Overwhelming Support For Legislation To Protect Puppies In Puppy Mills From Abuse
A survey of Indiana residents shows that 83% of voters support legislation that would strengthen the protections for dogs in large scale breeding facilities (i.e., “puppy mills”). Nine in ten voters want humane treatment of companion animals, including increased penalties for abuse.
QUESTION: Puppy mills are large-scale breeding facilities that sell puppies on the Internet and to pet stores. Here, mother dogs are often bred every heat cycle, year after year. Puppies are caged in unhealthy conditions with no exercise, socialization, or human interaction. The state legislature is considering a bill to require that these dogs be provided with exercise, lighting, ventilation, and other basic standards of care. Do you support or oppose this legislation?
- Support (83%)
- Oppose (7%)
- Undecided (10%)
QUESTION: In January, a dog in Gary, Indiana, froze to death when her owner left her tied up outside overnight. Currently, under state law it is not considered animal neglect to deny an animal shelter from extreme temperatures. Do you support or oppose legislation that would strengthen the animal cruelty statute by making it a crime of neglect to leave an animal outside in extreme temperatures?
- Support (82%)
- Oppose (11%)
- Undecided (7%)
QUESTION: Generally speaking, do you support or oppose state legislators’ efforts to ensure humane treatment of animals, including increased penalties for abuse and providing adequate resources and authority for inspections and investigations concerning animal cruelty?
- Support (90%)
- Oppose (4%)
- Undecided (6%)