MASON CITY, IA--
A victory is on the horizon for Iowa dog advocates. Governor Chet Culver is expected to sign the 'puppy mill bill' on Tuesday.The legislation will increase the breeder's license fee from $20 to $175. Pet shops and shelters could also be affected.
We spoke with one local pet shop owner about what to look for in puppy breeders. “What I look for is somebody who cares about the pet, you know they're not in it just for money,” said Penny Plagge, the owner of Feathers and More in Mason City. “If you're in it just for money then probably it's not going to be as good a deal as you think.”
Plagge says the bill won't really affect her shop.
The executive director of the North Iowa Humane Society says the legislation is intended to help cut down on the inhumane treatment some dogs receive. “Last year the four hundred plus puppy mills in the state of Iowa, 59 percent of them had deficiencies during their inspection processes and so this bill is meant to correct that process and clean up the act of those that are not following the rules and regulations of this state.”
Soukup says it will be a good first step when the governor signs the bill tomorrow. She says the next step will be to go after the unlicensed puppy mills in the state.
