According to the USDA, Iowa has the second-largest number of licensed dog breeders in the nation.

Animal advocacy groups in the Quad Cities say it's the farthest a bill like this has gotten so far. The goal is to better monitor dog breeding operations that mistreat animals through Iowa legislation.

Tracey Kuehl volunteers for Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. The group has already spent a lot of time in the Iowa capitol last week, and on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 they planned to go back to speak up for dogs that live in terrible conditions.

According to the USDA, Iowa has the second-largest number of licensed dog breeders in the nation. But if the dogs are mistreated, the animal activist group says there's not much that's done.

Right now the USDA is in charge of monitoring puppy mills.

"The problem with that is USDA inspectors aren't required to report any neglect or cruelty they find in these facilities," says Kuehl.

The proposed legislation creates direct state oversight and eliminates oversight on a federal level making monitoring easier by bringing things closer to home.

A change in the law could help protect not only animals but people buying them as well.

"A large number of those puppies end up having an illness or genetic defect. There's a consumer issue and an animal welfare issue," says Kuehl.

QC Animal Welfare Center offers what they call better options for potential pet owners. Instead of buying a puppy in a store that could be from an abusive mill, adopt.

"There are so many great shelters in our area. There are also a lot of breed rescues, so if you're looking for a type of breed, you can google that," says QCAWC worker Patty McRae.