The first important hire has been made in the state’s stepped-up efforts against dog breeders who don’t meet standards.
Legislators who rewrote the state dog breeders law this year have given an additional million dollars to the agriculture department to enforce breeders laws. The first person hired is Doctor Jean Stark, a veterinarian with experience with the Misosuri veterinary medical board and at the animal emergency clinic in St. Louis
Sate agriculture director John Hagler says two more investigators will be hired within weeks, giving the department 14 investigators. He says that might help the department go in a new direction. “In the past, hardly any of it has been undercover work,” he says.l
He says finding bad breeders is time-intensive and takes a lot of resources. Then, he says, there are follow up court proceedings that make sure the investigation and deparment actions were done properly.
Hagler hopes the additions lower the work load and increase productivity in the program. Decisions on the use of the rest of the funds will be made after that.
Listen to interview with Hagler 13:42 mp3
