Prosecutions and Fines Increase in Puppy Mill Cases

State officials say prosecutions and fines have increased in the three years since a law was passed to crack down on Missouri's worst puppy mills.

The Columbia Missourian also reports that more than 1,300 dogs have been rescued since the Canine Cruelty Prevention Act took effect in 2011.

The newspaper reports an analysis of legal documents obtained from the Missouri Attorney General's Office shows that in the last 27 months, 37 businesses or individuals were referred to the attorney general for prosecution. That resulted in more than $25,000 in civil fines. Nine licenses were revoked, ranging from three to 10 years.

In the two years before the law took effect, 10 businesses or individuals were referred for violating animal welfare laws and no civil fines were assessed.