MAKE YOUR IMPRESSION
IN 60 SECONDS
Good afternoon, I’m ____________________________ with/from____________________________________
SPEAKING UP
FOR DOGS
I am here today because I am concerned about puppy
mills in Iowa. Puppy Mill legislation is important to me
because______________________________________
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
These issues need attention in our state because
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________.
Please_______________________________________
____________________________________________
to end the suffering of dogs in our state.
Thank you for your time!
State Senator_________________________________
Seat # _______________________________________
Email________________________________________
State Representative____________________________
Seat # _______________________________________
Email ________________________________________
Bill #: _______________________ /_______________
VISIT WWW.IOWAVCA.ORG
or get involved through social media:
/IowaVotersforCompanionAnimals
@IAFriends
A guide to the
talking points
and issues
surrounding
puppy mill
legislation.
We’re working to get state oversight of USDAlicensed commercial dog-breeding facilities
through mandated annual inspections by the
Iowa Department of Agriculture.
BE THEIR VOICE…
How to talk to your legislators
about animal welfare issues
• D
on’t be anxious! Our law makers are people just
like you and me.
USDA Licensed dog-breeders in Iowa
1. More than 200. #2 in the nation!
2. More than 50% keep 50+ dogs. Some with more
than 400. One with 1500+!
3. Each year 40-60% of kennels are cited for violations
such as failure to provide shelter and veterinary care.
Sick puppies: A significant
consumer protection issue
• T hey represent all of the people in their state, district,
or county, even if you did not vote for them.
• I f you did vote for them, feel free to remind them
that you supported them and would now appreciate
their help.
• E
ducate! Your legislators are not experts in the
field of animal welfare or puppy mills – be prepared
to answer their questions or share a few facts
with them.
1. Approximately 100,000 puppies produced in
Iowa annually.
• K
eep it short and sweet. Our law makers keep
rigorous schedules–don’t mistake their urgency
for rudeness.
2. Most go to pet stores around the country — NYC,
Florida, Chicago — though many are also sold direct.
• Provide literature or direct them to resources
where they can learn more about our issues.
3. A $17 M (annual) industry in Iowa.
• L isten to what they have to say. It will be useful
in the future!
4. Fewer than 50% of licensees have tax permits.
(IA Dept of Revenue)
Local Oversight Needed
• F ollow up! Once you have made a good impression,
follow up with a phone call, letter, or email. Frequency
of contact with a clear message will help keep our
cause fresh in their minds.
1. Of top 4 dog-breeding states, only Iowa does not
have state oversight.
2. Iowa Dept. of Ag already inspects hobby breeders.
They’ll use the same process with USDA-licensees.
CREATE YOUR OWN ELEVATOR SPEECH
3. Allows for enforcement of state cruely laws.
• W
ho are you?______________________________
4. Increased license fees will cover costs.
___________________________________________
• W
hy is this important to you?__________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
• W
hy is this relevant to them?__________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
• W
hat would you like them to do?________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________