DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Iowa would tighten regulations and raise fees on dog breeders under a plan offered by legislators seeking to crack down on so-called puppy mills that abuse animals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses animal breeding operations, but supporters of the Iowa proposal say the federal agency's 150 inspectors are too busy to respond to complaints.
The Iowa plan outlined by lawmakers Monday would increase licensing fees from the current $20 to $100. The extra money would pay to hire an inspector at the Iowa Department of Agriculture who could handle complaints.
In addition, penalties for unlicensed facilities would be increased, veterinarians would be required to report animal abuse and state officials would tighten enforcement of sales tax collections on animals.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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