Iowa is the second top producer of dogs in the nation, but it's one of the only states that doesn't require state oversight of its puppy mills. That's according to Iowa Friends of Companion Animals, which is pushing for legislation to better regulate dog breeding facilities.
Coordinator Tracey Kuehl says there are over 200 commercial puppy mills in Iowa, licensed by the USDA. And while the USDA inspects the facilities, there are several problems that "never get fixed."
She says state inspectors could help enforce regulations and fix problems.
And the bill her group supports would also set aside money for shelters that have to take in large amounts of animals when a dog breeding facility closes. Iowa already has a similar law in place for livestock.
Iowa Friends of Companion Animals is holding community meetings throughout the state in September, which is Puppy Mill Awareness Month.
Tonight at the Bettendorf Public Library, the group will discuss problems with commerical dog breeding, at 6:30 pm. Iowa Friends of Companion Animals will also hold meetings in Dewitt and Clinton next week.