Dog breeding is big business in Iowa. The state has the third largest companion animal breeding industry in the nation. Animal advocates say for some breeders, the business aspect comes before the well being of the animals. In those cases, they believe the state needs to do more to protect dogs living in so called puppy mills. "We're too easy, we're too lenient," says Iowa Humane Society Director Carol Griglione.
Iowa lawmakers met with animal advocates and breeders at the statehouse today. A legislative study committee is gathering input from both sides about the problem of puppy mills in the state.
Under current Iowa law, state inspectors do not have the authority to investigate federally licensed animal facilities. Four hundred twenty four breeders have USDA licenses. The Companion Animal Protection Society showed undercover video living in poor conditions. "We're certainly not trying to outlaw dog breeding by any means, but what we're trying to do is say when there is what we call a puppy mill and conditions are bad and animals are not in good situations that we can get something done and put an end to those types of facilities in the state of Iowa," says Griglione.
The Iowa Pet Breeders Association says it would support state inspections when there are legitimate complaints. "We don't have a problem with the state oversight from the State Department of Agriculture or IDOLS as long as its a legitimate complaint, eye witness complaint, complainant that's willing to sign an affidavit," says former breeder Rob Hurd.
Iowa lawmakers met with animal advocates and breeders at the statehouse today. A legislative study committee is gathering input from both sides about the problem of puppy mills in the state.
Under current Iowa law, state inspectors do not have the authority to investigate federally licensed animal facilities. Four hundred twenty four breeders have USDA licenses. The Companion Animal Protection Society showed undercover video living in poor conditions. "We're certainly not trying to outlaw dog breeding by any means, but what we're trying to do is say when there is what we call a puppy mill and conditions are bad and animals are not in good situations that we can get something done and put an end to those types of facilities in the state of Iowa," says Griglione.
The Iowa Pet Breeders Association says it would support state inspections when there are legitimate complaints. "We don't have a problem with the state oversight from the State Department of Agriculture or IDOLS as long as its a legitimate complaint, eye witness complaint, complainant that's willing to sign an affidavit," says former breeder Rob Hurd.
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