Proposition B is a measure that has become very familiar since last fall. It brings to mind the plight of animals commonly referred to as “man’s best friend.” Animal cruelty, of course, is a serious issue and one that deserves attention.
In the Senate, when a bill is brought up for debate, much time and consideration is taken to question the intent and meaning of each piece of legislation. We have committees that deal with certain areas of information, and in those committees, we hear public testimony from citizens on both sides of each issue. The reason for these steps is so that when a bill is brought forth for consideration on the Senate floor, as much information as possible is available for review so that the best possible outcome is achieved.
That being said, last year’s election contained a ballot initiative, or a citizen-proposed measure called Proposition B, which was placed on the ballot with help from special interest groups primarily from outside Missouri. When a measure is placed on the ballot like this, it is not subject to the same strenuous consideration that it would undergo in the State Capitol because special interest groups are not required to ask citizens opinions or consider both sides of an issue.
It is only too obvious that there are individuals in this state that require additional regulations set on their animal businesses because they don’t manage those businesses well. However, there is an economic advantage in running any business well. People that respect animals are not in the animal cruelty business, and unfortunately, parts of Proposition B do not make distinctions for that difference. The language deals mostly with those businesses that are actually certified and legal so those businesses that operate without being certified will not be affected and, therefore, corrected under Proposition B. There were also exemptions for pet stores and shelters. Doesn’t that raise the question that if the suppliers of animals are subject to regulations, shouldn’t the sellers also have to be accountable?
In the 31st District, many citizens voted overwhelmingly not to adopt the measure. In Bates County, the measure failed by 79.8 percent, in Johnson County by 57.6 percent, and in Vernon County by 73.5 percent. By a narrow margin, Proposition B did pass in Cass County by 51.7 percent, or 1,215 votes. While I believe that the issue of cruelty to animals is important and must be examined in order for proper consequences to be put into place, just as important is the issue of responsible animal breeders and their positive effects on our society.
As lawmakers, my colleagues and I want to ensure that the agricultural way of life, so prevalent in our state, is protected from language that could be misinterpreted and harmful to agriculture. In recent years, rural Missourians have tried to maintain healthy relationships with neighbors and with the state by being good stewards of the land and its resources, including animal production.
Another unforeseen part of Proposition B is its cost. If revisions are not considered to Proposition B, it will cost approximately $800,000 to enforce. That is a large sum to try to squeeze out of an already tight budget. Where are those funds expected to come from? That is a question that has not been answered.
I believe that it is the duty of each of us to work together to make certain that actions like animal cruelty and the operation of unregulated animal businesses have consequences that are enforced. I also believe that we must all continue to work together to create a law that will do just that, while allowing responsible animal business owners to continue to contribute to our state’s economy in a responsible way. While I support the intent of Proposition B, and am not in favor of overturning the entire measure, I do think that we can come together to make reasonable accommodations without punishing those that operate inside the law and addressing exemptions that favor shelters and pet stores.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
