers in this state – many of them raise livestock. In the words of the organizations that sponsored the measure – the Humane Society:
“My goal is the abolition of all animal agriculture.”
— John “J.P.” Goodwin, HSUS grassroots coordinator, statement made on AR-Views, an animal rights internet discussion group
“If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.”
— Wayne Pacelle, president of HSUS, Associated Press
“The life of an ant and that of my child should be granted equal consideration.”
— Michael W. Fox, HSUS senior scholar, Associated Press
This week the Missouri House passed a measure that would actually make it harder to operate a puppy mill in this state. Our bill, unlike the humane society’s proposition, increases the cost of obtaining a dog breeder’s license in Missouri, and uses that money to increase inspections. Bad people will always do bad things. The current “puppy mills” in Missouri are already operating in violation of our laws. Missouri’s “Operation Bark Alert” is already catching hundreds of illegal breeders and rescuing thousands of dogs. Since the launch of Operation Bark Alert, more than 4,300 dogs have been rescued in across Missouri. In 2009, Missouri saw a decrease of 164 commercial breeders thanks to Operation Bark Alert. In 2010, the trend continued with more than 200 commercial breeders no longer in business in Missouri. This was without the measures in proposition B, designed to end animal farming. We can stop illegal breeders from operating here without hurting legitimate businesses. The Humane Society thinks we cannot legitimately raise animals for food; they think animals are equal to humans. This is insane. Most of Missouri’s dog breeders are small family operations that raise dogs because they love them, and they want to supplement their income. Proposition B will literally put them out of business – while those already operating illegally will continue to do so. Unchanged, Proposition B hurts all dog breeders. Our proposal increases funding to look for puppy mills and shut them down without hurting legitimate farmers. If you suspect someone is operating an illegal puppy mill and want to help us shut them down, you can report unlicensed breeders to state officials at from operation bark alert at:http://mda.mo.gov/animals/ACFA/barkalert/reportbreeder.php
The Missouri Legislature also passed HB 209, the Agriculture Nuisance Reform Act, by a vote of 110-45 that will protect Missouri farm families and farms from the continued onslaught of lawsuits from out-of-state lawyers. Animal production is under constant attack from out-of-state lawyers who simply want to ruin the state's agriculture industry, kill thousands of jobs, and destroy hundreds of rural communities. I am proud that Missouri Legislators, both urban and rural, republican and democrat, stood together to protect our agriculture industry, the jobs it creates, and the rural farming heritage that is the foundation of our state's economic and social well-being. Today's reforms will protect jobs, farms, and future generations who want to continue farming without harming the legitimate rights of adjoining property owners.
As always, feel free to contact me anytime with your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 573.751.4285 and my email is Casey.Guernsey@house.mo.gov.
