AVMA Questions Power of Prop B to Improve Welfare of Missouri's Dogs

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) questions whether limit laws, such as Proposition B, recently passed in Missouri, are the best approach to improving the welfare of dogs.  

On November 2, voters in Missouri passed Proposition B, a statutory amendment that places a limit on the number of unspayed or unneutered dogs breeders in that state can own.  Its intent was to improve the welfare of dogs kept by high-volume breeders, but Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA, expressed concern that the amendment may miss its mark.

"Unfortunately, Proposition B doesn't do much to actually provide for the care of animals, but only sets limits on the number of animals that can be kept. And there is no research to show that limit laws, like Proposition B, actually do anything to improve the welfare of the animal," said Dr. DeHaven in a video statement.  "To help state and local governments design effective regulations, the AVMA has drafted model legislation that, if enacted, would actually improve the welfare of dogs at breeding facilities, animal shelters, retail pet stores and other types of operations.

"Dogs that are bred to be pets deserve good care, not only for their own well-being, but also to help ensure they become healthy pets with a good temperament.  Unfortunately, there are some operations that keep dogs under conditions that are simply deplorable and unsanitary.

"Unlike Proposition B, which only covers animals in breeding facilities, the AVMA model legislation covers animals in many types of operations. We believe all dogs deserve appropriate care no matter where they come from," he explained, adding that he encourages people who care about dogs to get involved and urge their local legislators to learn more about the AVMA's model bill.

Dr. DeHaven's comments can be downloaded from the AVMA Media Library at www.avmamedia.org.  It is also available to the public on www.AVMATV.org, and on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wjLPBDK37Y) on the AVMA YouTube channel: AmerVetMedAssn.

For more information, visit www.avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 80,000 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association