Giving dogs a decent life

A recent letter to the editor titled "Fixing Prop B" neglected to mention that Humane Society of the United States was not the only organization to fund Proposition B. Missourians for the Protection of Dogs is a coalition of many organizations that worked to pass Proposition B. The members are the Humane Society of Missouri, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Best Friends Animal Society.

I can see the concern of ranchers if they feel the wording in Proposition B was referring to their cattle. However, this is not an agricultural issue. This is about providing dogs with humane treatment in our breeding facilities. If the wording is too vague, it should be changed to more clearly say "pet" -- meaning dogs only.

The Missouri Senate approved Senate Bill 113 recently. If it goes into law, it will gut all of Proposition B. This is not fixing anything.

Breeders will again be allowed to use stacked cages and wire flooring. Rest for the female dogs between breeding cycles and proper exercise will not be required. Breeders will be allowed to confine the dogs in cages barely six inches longer than the dog. Adequate shelter from the elements, proper veterinarian care and continuous access to unfrozen, clean water will not be required. And the cap of 50 breeding dogs at commercial breeding facilities will be eliminated.

It is our responsibility to give these dogs a decent life. Proposition B will do just that.

LORENE C. ROLAND, Cape Girardeau