Sunday, February 22, 2009

MO MIll Busts

More dogs saved from horrible conditions with two mill busts in MO this past week. Click on the link below to see a video of the conditions these animals endured. Warning, this video is graphic.


http://member.hsmo.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GreeneCountyRescueVideo_tim_narrative

Friday, February 13, 2009

Slow But Steady

There's been lots of news this week with progress made to change laws across our country to raise awareness of puppy mills, dog auctions, pet stores and the likes. This update came from Columbus Top Dogs, http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

1. COLORADO. On January 21, The puppy mill bill was officially introduced into the Colorado state legislature. The bill limits the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain, mandates annual veterinary exams, and prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license.

2. ILLINOIS. On January 19, announcement of a Puppy Mill bill, sponsored by Fritchey and state Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Mt. Prospect), was introduced into the Illinois state legislature. The Bill, called Chloe's Bill, was named after a young female dog that was rescued from a filthy, unlicensed puppy mill in Downstate Macon County. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:
Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered (not neutered or not spayed) dogs.
Prohibit people from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
Require pet stores and breeders to provide potential pet buyers with the dog's full medical history, information of spaying and neutering and information about any prior medical care.
Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.
3. INDIANA. The puppy mill bill amendment passed the House committee vote yesterday and will be voted on in the full House next week. For more details on this bill, click here - >
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2009&session=1&request=getBill&docno=1468&doctype=HB

The Summary of the Puppy Mill Amendment includes: A.) Anyone who during a 12 month period maintains at least 10 adult female dogs that have not been spayed and are over four months of age (exempts shelters, rescues and animal control organizations). B.) Standards of care (ventilation, sanitary conditions, illumination, temperature, exercise and cage size requirements; no wire flooring).C.) Vet Care - Every animal must receive a physical exam from a licensed veterinarian every year and the breeder must maintain veterinary records on each animal. Surgical procedures or euthanasia ofany animal may not be performed by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian.D.) Pet Store Disclosure - Requires any pet store to post name, city and state of each pup's breeder as well as name, city and state of any broker. Pet stores must maintain veterinary records on each animal and make them available to purchasers or prospective purchasers.E.) Lemon Language - Requires breeder to provide another dog or full refund if dog is found to be sick within 21 days of purchase. Or, if dog is found to have congenital problems within a year, the breeder must also reimburse the buyer for vet bills (not to exceed the purchase price of the dog). F.) Cap Language - Maximum of 20 dogs that are (older than) one year and have not been altered at any address or location. G.) Breeding limitation - dogs cannot be bred without annual certificate from vet, must be at least 18 months of age and less than eight years of age. Female dogs shall only be allowed to whelp one litter per year.H.) Animal Cruelty Convictions - Individuals convicted of animal cruelty under Indiana code may not operate a commercial breeding facility. Additionally, commercial breeders may not hire staff who have been convicted of animal cruelty. I.) Registration with the State Board of Animal Health - yearly registration of anyone who fits the above definition of a puppy mill. $50 yearly registration fee. Class C infraction for not registering as a commercial breeder.

4. OHIO. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is preparing for a face-to-face meeting with HSUS President Wayne Pacelle, a meeting initiated by HSUS. Ohio's constitution does allow for ballot initiatives and as many of you are aware, Ohio voters and taxpayers aren't bashful about putting initiatives on the ballot. Since the passage of Proposition 2 in California, there has been a lot of speculation as to what state might be next, Ohio has been one of the states mentioned. MARY'S NOTE: It is our hope that a ballot initiative to ban dog auctions may be a very real possibility for 2009.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Ohio Farm Bureau to meet with HSUS" - > http://www.brownfieldnetwork.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=5CFF61D1-5056-B82A-D06E8C420A3FAD83.


5. OKLAHOMA. The Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act, H.B. 1332, passed the House committee vote (11-2) yesterday and will be voted on in the full House in the very near future.

This proposed legislation would set regulations for dog and cat breeders, and authorize a state agency to inspect kennels and facilities that sell more than 25 animals a year. The Pet Quality Assurance Enforcement Fund will be funded from fees, fines, etc. and will provide the necessary means to support enforcement.

For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "OK House to Vote on Puppy Mill Bill" - > http://newsok.com/house-to-vote-on-puppy-mill-bill/article/3344976

6. PENNSYLVANIA. With a vote of 192 for and 0 agains t, House Bill 39, amending Pennsylvania's Crimes Code for animal cruelty and introduced by Representative Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks), passed in today's session. The proposed legislation will impose criminal penalties for specific medical procedures if not performed by a licensed veterinarian including debarking, c-section births and tail docking. The act of ear cropping by anyone other than a vet is already prohibited in Pennsylvania.The legislation now heads for the Senate.7. TENNESSEE. State lawmakers are trying diligently to curb bad breeding operations by regulating breeders and creating an inspection process. State Sen. Doug Jackson is proposing legislation that he hopes will put an end to what many call puppy mills. The bill would require any breeder with more than 20 animals to pay a $500 licensing fee to the state. If you have more than 40, it goes up to $1,000. Commercial breeders would also be inspected yearly.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Senator Hopes Legislation Ends Puppy Mills" - > http://www.wsmv.com/video/18661052/index.html.

Also, a suspected puppy mill in Sparta, TN was raided yesterday morning. The bust involved the rescue of over 275 dogs. Click here to read more - > http://www.wsmv.com/news/18692339/detail.html.

8. WASHINGTON. In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs. A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide "humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices" by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.

For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Lawmakers Consider Bill Targeting Puppy Mills - > http://www.komonews.com/news/39342082.html.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

HSUS Lobby Day in Albany NY, March 30, 2009

Legislative action is important to change the laws and change the ways of mass breeding. HSUS is planning lobby day throughout the country. To find an event near you, visit their calendar at https://community.hsus.org/humane/upcoming-events.tcl


Join the lobby day in Albany, NY:
https://community.hsus.org/humane/events/lobbyday_AlbanyNY_March30/details.tcl

Pull MIll Bust in NC

From HSUS:



http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/dogs_rescued_from_nc_puppy_mill_020609.html


Dogs Rescued from North Carolina Puppy Mill
February 6, 2009


GOLDSBORO, N.C. ― Approximately 300 dogs were rescued in an early-morning raid at a Wayne County puppy mill. The Humane Society of the United States partnered with Wayne County Animal Control to bring an end to the suffering of these neglected animals.
"This rescue mission is the culmination of a year-long investigation into Thornton's Kennels," said Justin Scally, director of the Department of Animal Control for Wayne County. "I can finally rest easy knowing that these animals are no longer living in constant confinement."
The HSUS and Wayne County Animal Control were joined on this operation by volunteers from United Animal Nations, who are overseeing the temporary shelter of the rescued animals. Much-needed supplies are being provided by PetSmart Charities®, which sent its Emergency Relief Waggin' Vehicle® full of donated goods such as wire crates, dog food and medical supplies.
"These animals were denied basic veterinary care and socialization. This terrible cruelty could have been avoided if North Carolina had laws addressing the worst abuses in puppy mills," said Amanda Arrington, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. "We are calling on state lawmakers to crack down on puppy mill cruelty by mandating licenses and inspection for large-scale breeders."


The HSUS put together a response team of nearly 20 staff and volunteers within days of receiving the call for help from Wayne County Animal Control. The HSUS' specially designed animal transport vehicle was used to comfortably carry all of the animals to an emergency shelter.


When rescuers arrived at the property they were greeted by a gruesome scene. The dogs, mainly Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzus and Chihuahuas, were suffering from serious medical ailments and housed in filthy conditions. Many of the dogs were emaciated, had untreated lacerations, severely matted fur and serious skin and eye infections. They were being housed in unheated cages inside unventilated barns and outhouses. It was obvious that many of these animals had never known life outside their wire cages.


Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding operations that mass produce puppies in factory style settings for sale at pet stores, directly to unsuspecting customers, and over the Internet.
Rescuers are working swiftly to remove all of the animals and transport them to a nearby emergency shelter set up by The HSUS and UAN. Once at the shelter the dogs are being checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. They will remain in the custody of Wayne County Animal Control pending final custody decisions.
"These dogs have may need extensive rehabilitation, but they are already beginning to warm up to their temporary caretakers. I believe they are on their way to leading new lives as loving family pets," said Janell Matthies, UAN emergency services manager.
Residents of North Carolina interested in taking action for animals can sign up for the upcoming Humane Lobby Day, which The HSUS will host on Feb. 12 in Raleigh. Local advocates will gather at the Capitol to lobby for animal welfare legislation – including a puppy mill bill.
High-quality video and still images will be available upon request. Video opportunities and interviews will be available at the emergency shelter, which is set up at the Wayne County Regional Fairgrounds.


Facts About Puppy Mills
Approximately one-third of the nation's 9,000 independent pet stores sell puppies.
The HSUS estimates that 2 to 4 million puppy mill puppies are sold each year in the U.S.
Puppy mill puppies often have health problems, genetic defects and behavioral issues.
Documented puppy mill conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialization.
Dogs kept for breeding in puppy mills suffer for years in continual confinement. They are bred as often as possible and then destroyed or discarded once they can no longer produce puppies.
Pet stores and puppy mills use attractive websites to hide the truth and to dupe the public into thinking that they are dealing with a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders never sell puppies over the Internet or through a pet store and will insist on meeting the family who will be purchasing the dog.
Puppy mills contribute to the pet overpopulation problem which results in millions of unwanted dogs euthanized at shelters every year.
For more information, go to humanesociety.org/stoppuppymills.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Hotels for Bark Heard Around the World - May 30, 2009

These hotels are offering discounted rates for the Bark Heard Around the World Event - please reserve early and mention BARK when you call or reserve using the attached links:

Comfort Inn & Suites (full service hotel) (1-90 – exit 36) www.syrhotel.com
Rate $95 + tax (13%) ** PETS WELCOME**
6701 Buckley Road
North Syracuse, NY 13212
Phone 315-457-4000 fax 315-453-7877
- Complimentary hot deluxe breakfast
- Indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center
- Business center
- Cocktail Lounge
- Meeting rooms

Hampton Inn (limited service hotel) (I-90 – exit 35) http://www.hampton-inn.com/hi/syracuse-carrier
Rate $95 + tax (13%) **NO PETS **
6605 Old Collamer Rd
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone 315-463-6443 fax 315-432-1080
- Complimentary breakfast
- Fitness center

Comfort Inn (limited service hotel) (I-90 – exit 35) www.choicehotels.com/hotel/ny198
Rate $75 + tax (13%) ** PETS WELCOME**
6491 Thompson Rd
Syracuse, NY 13206
Phone 315-437-0222 fax 315-437-4510
- Complimentary breakfast
- Fitness Center
- Meeting room

Quality Inn (limited service hotel) (I-90 – exit 35) www.choicehotels.com/hotel/ny449
Rate $69 + tax (13%) ** PETS WELCOME**
6611 Old Collamer Rd
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone – 315-432-9333 fax 315-432-9197
- Outdoor pool
- Complimentary breakfast

*All hotels offer complimentary high-speed Internet

Western Ranch Motor Inn
www.westernranchmotorinn.com
Phone: 315-457-9236
Rate: No pet fee $69.99/night +tax
24 ground level rooms for owners with dogs
1255 State Fair blvd.
Syracuse, NY 13209
- Restaurant on premises