Animal groups seek ballot measure on new rules on Mo. dog breeders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Several animal groups are urging Missouri voters to adopt new rules for dog-breeders that cap the number of dogs, require rest periods after breeding and establish care requirements.

Under the proposal, dog-breeders could only have 50 breeding dogs and would be required to feed animals daily, provide annual veterinary care and not breed animals more than twice every 18 months.

The Missouri secretary of state's office Monday approved a ballot summary for two initiative petitions involving dog-breeding. That means supporters can begin collecting signatures for the 2010 ballot. They need about 100,000 signatures by May 2.

Critics said Monday they plan to challenge the petition in court and contend the proposal could harm dogs by creating the same set of rules without considering differences between breeds.