The professional, licensed breeders in the state of Missouri are highly offended by the use of the term "puppy mill" by Attorney General Chris Koster in the recent fly-around the state concerning the dog industry.
There is no legal definition for the term "puppy mill."
The term "puppy mill" was coined by animal rights activists and supporters against anyone who breeds dogs, regardless of the care the animals receive. The name-calling is a means of turning the unknowing public against all dog breeders and to raise endless funds for continuous propaganda and money-making schemes by animal-rights activists and organizations.
There are professional kennels and substandard kennels.
Professional breeders operate legal kennels, licensed by the U.S. and state departments of agriculture, and meet or exceed all guidelines pertaining to the health, care and well-being of their animals. They are active members, in good standing, of state associations. They attend seminars and earn continuing-education hours for lectures on such topics as prenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, health care, socialization, grooming, kennel management, tax preparation, ventilation, incubation and reproduction.
Substandard kennels are illegal, unlicensed facilities that produce animals with no regard for their health and well-being.
No one supports neglect or abuse of animals, but please be advised that animal rights activists call ALL dog breeders "puppy mills" to garner support for fundraising efforts to put ALL breeders out of business.
The term “puppy mill” is a derogatory word used by animal rights activists and supporters against anyone who breeds dogs, and it is no more acceptable than using slur names for those of different ethnic backgrounds.
Mr. Koster, we ask that you refrain from using the term “puppy mill” and that you correct others that use the term to describe dog breeders. Animal rights activists use the term to garner support for fundraising, and those funds are being used to eliminate all breeding, use and enjoyment of animals. Please help us stop the spread of animal rights issues. Let’s all begin by eliminating the term “puppy mill” from our vocabulary.
Karen Strange is the president of MoFed, an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of animal owners who take proper care of their animals. She lives in Lake of the Ozarks.