Companion Animals
Nearly 80 million households in the USA include pets. Did you know that where we acquire our pets can make the difference between a life of pain, neglect and suffering and one of love and devotion? The Alliance has strengthened animal abuse and neglect laws and helped to close down over 1,200 puppy mills in the state of Missouri, and the work continues.
Wildlife & Exotic Animals
State or local governments can regulate the trade and the care of exotic pets in their jurisdiction. Did you know it's easier to buy an exotic animal than a car in Missouri? Missouri is home to the largest auction and sale of exotic animals in the country. The Alliance successfully lobbied to pass the Large Carnivore Act which regulates the care of large cats and bears in captivity. We continue to work to enact and enforce regulations on the care and trade of exotic animals in the state.
Farm Animals
A contentious battle has been brewing in Missouri for the past few years over the welfare of farm animals housed in factory farms. The term "factory farms" is another name for CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). CAFOs are industrial-sized livestock operations in which hundreds or even thousands of farm animals are typically confined in extremely cramped quarters 24/7; the animals never see the light of day or receive more than a minimal amount of care, and they are frequently subjected to abusive practices. The rationale for all of this mistreatment is maximization of profits.
Horses
Missouri ranks third nationally in horse population, with an estimated 200,000 horses residing in the state. Our recent efforts to protect horses have been focused on the prohibition of slaughter and a ban on the cruel practice of "soring" of show horses.