We’ve outlined previously how Jason Smith brings dishonor to Southeast Missouri and to the office he holds. But one thing that many of his constituents know about him that others may not is that his family operates one of the worst puppy mills in the state—quite a feat, considering that Missouri is consistently ranked #1 nationally among states with puppy mill breeders and brokers.
Smith’s Kennel in Salem, MO has been noted by the Humane Society for “a history of repeat USDA violations stretching back more than a decade, including citations for unsanitary conditions; dogs exposed to below-freezing temperatures or excessive heat without adequate shelter from the weather; dogs without enough cage space to turn and move around freely; pest and rodent infestations; injured and bleeding dogs, dogs with loose, bloody stools who had not been treated by a vet.”
This week, Missouri once again, for the eight consecutive year, topped every state as the worst in the country for such senseless animal cruelty. We should be passing tighter regulations on large breeding operations, setting caps for the number of animals possessed at any given time, and establishing standards of care for breeders.
Missouri passed such a law: in 2010, Proposition B was approved by voters. The Missouri Legislature moved immediately to repeal and undermine it, led in part by then-State Rep. Jason Smith.
In contrast, Kathy Ellis, Jason Smith’s challenger for this seat, is a lifelong dog lover and advocate for animal welfare. She is also a social worker and addictions counselor, devoting her life to helping others and providing therapy to get people through tough times. We need candidates like Kathy to change the status quo in Missouri and to advocate at the federal level for stricter laws regarding cruel puppy mills. The contrast between her and Jason Smith could not be more stark.
Voters will see that Kathy is the obvious right choice in November—if we help raise the resources. Let’s make sure they see how Jason Smith profits off cruelty and help replace him with Kathy come Election Day.
-Ellis for Congress
