I am writing in response to state Sen. Snowe-Mello’s criticism of the Animal Welfare Program (Sept. 14).

There are many licensed cat and dog breeders in Maine. These breeders are small businesses operating legally. They buy their licenses, allow their kennels to be inspected and collect and pay taxes on the sale of their animals.

There are also unlicensed breeders in Maine, operating illegally. They advertise, maintain Web sites, distribute business cards, and sell kittens and puppies for hundreds of dollars. While these breeders are not necessarily operating in an inhumane manner, they are operating a business. However, they do not pay taxes as the licensed breeders do, and are not open to inspection as the licensed breeders are.

Why should unlicensed breeders get a free ride?

The answer is, they shouldn’t, and no longer will. With the vendor fee in place, these breeders will have to pay a fee to advertise or they will have to buy a license. And, they will have to begin paying taxes like the rest of us.

I am surprised that Snowe-Mello would defend this form of tax evasion and unfair competition, as she is a lawmaker and claims to be a champion of small business. I am also surprised that she supports the owners of the Buxton puppy mill who didn’t even bother to show up at court, claiming that the court was acting illegally and had no jurisdiction.

Sen. Snowe-Mello should be ashamed

Sharon Secovich, Lyman