CAFO foes fight bill to limit inspection power

Opponents of a House bill that would limit authority to inspect animal farming operations say local control is necessary, while supporters say it would protect farmers from animal rights activists and other entities want to put them out of business. The bill allows the state departments of agriculture and natural resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “and any other federal or Missouri state agency with statutory or regulatory authority” to inspect operations with livestock, poultry, dairy, egg production or dog breeding. The only local authority with inspection power would be the county sheriff, which Haden added as an amendment after introducing the bill.The bill is one of several in the legislature that would limit local authority over concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, is sponsoring a bill that would prohibit local health agencies from imposing regulations stricter than state or federal rules. The Senate debated the bill earlier this month but has not voted on it.