A debate on puppy mill laws

January 28, 2009

As trial of accused dog-torturer nears, a debate on puppy mill laws
Pioneer Press article by Tad Vezner

Thousands of dogs, every year. From the rural countryside of Minnesota — and even some urban areas — pets are produced to stock America's stores and homes.

At the state Capitol on Tuesday, breeders in the state's burgeoning industry faced off against animal care advocates over whether the state needs to pay closer attention.

Advocates say the timing is perfect. They point out the debate of two bills came a day after the preliminary trial hearing of a felony animal cruelty case against one of Minnesota's largest dog breeders.

The details in that case are difficult to read: allegations of puppies ripped — in pieces — from their mother's womb, and of dogs, even pregnant ones, submerged in insecticide baths. One of the charges against the woman on trial, Kathy Bauck, is "torture," a gross misdemeanor.

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