web page

AGRIBUSINESS
By VICTORIA SIZEMORE LONG
The Kansas City Star

Pet breeders award

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is recognizing responsible pet breeders by awarding them special certificates.
Fred Ferrell, department director, and Shane Brookshire, state veterinarian, recently signed the first Blue Ribbon Kennel Program certificates. The certificates were presented to seven kennels identifying these facilities as responsible pet breeders in Missouri.
The program is a new initiative aimed at ensuring prospective animal owners that the pets they purchase in Missouri have been under excellent care by some of the best pet producers, Ferrell said.
Missouri is the first state to implement a quality assurance program such as the Blue Ribbon Kennel program. It is dedicated to providing healthy, happy animals to families across Missouri and the U.S.
The facilities have passed a comprehensive inspection and have been certified by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Facilities Act program. Only a select few facilities will initially qualify. Blue Ribbon Kennel candidates must pass an inspection that significantly exceeds current minimum standards.

So, what happends to all the puppy mill breeders who don't get a "blue ribbon"?

Ooooh, they "exceed current standards"! Wow. What are those standards exactly? The animals have adequate food and shelter? Very sad, to make people think this is some wonderful thing. Oh look, the dogs haven't had their toenails grow out to the point where they are attached to their wire bottomed cage! That means they are a "blue-ribbon" breeder!

Living in Missouri, I'm more than aware of the puppymill problem we have here. I've read about this "Blue Ribbon" award. On the surface it sounds like the right direction. The MAJOR problem is not enough inspectors to keep up with all the $#!+ that goes on here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Food
The provision, at intervals of not more than 12 hours, of a quantity of wholesome food stuff, suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition, served in a safe receptacle, dish or container.
Water
The provision, either continuously or at intervals not to exceed eight hours, of a supply of potable water.
Housing
The continuous provision of a sanitary facility, protection from the extremes of weather conditions, proper ventilation and appropriate space.



That's it. That's the minimum requirements.
So... if I pat the dog on the head once a month or so, I have "significantly exceeded" the minumum requirements.

I finally watched the HBO "Dealing Dogs" documentary (I read about it on this website a while back). I believe the kennel involved was in Arkansas. What I got out of the show was how serious the issue of not having enough inspectors really is. I'll bet this issue pertains to most EVERY state. I don't know what it costs to run this "Blue Ribbon" program, but I bet the $$ would have been better spent on hiring more inspectors

I'm sure you are right about that. More "feel good", do-nothing legislation.
I wish people understood just how minimal those minimum requirements are. I also note they say nothing about the provision of veterinary care in their standards.