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Prop B passage disappoints MO agriculture

Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse is disappointed that Proposition B passed, but he pointed out that 103 counties out of 114 Missouri counties opposed the measure.  He says 82 percent of the money supporting the so-called Puppy Mill Bill came from outside Missouri.

 “It’s clearly the Humane Society of the United States getting out of state money to bring into Missouri to impose their will on the people of Missouri and that’s very unfortunate.”

 Kruse says much of his opposition stems from HSUS stating that their goal is to do away with all animal agriculture.

 “I think we’d be foolish not to brace for something more. Make no mistake about it. They can say what they wish to say. And it will just be a matter of we’ll wait and see how long it is until they decide to come back to Missouri and come after the livestock industry.”

Kruse says the measure will put many of Missouri’s reputable dog breeders out of business, but will do nothing to stop bad actors.

Barbara Schmitz, HSUS State Director and campaign manager for Proposition B says animal agriculture is not a target in Missouri.

“There is absolutely no plan to do that,” Schmitz says.

 Schmitz adds that agriculture’s concerns about the measure are misplaced.

 “I think that individuals at the Farm Bureau really were acting out of fear and that fear was not well grounded.”

 Schmitz – who says she’s a “farmer’s daughter” – calls it a “clear and simple” puppy mill issue, not an ag issue.

“I grew up on a farm and the farmers I know want to make sure the dogs are treated humanely. And I think that this ballot measure speaks to that issue. That was the issue before the voters and that’s what the voters have addressed.”

Now, Schmitz says they’ll get on with the business of working to make sure Proposition B is enforced.

Tom Steever contributed to this report~

AUDIO: Charlie Kruse (7:33 MP3)

AUDIO: Barbara Schmitz (5:00 MP3)

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  It will be interesting to see how much money HSUS contributes (or doesn’t contribute) toward the care and rehoming of all the dogs that will be displaced by the “enforcement” of Prop B.

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  “animal agriculture is not the target in Missouri.” while the HSUS says that, they should know that it will affect farmers. Passing this bill will do nothing but cause problems. America knneds to understand thatthis is where our food comes from. Yes i ubnderstand that this is only for dogs….everything starts small and works its way up. America open your eyes!!

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