Sunday, November 1, 2015

Dismantling Puppy Mills in Creative Ways / Straight From Wayne Pacelle's fabulous BLOG ....

Frankie was one of 50 small dogs rescued from a puppy mill that closed down. She was already 10 years old and was missing more than a clump of her fur due to mange. Harley lived for years at the end of a short, rusty chain, tethered to a tree, with a patch of dirt serving as the bed she shared with her three young puppies. Leroy and his fifteen brothers and sisters were only five weeks old when they were found abandoned in a pile of brush in a strip mine. Their mother lay dead nearby.
These animals were in dreadful and dire situations. But thanks to The HSUS’s Puppy Friendly Pet Stores conversion program, Frankie, Harley, and Leroy – who faced almost certain euthanasia – have been medicated, rested, and rehabilitated. They are now in a position to have a next chapter of their lives. These dogs, and almost 5,000 more, have been placed in loving homes or are being prepared for adoption.
The HSUS has been conducting a hot war on puppy mills on a number of fronts, and this year we’ve had two federal court victories, in Cook County, Illinois, and East Providence, Rhode Island, cracking down on the sales of puppy mill dogs through pet stores. More than 85 localities in the United States now prohibit the sales of puppy mill dogs through pet stores. We have also been working at the state level to establish more humane breeding standards, and we are conducting public education efforts against puppy mills and Internet sellers of animals.
Harley, who lived for years at the end of a short, rusty chain, tethered to a tree, is now being rehabilitated at Pets Plus Natural and will soon be ready for adoption.
Harley, who lived for years at the end of a short, rusty chain, tethered to a tree, is now being rehabilitated at Pets Plus Natural and will soon be ready for adoption. Photo by Pets Plus Natural
The pet stores conversion program is an important tool in our campaign against high-volume puppy mills, which traditionally sell most of their puppies through pet stores or Internet sites. Instead of indefinitely viewing pet stores as part of the problem, and as sales centers for puppy mill dogs, we are now treating them as part of the solution. Many pet stores are converting their business models and adopting out dogs with the assistance of their shelter/rescue partners, instead of selling puppy mill dogs. For interested stores, HSUS staff members offer free, customized guidance through the entire conversion process, answer questions on the benefits of providing adoptable shelter animals at the stores, put managers in contact with other stores that have converted to a more humane model, and help to find animal shelters in the area for the stores to partner with, among other benefits.
Two of the leaders in the conversion program so far have been Alsip to the Rescue, which has two pet stores in Indiana and Illinois, and Pets Plus Natural, which has eight locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Each of these chains has rescued approximately 2,000 shelter dogs since converting, as well as some cats and small animals. Both chains have a “no moms left behind” policy, taking in homeless nursing mothers along with their puppies, and making sure that both moms and puppies find good homes. Many shelter/rescue partners, like Animal Aid USA, are involved in getting puppies and other animals to Pets Plus Natural.
Frankie was adopted out through Alsip to the Rescue and Leroy was adopted out through Pets Plus Natural. In addition, Harley, now being rehabilitated at Pets Plus Natural, will soon be ready for her forever home. Even if you are not in the market for a new puppy, supporting stores like Alsip to the Rescue and Pets Plus Natural (or Petco and PetSmart, which have long only adopted out dogs and cats) when you buy your pet supplies is an easy way to help our economy go humane. They’re the leaders in thought and action on this front, and they are deserving of your support. To find a pet store near you that has taken the pledge not to support puppy mills, text “PUPPY” to 30644 (message and data rates apply).

Love Me Some Richard Gere ......


It Is Always Worth It ......


What Sick Individuals .......


Arizona Mandates all Dogs Sold In Pet Stores to Come from Shelters......

Great news for animal rescuers, shelter volunteers, and animal advocates worldwide. Arizona has passed a new rule that will help stop the puppy mill problem.  This is an announcement that we hope will quickly spread in one form or another to all major cities across the nation.
In July of 2015, a federal judge in Pheonix, Arizona upheld a law for the city that requires all dogs who are being sold in a pet store to come from a non-profit rescue or a shelter.  The judges ruling will help cut the profits from puppy mills who massively breed and inbreed dogs.
The puppy mills are considered to be extremely cruel for a variety of reasons.  Animals in puppy mills are bred only for profit because of this the female dogs spend most of their live being pregnant and have little to no time to recover between litters.  Many of the dogs live in little cages with very little attention or exercise as well.
On top of the mass production of dogs in this factory-like setting there is already a huge issue with dogs ending up homeless or being euthanized later.
Phoenix is one of around 60 cities in the US that have laws addressing this issue with the intent to end homeless animal issues, euthanasia and puppy mills.  They are trying to push dog loves toward getting their next family member from a shelter or a reputable breeder to save as many lives as possible.
It is estimated that some 23,000 dogs are sold every year in the Phoenix area each year.  This law should make a big difference in the Shelters kill and overcrowding rates.

Some Fabulous People Even Use Halloween To Get Their Puppy Mill Issue Out There

2nd Annual SCCAD Halloween Super Hero Protest was a big success today! THANKS to all that joined us.  ♡ <V> ♡
Posted by So Cal Companion Animal Defenders on Saturday, October 31, 2015

Saturday, October 31, 2015

What Should Be Said To The Person Dumping Their Older Dog At A Shelter

Written by a volunteer at a rescue organization: 
I do apologize if the following rant seems emotional. I am not trying to call anyone out, unless of course the shoe fits! I knew, when I was asked to become part of your wonderful ( rescue organization) there would be time my faith and patience would be tested., Animals have always been a very large part of my life. I've been so very blessed to have had spirited courageous horses, kind loyal dogs, independent warm fuzzy lap cats, funny sheep and goats, and even a few pigs that have warmed my heart. 
Yesterday a beautiful 16 yr old Collie came to us. He was surrendered because no one had time for him. After 16 years of being a loyal companion, guardian of children, confidant and protector he was discarded. We gave him the quietest kennel we could find as he looked around in fear and confusion. He didn't question or fight... he followed me with trust and dignity and the wisdom that comes with old dogs. We settled him in and started calling our friends in various rescues. Within hours we had a rescue lined up and they came today to take him to his forever home. The two ladies who came to transport him shed tears over his precious old face and beautiful soul. We all hugged knowing this would be one of the lucky ones. This beautiful dog will have the best possible final years. 
For that I am grateful but to those who do this to their beautiful old dogs I am so very appalled. The lies that are told, the excuses we hear, the sad old dogs that have given of themselves, the best they have to give, only to be handed over to strangers when they need peace and safety in their final years, all take a toll on those of us who pour our hearts into our job. There isn't one of us here who hasn't cried over ones lost. We are accused daily of being cruel and heartless because we are forced to make hard decisions due to the irresponsibility of people. We are stopped in Walmart, at dinner, and at school events to be asked" how long before you put them down?" as if that is the only reason we work at an animal shelter. And when it comes time to make that decision pets are brought here and surrendered because "we just can't do that to them" and" I thought since you do it all the time it would be easier for you". We are told "I could never work THERE I don't know how you do it"......but we wouldn't work anywhere else!! We work here because people can be cruel and irresponsible and we want only to help those who haven't a voice of their own. We work here because we know we make a difference one cute fuzzy face at a time. We work here for the puppy kisses, the soft kitty pats, and the the blessing of finding pets a new home where they will live in peace.

Leaving pets in extreme weather now against the law in Illinois image: http://s3.amazonaws.com/heirnet/photos/449/p8010053_thumb.jpg P8010053_thumb By Tamara Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/6892-leaving-pets-in-extreme-weather-now-against-the-law-in-illinois

Leaving pets in extreme weather now against the law in Illinois

P8010053_thumb By Tamara

Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/6892-leaving-pets-in-extreme-weather-now-against-the-law-in-illinois#WhjuuhfPARs0HT4o.99It's now against the law to leave pets outside in extreme temperatures in Illinois. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation which makes it against the law to leave pets in hot and cold weather that will cause them injury or death.
Lawmakers had already passed the bill through the state Senate and the Illinois House earlier in the Spring, and the bill was awaiting the governor's signature. If a pet is hurt or dies as result of being left in extreme weather, a pet owner can now be charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a $2,500 fine or up to one year in jail if they are found guilty.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, said the law is a response to the high number of dog deaths last winter after dogs were left outside in subzero temperatures. It is hoped that the law will lead to fewer pets dying and becoming injured and help raise awareness about the animal welfare issue.
The bill number is SB125. The new legislation takes effect on January 1, 2016.

Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/6892-leaving-pets-in-extreme-weather-now-against-the-law-in-illinois#WhjuuhfPARs0HT4o.99

Friday, October 30, 2015

All Lives Matter ......

Watch: 3 pit bulls rescued from sewer drainA Cocoa police officer found three pit bulls huddled in a sewer drain on the side of the highway. Animal Services is caring for the dogs and trying to find the owners. Read the full story here: http://at.wftv.com/1GGDkgx Watch the heartwarming rescue:
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Jon Stewart and Family Open Animal Sanctuary.....

Jon Stewart Quits Comedy, Starts Animal Sanctuary to Rescue Abused Factory Farm Animals

jon-stewart-farm.jpg.653x0_q80_crop-smart
Middletown, NJ – In an effort to be the change he wishes to see in the world, comedian John Stewart, after stepping down as host of “The Daily Show,” has started a sanctuary for abused factory farm animals called Bufflehead Farm.
Jon and wife Tracey announced on Saturday that they will become part of Farm Sanctuary’s network of animal safe havens at the annual Farm Sanctuary gala in New York City.

“We’re getting married! Farm Sanctuary and us, we’re getting married,” Tracey told star studded crowd of roughly 500. “We bought a farm in New Jersey with the intention of starting a farm sanctuary of our own with an educational center, but what I’m announcing tonight is that our farm is actually going to be the New Jersey branch of Farm Sanctuary. We’re going to build new advocates, new curious learners, and new leaders for this very important movement.”
Bufflehead Farm, located in Middletown, New Jersey, is a 12-acre non-profit animal rescue sanctuary owned by Jon and Tracey Stewart, which will soon become home to dozens of cows, pigs, sheep, turkeys and other animals rescued from factory farms.

Jon Stewart Quits Comedy, Starts Animal Sanctuary to Rescue Abused Factory Farm Animals


Read more at http://thefreethoughtproject.com/jon-stewart-opens-animal-sanctuary-rescue-abused-factory-farm-animals/#B3C6fDkf5MTmuZS5.99Stewart has consistently been an animal welfare advocate on his show, once devoting a comedy segment to the foolishness of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s refusal to sign a bill that would end the lifelong confinement of pigs in crates too small for them to turn around.
Tracey Stewart is known for her advocacy on animal rights, recently publishing a book on the topic.
Screen Shot 2015-10-26 at 2.03.56 PM
According to a report by the Mother Nature Network:
The project has long been a dream for Tracey Stewart, an animal advocate and former veterinary technician, who has tirelessly worked to promote a plant-based lifestyle, animal welfare issues, and support for organizations like Farm Sanctuary.
Her new book “Do Unto Animals” (currently the No. 1 bestseller in animal husbandry on Amazon) offers more than 300 pages of beautiful illustrations and promises to give readers “insights into the secret lives of animals and the kindest ways to live with and alongside them.”
“If everyone did a bit more, if they fell in love a little bit more, so much could happen,” Tracey Stewart told The New York Times. “It doesn’t have to be going vegan. You can advocate for them. You can show tenderness. You can play music for them. I really hope people can connect with animals the way most of us did as children.”
Jon Stewart, accompanied by his wife and two children, were honored at the awards ceremony held by Farm Sanctuary, an organization founded in 1986 to combat the abuses of factory farming and encourage a new awareness and understanding about farm animals.
“I’m a little uncomfortable. I’ve spent the last 20 years immersed in the world of Washington politics and the media landscape, so I don’t know how to deal necessarily with people who have empathy,” Stewart told the all-vegan banquet at The Plaza Hotel in New York.
The consistency of the Stewarts should be applauded. Rather than simply paying lip service to a cause, they are putting in the groundwork to support their espoused beliefs.
Similarly to how Morgan Freeman turned his estate into a bee sanctuary, Stewart has shown that celebrities have the ability to not only motivate others by raising awareness about issues, but to lay the actual foundation of real world change.

Jay Syrmopoulos is an investigative journalist, free thinker, researcher, and ardent opponent of authoritarianism. He is currently a graduate student at University of Denver pursuing a masters in Global Affairs. Jay’s work has been published on Ben Swann’s Truth in Media, Truth-Out, AlterNet, InfoWars, MintPress News as well as numerous other sites. You can follow him on Twitter @sirmetropolis, on Facebook at Sir Metropolis and now on tsu

Read more at http://thefreethoughtproject.com/jon-stewart-opens-animal-sanctuary-rescue-abused-factory-farm-animals/#B3C6fDkf5MTmuZS5.99

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Women Found Guilty On 43 Counts of Felony Animal Neglect While Running Breeding Facility

Rainier breeder found guilty of animal neglect, fined $172,000

PORTLAND, Ore.  – A woman found guilty of animal neglect while running breeding facility will have to pay a $172,000 fine.
In addition to the fine, Catherine Setere can’t own domestic animals and horses for five years. the judge also ruled she cannot own animals of any kind (including livestock) for the next three years.
Law enforcement seized 118 dogs, 21 horses and a cat from a Rainier breeding facility owned by Catherine Setere back in November, 2013. 
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office was following up on a complaint that her animals were living in unhealthy conditions.
Nearly all of the animals went to the Oregon Humane Society for adoption.
Humane society officials said all of the animals were either adopted or taken to other shelters devoted to finding them homes.
Setere was found guilty on 43 counts of felony animal neglect on Monday, and the final 11 dogs being held during the case were released to the humane society.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Dog By Dog

Hello DBD subscribers! Quick update for everyone on some great screenings that are coming up in Ohio. Each screening will be proceeded by a VIP Reception (honoring individuals and groups who have made a difference in helping to end "puppy mills" and animal cruelty in Ohio), and include a Q & A with special guests afterwards. 100% of proceeds will benefit educational efforts of Ohio Voters for Companion Animals - OVCARescue Me Ohio and the5414 Productions DBD Educational Fund.
DETAILS:Tuesday, October 13th - Cincinnati, OH 
TICKETS: 
http://dogbydogdocumentary.com/cincinnati/
Celebrity MC: Chris Seelbach, Cincinnati City Council
Wednesday, October 14th - Columbus, OH Drexel Theatre:
TICKETS: 
http://dogbydogdocumentary.com/columbus/
Celebrity MC: Mindy Drayer, 
NBC4
Friday, October 16th - Cleveland, OH Chagrin Cinemas:
TICKETS: 
http://dogbydogdocumentary.com/cleveland/
Celebrity MC: Gordon Shell, Champion MMA Fighter and featured in the documentary, "The Dog Fighter" 
Gordon Shell vs. Mike Vick: FIGHT for the DOGS + Mindi Callison from Bailing Out Benji (Featured in the film), DBD Director Christopher E. Grimes, and Executive Producers Christina Ksoll and Leigh Cavich-Grimes.
The second reason we are reaching out is to let our Colorado friends know that we have official joined with PBS Colorado 12 to bring DOG BY DOG into over 500,000 homes across the state! The broadcast premiere(s) are scheduled for 7:00pm and 8:30pm on Sunday, November 22, 2015! We are very excited about this latest development and are very hopeful it will open up opportunities at PBS stations across the U.S.
Please keep in eye on DOG BY DOG Facebook for further announcements! 
Any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at info@5414productions.com
Thank you!
TEAM DBD