SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Iowa has a high number of commercial dog breeders.
Thirteen of those breeders were listed on the Humane Society of the United States 2019 horrible hundred report, more commonly known as the puppy mill list.
The second highest in the country, Missouri was listed as number one.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture is updating the rules for the quality of life of dogs and cats in commercial breeding facilities.
The new rules are as followed:
-Protection from extreme temperatures and weather
-Clean, sanitary housing
-Room to comfortably stand, sit, turn around or lie with limbs fully extended in their primary enclosure
-A solid resting surface large enough for the dog or cat to lie on his or her side
-An opportunity to exercise at least twice daily
-Prompt veterinary care for any sickness, disease or injury
-Proper care during transport including exercise breaks, clean enclosures, and temperature regulation.
State inspectors will also be able to limit the number of dogs in a facility based on space or care they are receiving.
The new regulations went into effect Wednesday; however, the Department will give facilities time to comply and won’t begin to enforce the rules until June.
