An audit of commercial dog breeders operating in Missouri reveals many concerns about how the dogs are treated. Missouri has the highest percentage of licensed commercial dog breeders in the nation, but the audit finds the state program that regulates the breeders is ineffective. Auditor Claire McCaskill says the inspections have not been thorough, and violations have gone unreported. But Dr. John Hunt of the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health, which overseas the inspections, insists the individuals in question were well qualified. The audit recommends a management reporting system that will provide oversight over inspectors’ activities and financial matters, plus the status of the facilities inspected.
