House Committee approves unlimited dogs in licensed breeding facilities

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Intro:	Just months after voters passed Proposition B to impose stricter regulations on dog breeders, the House Agriculture Policy Committee passed a bill repealing a restriction. Meghann Mollerus has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: The bill would repeal the limit on the number of dogs breeders can have.

Also, dogs would not have to be seen by a licensed veterinarian unless they are sick or injured.

Sedalia Representative Stanley Cox is the bill's sponsor.

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Description: "There's a really good argument that you should not take away from certainly people who do a good job of breeding animals, raising puppies...you should not take away their livelihood."

Cox's argument is opposed by the Missourians for the Protection of Dogs, which says the bill essentially guts what voters wanted with Prop. B.

The organization says the bill promotes grounds for animal neglect.

From the State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro:	A House Committee passed a bill lifting a significant Proposition B regulation approved by Missouri voters. Meghann Mollerus has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:41
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The bill says there is no limit on the number of dogs licensed breeders can have for breeding purposes.

Also, dogs do not have to be seen by a licensed veterinarian unless they have an injury or illness.

Barb Schmitz with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs says the bill essentially guts Prop. B.

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Description: "It goes through and systematically undercuts every single important measure that would protect dogs, and it actually removes the protections from proposition B and puts us back under the standards under pre-proposition B law."

On the other side,the Sedalia bill sponsor says the new bill protects both the breeders and dogs.

From the State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.

Intro:	A House Committee voted Tuesday to lift a Proposition B regulation on the 50 dogs breeders can have at their facilities. Meghann Mollerus has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:41
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The bill would have no limit on the number of dogs a facility can have.

Also, dogs would not have to be seen by a licensed veterinarian unless they have an illness or injury.

Barb Schmitz with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs says she wants Representatives to honor the voters' wishes and not amend Prob. B so soon.

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Description: "For folks who are saying there's some sort of mysterious problem with it, I think it's way too early for us to know that. Let's let it take effect. If there's some sort of problem, then it'll become apparent, and it can be fixed then."

On the other side, the Sedalia bill sponsor says the bill protects both dogs and an industry and does not deprive breeders of their livelihood.

From the State Capitol, I'm Meghann Mollerus.