THE GAZETTE’S EDITORIAL
Protecting puppies
Puppy breeding and sales are a big business for Americans, with an estimated 3 million to 4 million puppies sold annually, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Iowa accounts for a big chunk of that canine industry, ranking third nationally in the number of breeders and sales, behind Missouri and Oklahoma.
Responsible breeders abound. But animal rights activists say Iowa also ranks No. 3 nationally in the number of large-scale breeding operations known as puppy mills, facilities known for their stacked wire cages and little or no chance for young dogs to exercise or interact with humans.
Legislation that would strengthen protection for these dogs has taken a roller-coaster ride through the Statehouse in recent weeks. This week, the road to puppy protection looks more promising.
Animal rights advocates have lobbied lawmakers and the public with photos of mistreated dogs at federally inspected and licensed facilities. These breeding operations are unchecked in Iowa, they say, stymied by too few U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors and lax law that doesn’t allow state inspection of federally licensed facilities — even when complaints are received. Even the USDA acknowledges it could use some help. A USDA official told a legislative subcommittee that federal inspectors are responsible for policing nearly 400 commercial dog breeders in Iowa.
Thus, violations can go unchecked for years, with dogs in puppy mills living packed in feces-filled cages, said Mary LaHay, a Des Moines resident and animal rights activist. Dogs are being shot instead of euthanized, she said.
So it was good news when lawmakers listened to resident groups like LaHay’s Iowa Voters for Companion Animals, proposing legislation to give Iowa Department of Agriculture investigators authority to investigate complaints.
But bad news came when the legislation, after passing the scrutiny of the public safety committee and becoming eligible for House debate, was waylaid by the House Ag Committee, then de moted and stalled in a subcommittee.
Critics worried about frivolous complaints and the cost of adding state inspectors. But private donors are offering to fund salaries. And legit breeders would benefit, it seems, from the weeding out of unscrupulous competition.
The bill’s apparent rescue came last week, when House Speaker Pat Murphy used his authority to pull the puppy mill bill out of committee, making it eligible for debate in the Iowa House, where the bill is thought to have overwhelming support.
But don’t celebrate just yet. The puppy mill bill debate has yet to be scheduled. And lawmakers can let a bill die on the calendar. This one is worthy of some fight.

I think they should all be banished. That's where Chevy and Hemi came from.

Jonah came from Iowa too. We feel like we rescued him because he had pneumonia when we got him and we forced the store to cover his expenses (4500.00). If we had not acquired him I'm sure they would have euthanized him. We didn't know about puppy mills then and I guess I'm glad we didn't cause we think he is great. But they should be banned.