ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Missouri's attorney general and agriculture director are teaming up to launch the next phase of a crackdown on unlicensed dog breeders.
They're calling it Prosecution Bark Alert.
Attorney General Chris Koster and Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler said Monday that Missouri's top law enforcement agency will begin prosecuting dog breeders who refuse to obtain a license and meet state standards.
It's part of Missouri's effort to stop unlicensed and substandard dog breeders from operating in the state.
Since taking office in January, Hagler has taken steps to better enforce a 1992 program for protecting animals raised by breeders.
The state has come under fire for being the "puppy mill" capital of America. Missouri is trying to shed its reputation, and Hagler has pledged to do more to crack down on bad breeders.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
