One Westplex lawmaker hopes an ordinance on the sale of dogs and cats in Wentzville will do something about the problem of puppy mlls. On Wednesday, Wentzville’s Board of Aldermen will discuss the sale of some dogs and cats from breeders. Breeders Herman and Bonnie Schindler recently lost the lease on their business Puppy Expo in St. Peters after USDA inspections found sick dogs and overworked employees caring for too animals. Alderman Nick Guccione says the recent closure of their operation is a start, because he is tired of puppy mills in the area and he does not want anything like it opening in Wentzville.

Alderman Guccione’s ordinance will require pet stores to breed dogs on site or partner with animal adoption agencies. Guccione says most people don't know what's behind the scenes at some pet stores, and hopes his ordinance will force transparency. Guccione hopes a vote on September 22nd goes his way.

Unchecked dog breeding is a serious problem in the show me state. According to the Better Business Bureau, Missouri is home to 30% of federally licensed dog breeders in the United States, which is four times the number of dog breeders found in the next highest state. State law requires that all of Missouri's 1,800 dog-breeding facilities be examined once a year, but the state has only 13 inspectors who must juggle their inspections with other duties. As a result many of the breeders go unchecked.