To: Iowa Senate
Support Iowa Companion Animals through SSB3159
Please support SSB3159, which would require evidence of financial responsibility from USDA commercial licensed breeders. This bill, currently in the Iowa Senate, would provide similar protections to Iowa's dogs and cats as those found in SF478, which was passed last year, for agriculture animals.
Why is this important?
This bill is HUGE in eliminating puppy mills and their aftermath. Once a USDA breeder in the state of Iowa either gives up or loses their license, they currently have no obligation to do anything for or with their remaining animals. County law enforcement currently has little ability to enforce any processes that would prevent neglect due to concerns about costs to the county. This bill would remove cost as a factor in law enforcement involvement, requiring any state or USDA licensed commercial breeder to file evidence of financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit issued by a financial institution. These funds would be used to cover the costs associated with the rescue of the animals, should that become necessary. The same rights were given to agriculture animals through SF478 in the Iowa Senate just last year.