I recently attended a Town Hall meeting in Hiawatha concerning the issue of puppy mills in Iowa. The program was presented by Mary LaHay, director of Iowa Voters For Companion Animals/Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. I was disappointed to learn that Iowa ranks 2nd in the country, behind Missouri, in the number of licensed USDA commercial breeders. According to the USDA, at least 23,000 adult dogs are kept in Iowa commercial kennels.

A review of USDA inspection reports show that the majority of Iowa’s 250 commercial breeders have been cited for significant violations to the Animal Welfare Act. Along with the reports of these violations were very graphic photographs taken by the USDA inspectors showing there are many breeding facilities in Iowa that are subjecting their adult dogs to cruel and inhumane treatment.

There are many responsible breeders in Iowa, but there are just as many or more that are irresponsible and their adult dogs are living and surviving in conditions that you don’t have to be a dog lover to know is wrong.

Contact your state legislators and let them know that animal welfare is important to you and visit www.iowavca.org to help.

Doug Fuller

Marion