MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
The Better Business Bureau responds to complaints about breeders with a study of the state's puppy mills. Thirty percent of the nations federally licensed dog breeders are located in Missouri. Max the pug and Lily the English bull dog are constant companions for Tricia Williams. Two years ago Tricia took her first English bull dog to the vet. The ten week old puppy had a bad cough, "Immediately the doctor listened to her heart, and noticed a very bad murmur. Even if he didn't use his stethoscope, he would have been able to hear it."
She soon learned Lola, the dog she bought from a southern Missouri breeder had a congenital heart defect. Tricia is one of many who've complained about breeders to the Better Business Bureau, "It's really a situation of the number of breeders overwhelming the ability of government to look into and check out their activities so they can be effectively regulated."
A BBB study reveals Missouri is overwhelmed by the number of places selling puppies. The state requires an annual inspection of 1,800 licensed breeders, shelters and pet stores. But with 13 inspectors, many violations go unchecked.
Williams called the breeder when five month old Lola died, "I didn't want any money back. I basically wanted an apology and acknowledged for what I believe they did. They knew."
Tricia paid $1,000 in vet bills, not to mention the $1,500 she gave the breeder. Missouri State Senator Joan Bray is pushing for passage of the Healthy Pet Act, "It would require pet dealers to have their dogs examined by a licensed vet no more then 30 days before they're sold."
Tricia says, "People like me, once they get the dog out the door, why wouldn't they wash their hands of it. They don't care if it was a sick dog. There were no repercussion on their end."
The BBB has recommendations for buyers and regulators. First, the state should aggressively pursue penalties against repeat offenders. Second, consider raising annual licensing fees and third, consumers should consider adopting from an animal shelter.
Tricia adds, "It doesn't take long to get attached to a dog. I don't have children, so maybe I was more attached then most people."
Some people advocate stricter rules for breeders, while their opponents are pushing a constitutional amendment to prevent additional regulations.
She soon learned Lola, the dog she bought from a southern Missouri breeder had a congenital heart defect. Tricia is one of many who've complained about breeders to the Better Business Bureau, "It's really a situation of the number of breeders overwhelming the ability of government to look into and check out their activities so they can be effectively regulated."
A BBB study reveals Missouri is overwhelmed by the number of places selling puppies. The state requires an annual inspection of 1,800 licensed breeders, shelters and pet stores. But with 13 inspectors, many violations go unchecked.
Williams called the breeder when five month old Lola died, "I didn't want any money back. I basically wanted an apology and acknowledged for what I believe they did. They knew."
Tricia paid $1,000 in vet bills, not to mention the $1,500 she gave the breeder. Missouri State Senator Joan Bray is pushing for passage of the Healthy Pet Act, "It would require pet dealers to have their dogs examined by a licensed vet no more then 30 days before they're sold."
Tricia says, "People like me, once they get the dog out the door, why wouldn't they wash their hands of it. They don't care if it was a sick dog. There were no repercussion on their end."
The BBB has recommendations for buyers and regulators. First, the state should aggressively pursue penalties against repeat offenders. Second, consider raising annual licensing fees and third, consumers should consider adopting from an animal shelter.
Tricia adds, "It doesn't take long to get attached to a dog. I don't have children, so maybe I was more attached then most people."
Some people advocate stricter rules for breeders, while their opponents are pushing a constitutional amendment to prevent additional regulations.
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