By Catherine Welch, KBIA
Columbia, Mo. – State Auditor Claire McCaskill says the state is lagging behind in citing commercial dog breeders for violations, collecting penalties and keeping up with annual inspections.
Missouri leads the nation with more than 1,400 licensed breeders. But the audit found that only one of nine state inspectors works full-time checking the facilities.
McCaskill says the lack of oversight hurts legitimate breeders in the state.
"There are literally dozens and dozens of responsible, good dog breeders in the state of Missouri and because of our failure to adequately police this industry, they have a bad reputation along with the rest of the state," McCaskill said.
McCaskill is also critical of the state for failing to hold hearings and collect fines.
For its part, the state Department of Agriculture says it lacks the resources to hold hearings. And it says it has made progress cracking down on breeders.