Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation repealing part of a voter-approved dog-breeding law in an agreement with lawmakers to consider more changes to breeder regulations.
Nixon signed the legislation Wednesday. It eliminates a cap on owning 50 breeding dogs and rolls back various requirements on dogs' living conditions. Instead, breeders would need to provide appropriate space for dogs based on regulations set by the Department of Agriculture. Operators would pay more for licenses and help finance a program that crack down on unlicensed breeders.
Nixon's administration has brokered a deal with state-based agriculture and animal welfare groups to make more changes to the ballot measure passed last November. The House could consider that legislation this week. It would give dog breeders more time to comply with expanded housing requirements.
