DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa lawmakers are reaching out to canine constituents. They held a day-long study session on puppy mills. These are the breeders who raise puppies as a cash crop with little concern for their welfare.

After missing out on legislative action last session, it may eventually lead to more inspections and a tighter leash on unlicensed breeding.

Just outside DeWitt, Iowa, business is going to the dogs at Boylan Farms. That's just the way they like it. The immaculate facility has offered seven years of canine care. In addition, they breed champion AKC longhair dachshunds.

"They require a lot of special needs," said owner Bob Boylan. "To stick them in a mass group with very little environmental control leads to problems."

One reason why animal enthusiasts and Iowa lawmakers converged on Des Moines on Tuesday. They're revisiting the call for state inspections of federally regulated kennels. Some see it as a way to prevent abuses at puppy mills that operate in deplorable conditions.

The Iowa Pet Breeders Association supports added inspections if there's a valid eyewitness complaint or a facility is found to be non compliant with USDA policy. The group also wants to prevent federally licensed kennels from harassment by out of state or unfounded complaints.

"Find reasonable legislative solutions that are both pro-animal welfare and pro-responsive for business," said Nancy Carlson, Iowa Pet Breeders Association.

At the Scott County Humane Society in Davenport, the call for state reforms is a serious matter. It knows first-hand about the problems puppies face in puppy mills. Its shelter has been called on in the past to house and care for sickly, abused or mistreated animals from puppy mills.

"In puppy mills, it's dog upon dog upon dog," said Pam Arndt, executive director. "They don't care about their health. They don't care about the conditions. They're just out to breed puppies and make money."

It's a stark contrast to the delightful dachshunds at Boylan Farms. Inside and out, they're getting the best care. The dogs are healthy and happy in their environment. It's a real role model for other breeders.

Across Iowa, however, it isn't always so ideal. It may take a complete rethinking for successful reform.

"Until they actually shut down the mechanism of large distribution, they're not going to stop the ability of the people to relocate and start all over again," Boylan concluded.

At Boylan Farms, a voice in the wilderness that's a true advocate for animals.

For more information, www.doxipups.com.