We need better laws in Iowa to protect companion animals. We will achieve this by encouraging the introduction and passage of bills in the Iowa legislature. Our current focus is on laws to protect breeding adult dogs in the 400+ puppy mills in Iowa. According to USDA data there are more than 23,000 adult dogs in Iowa's puppy mills!
The Puppy Mill Bill
A bill was introduced and passed in the 2010 legislature by Representatives Jim Lykam (D, District 85) and Mark Kuhn (D, District 14) and Senator Joe Seng (D, District 43) calling for Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) oversight of USDA commercial dog breeding facilities in Iowa. Specifically, it allowed IDALS to investigate kennels "upon receipt of a complaint".
This bill, which was referred to as The Puppy Mill Bill, caused quite a commotion at our Capitol! Similar bills had been introduced twice before. Both times the bill was "killed", never even being assigned to a committee. See How A Bill Becomes a Law. But this last time was different. It was different because of all the wonderful Iowans who have offered to help fight this fight! Thank you!!
The Puppy Mill Bill was voted on and passed by an overwhelming majority, primarily because of all the calls and emails from constituents who wanted to see a change!
Your Senator and Representative
Find your state senator/representative's contact information.
During the legislative session you will be asked to contact your legislators frequently. Suggestions for content of your email, letter or phone call will be provided on our Correspondence page... but remember, the more personalized the correspondence the better. Always include an account of your personal experiences with an animal-welfare issue.
Featured Pictures of IA Puppy Mill Dogs
Boston Terrier with an ulcerated eye. Buzz Powell kennel (no longer in Iowa).
Inadequate cage size.
They freeze to death in the winter and die of heat exhaustion in the summer.