LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Animal welfare advocates are urging Nebraska lawmakers to oppose the governor’s reappointment of the state agriculture director.

Testifiers accused the department Tuesday of failing to enforce punishments against commercial breeders who mistreat dogs. Opponents posted a petition against the reappointment on the website change.org, which received nearly 4,000 signatures in less than a week.

Their comments came during a confirmation hearing for Greg Ibach, who was appointed as director in 2005. Gov. Pete Ricketts reappointed Ibach in December.

Nebraska Humane Society president Judy Varner says she supports the appointment, noting positive shifts in the department’s commitment toward neglected animals in the past year.

Representatives from the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Farmers Union say Ibach has been cooperative and listens to their concerns.