DES MOINES, IA - It seems only fitting that Governor Culver had a special guest at his side on Tuesday to sign the “Puppy Mill Legislation” into effect; his own best friend that he rescued more than a year ago, Buck the golden retriever.
With his signature local animal lovers say, Buck may not be the last dog Culver saves.
"We were thrilled when the Governor signed the bill last week,” said Sybil Soukup of the Humane Society of North Iowa. “It helps protect dogs that are living in the puppy mills in Iowa, and there are over 400 puppy mills in Iowa, and there are over 23,000 dogs living in those puppy mills."
Think of a puppy mill as a mass breeding facility for animals.
Soukup says many are reputable businesses that treat the animals right, but it's the others that state leaders want to crack down on.
"There are a few out there that are ruining the reputations for the rest of them,” said Soukup. “These are facilities that are housing animals in cruel and inhumane conditions."
Under the new legislation, if anyone files a complaint against a breeding facility in Iowa, inspectors can go in and make sure the conditions are okay.
"And ensure that they are not suffering because of inadequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care or grooming," said Tom Colvin of the Animal Rescue League.
The new rules also increase the licensing fee for breeders, shelters, and stores.
As the “First Dog” gave his paw of approval, the Governor says this is a wake-up call to the inhumane.
"To those who raise companion animals in unhygienic and inhumane settings,” said Culver, “now is the time for you to change course, or pay the consequences."
Soukup says most breeders treat their animals right and probably won't see any effects from the new legislation; in fact it doesn't actually put any new regulations or policies into place.
