March 19, 2024

More state oversight sought on puppy mills

Several activists support SF 347

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Mary LaHay knows there are hard-working people at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s why she’s pushing for state legislation that would give Iowa more control over the dog-breeding industry than federal oversight likely could provide.

“There are breeders who are clearly breaking the law, but they’re never charged,” LaHay said. “We are one of the few states without an agency to specifically enforce breeding codes and ordinances, and we don’t really have one.”

LaHay is the president and founder of Iowa Voters for Companion Animals, which has supporters in Jasper County. She’s gone to great lengths to try to spearhead efforts like the passage of SF 347, which win bring in some sweeping state-oversight reforms of dog breeders, and has made appearances on a TV program and at the Newton Daily News office to carry that message.

State Rep. Dan Kelley has spoken out against puppy mills in the past, and for the need to government to take responsible action. He is in favor of SF 347, a bill introduced in the Senate, but he can’t do much with it unless it’s approved by the Senate and sent to Kelley’s chamber.

“I am working to ensure that all companion animals bred and raised in Iowa are both healthy and safe,” Kelley said. “It is critical that we crack down on the bad actors in the breeding industry while protecting the responsible breeders. I want the bill to pass through the Senate so I can vote in favor in the House.”

Sen. Matt McCoy, whose territory is in the West Des Moines area, wrote and introduced SF 347 on March 2, but it has been stuck in a subcommittee since March 15.

LaHay said that if the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship could gain authority ahead of the USDA as a state overseer and enforcer regarding animal breeding, breeders could be forced to shape up or shut down. SF 347 is an elaborate measure that contains definitions of terms such as animal sanctuary rescue and shelter.

Here are some of the important provisions in the proposed bill:

• Breeders would be prohibited from also operating, owning or having a controlling interest in an animal shelter.

• A schedule of fees would be established for breeders, animal shelters, pet stores, research facilities and other businesses, nonprofit organizations and others dealing with animals to support requirements in the bill.

• Iowa pet stores would be required to buy animals only from licensed breeders only.

• Facilities would be required to produce the most recent USDA or state inspection report to anyone purchasing a dog from an inspected facility.

• The legislature must fully fund the animal rescue remediation fund each cycle.

Paula Arkema is a Kellogg resident who supports SF 347.

“A little over a year ago, we (my family) adopted a dog that did not come from a breeder, but that did come out of a severe neglect situation,” Arkema said. “We are still dealing with the aftermath of that.”

Another Newton resident, Nancy Henderson, said the majority of the public is still unaware of puppy mill issues.

“I’ve loved animals all of my life,” Henderson said. “Animals give you so much love and loyalty, and they deserve some in return. I think if more people know what goes on at some kennels, they would all rally around it.”

Darcy Shaw of Newton said she got involved after seeing a firsthand result from a breeder.

“I wish we didn’t have to think about this,” Shaw said. “If breeders really cared about dogs more than profit, this wouldn’t be a problem. The standards are really too minimal, and some breeders can’t even maintain those.”

The main Jasper County facility mentioned by anyone interviewed for this article is Cline’s Hilltop Kennel. David Cline and Joane Cline, whose names are listed on several USDA inspection reports, did not return calls for this story. The kennel has been cited several times over the past four years, including sanitization and housing citations were listed on a Dec. 4, 2014 inspection.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, Iowa is one of only seven states that don’t consider animal cruelty a felony on the first offense. LaHay said getting inspections and fines to happen isn’t the challenge; she said facilities are rarely shut down, and an agency that is more centered on animal safety and enforcement, rather than agricultural production, would be more effective.

“It’s the Animal Welfare act — not the keep-them-in-business act,” she said.

LaHay said getting the word out about puppy mills is an important key.

“Most people think inhumane dog breeding takes place somewhere else,” she said. “Once I tell people how bad it is here in Iowa, they won’t put up with it.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com