Wednesday, November 17, 2010

You've Got To Admire Bob Barker......

Proposition B was supported by animal welfare groups from all across the state

The assertion by the dog breeders' representative that they were attacked by out-of-state animal rights groups could not be farther from the truth ("Contempt," Nov. 9).

Proposition B was supported by animal welfare groups from across the state, including the Humane Society of Missouri, Wayside Waifs (Kansas City), Central Missouri Humane Society, Humane Society of Southwest Missouri (Springfield), Stray Rescue of St. Louis and the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation.

The cruelties associated with puppy mills is an animal welfare issue, not an animal rights issue. Proposition B still will permit kennels to breed dogs. Proposition B will ensure the humane treatment of dogs confined at large breeding operations. It will ensure veterinary care, access to water and nutritious food and adequate living space and exercise. This is about the welfare of dogs and has strong support among all Missouri animal-welfare advocates.

Proposition B was endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth. The wife of U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, Linda, served on the Puppy Mill Reform Committee, which helped advance Proposition B.

Missouri Attorney Gen. Chris Koster said that plans to overturn voter approval of new rules to rein in puppy mills would probably fail because the language is not as overreaching as some opponents have claimed.

All Missourians should be proud that we have reasonable welfare standards in place to protect dogs.

Bob Baker • St. Louis Executive Director, Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation

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