ASPCA Embraces Victory for Millions of Dogs in Missouri as Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act Passes

NEW YORK–The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) celebrated a major victory with the passage of the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, also known as Proposition B on the Missouri state ballot. The initiative has set in place common-sense, enforceable standards for large-scale dog breeding facilities throughout the state, including significantly increased cage space; solid flooring; adequate veterinary care; nutritious food; clean drinking water; and protection from the elements.

ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres, issued the following statement on Prop B:

“Yesterday’s passage of Proposition B reflects a landmark achievement in the ongoing fight against animal cruelty. The ASPCA has seen first-hand the unspeakable cruelty and horrific conditions of substandard puppy mills, and this initiative will put an end to the inhumane treatment of dogs confined in cramped wire cages and forced to endure a lifetime of suffering. We are proud to have worked diligently on this campaign, and we celebrate this victory alongside the caring citizens of Missouri. The ASPCA is committed to working with local animal welfare groups to help breeders transition to the new humane standards and find loving homes for Missouri’s displaced breeding dogs.

“The potential impact of Proposition B is staggering. We are more hopeful than ever that the strong momentum around puppy mill cruelty will push other states to follow Missouri’s lead, causing a ripple effect throughout the nation. In no other state were the stakes higher for puppy mill dogs, and Missourians have set an admirable precedent for reform.”

Home to an estimated 3,000 puppy mills--30 percent of the mills in the U.S. and far more than in any other state--Missouri is the leading source of puppies in the country. Approximately one million puppies are produced annually for the pet trade in Missouri, and when combined with the number of breeding dogs permanently housed in kennels statewide, this translates to more than 1.5 million lives affected each year by these new regulations.

For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to fight puppy mill cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org.