Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving From Noah's Village Animal Rescue
Help us .... "Spread the Spirit of the Ark!
Dear Friend,
There's so much to be thankful for ... wonders never cease! We do hope that your Thanksgiving Holiday is very special and you have time to reflect on all the things that you also are thankful for!
I'm so very thankful for our rescue partners who have helped us throughout the year finding the special forever homes for all of our pooches.... also a very special thanks to all of their volunteers and foster families who have shared their love and homes with our pooches until they are placed with their families. In the past year we've relocated just over 200 displaced pooches from Missouri to their new families from Florida to New York City, New Jersey to Billings Montana and Northern Illinois to Colorado.
A special thanks to those of you who have donated your time, gathered supplies for us and have given their financial and emotional support. Without you we could not have saved the lives of so many wonderful pooches.
We're looking forward to "2012" as we progress to engage in exciting programs for
the people and animals of Missouri .... BIG things are coming! Won't you join us and
help .... "Spread the Spirit of the Ark"?
Peace, blessings and joy!
Pat Arbuthnot
Director
Noah's Village Animal Rescue
Dear Friend,
There's so much to be thankful for ... wonders never cease! We do hope that your Thanksgiving Holiday is very special and you have time to reflect on all the things that you also are thankful for!
I'm so very thankful for our rescue partners who have helped us throughout the year finding the special forever homes for all of our pooches.... also a very special thanks to all of their volunteers and foster families who have shared their love and homes with our pooches until they are placed with their families. In the past year we've relocated just over 200 displaced pooches from Missouri to their new families from Florida to New York City, New Jersey to Billings Montana and Northern Illinois to Colorado.
A special thanks to those of you who have donated your time, gathered supplies for us and have given their financial and emotional support. Without you we could not have saved the lives of so many wonderful pooches.
We're looking forward to "2012" as we progress to engage in exciting programs for
the people and animals of Missouri .... BIG things are coming! Won't you join us and
help .... "Spread the Spirit of the Ark"?
Peace, blessings and joy!
Pat Arbuthnot
Director
Noah's Village Animal Rescue
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
KATHY BAUCK’S LICENSE PERMANENTLY REVOKED
Small national non-profit helps to permanently shut down a large and inhumane puppy mill operation.
Kathy Bauck’s license was permanently revoked on September 14, 2011. The agreement – known as a consent decision – also permanently disqualified Bauck from obtaining an Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license or registration. This decision effectively prevents her from engaging in the commercial production and resale of dogs to pet shops and Internet sellers.
Members of her family – known to be involved in her many ventures – were also fined and permanently disqualified from licensing with the USDA. Her husband, Allan, was fined $100,000 (of which $5,000 was to be paid within 25 days of the order and $95,000 would be held in abeyance – in case of violation). Kathy’s daughter, Corinne Peters, and her sister, Janet Jesuit, were fined $50,000 each (payment of $5,000 with $45,000 held in abeyance as well).
They also agreed to a disbursement sale of most of the dogs under their custody or in their premises. They could only keep six dogs of which three may be unspayed females. All of the unsold dogs had to be donated to a shelter or rescue. On September 21, 2011 they had to file a notice with the hearing clerk corroborating their compliance with the ruling.
In 1997, CAPS began investigating Kathy Bauck, the owner and operator of Pick of the Litter in Minnesota. Bauck, one of the largest USDA-licensed dog brokers and breeders in the U.S, sold thousands of dogs to pet shops and Internet buyers across the country. A CAPS undercover employment investigation in the spring of 2008 revealed Bauck’s facility held 900 adults dogs and approximately 400 puppies. The undercover video shot by the CAPS investigator showed sick, wounded, emaciated and dying dogs.
Based on the evidence collected by the CAPS investigator, a jury convicted Bauck on March 24, 2009 of four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and torture. However, the judge sentenced her on only one of the counts; she received a 90-day sentence, reduced to 20 days of work release; a $500 fine, reduced from $1,000; 80 hours of community service and one year of probation.
On August 13, 2009, the USDA/APHIS filed a Motion for Summary Judgment requesting the termination of Bauck’s license. CAPS believes this judgment was due in part to our petition for rulemaking mandating automatic termination of license upon an animal cruelty conviction. Following Bauck’s appeal, APHIS’ response to her appeal, the Judicial Officer’s Order and Decision in December 2009 terminating Bauck’s license and a subsequent termination stay based on Bauck’s federal appeal, the USDA officially terminated Bauck’s license in June 2010, effective two months later.
CAPS turned over evidence to the USDA and dealt directly with the lawyers for the USDA’s Office of General Counsel who handled the Bauck investigation and case since 2008. The USDA filed a complaint on December 7, 2010 and an amended complaint on June 5, 2011 that incorporated the evidence provided by CAPS. The hearing in Fargo, ND was scheduled for the week of November 14.
Despite all the evidence against Bauck, her conviction and license termination, CAPS received complaints in 2010 and 2011 about sick puppies purchased at pet shops in Long Island. The complaints showed that Bauck sold puppies to pet shops after her USDA license cancellation on August 16, 2010. Interstate health certificates proved that Bauck, using her maiden name and a business name, sold dogs to various Long Island pet shops. Some of these certificates even listed a fabricated pet shop in New York City – Canine Culture Center – as a consignee.
With the help of a local Minnesota organization, CAPS kept Bauck under the spotlight. We tracked Bauck’s shipments for a number of years and uncovered that she sold nearly 1,400 puppies to locations in New York. CAPS own undercover investigations of these pet shops revealed stores that refused to disclose the source of their puppies – in violation of the New York pet shop lemon law – or provided limited information after putting down a deposit. Bauck told the investigator that she was “partnered with” and family friends with the owners of at least two of the pet shops. CAPS submitted their findings to the USDA and state agencies in New York, as formal complaints.
For more information, photos and video visit www.caps-web.org or click on the links below.
Small national non-profit helps to permanently shut down a large and inhumane puppy mill operation.
Kathy Bauck’s license was permanently revoked on September 14, 2011. The agreement – known as a consent decision – also permanently disqualified Bauck from obtaining an Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license or registration. This decision effectively prevents her from engaging in the commercial production and resale of dogs to pet shops and Internet sellers.
Members of her family – known to be involved in her many ventures – were also fined and permanently disqualified from licensing with the USDA. Her husband, Allan, was fined $100,000 (of which $5,000 was to be paid within 25 days of the order and $95,000 would be held in abeyance – in case of violation). Kathy’s daughter, Corinne Peters, and her sister, Janet Jesuit, were fined $50,000 each (payment of $5,000 with $45,000 held in abeyance as well).
They also agreed to a disbursement sale of most of the dogs under their custody or in their premises. They could only keep six dogs of which three may be unspayed females. All of the unsold dogs had to be donated to a shelter or rescue. On September 21, 2011 they had to file a notice with the hearing clerk corroborating their compliance with the ruling.
In 1997, CAPS began investigating Kathy Bauck, the owner and operator of Pick of the Litter in Minnesota. Bauck, one of the largest USDA-licensed dog brokers and breeders in the U.S, sold thousands of dogs to pet shops and Internet buyers across the country. A CAPS undercover employment investigation in the spring of 2008 revealed Bauck’s facility held 900 adults dogs and approximately 400 puppies. The undercover video shot by the CAPS investigator showed sick, wounded, emaciated and dying dogs.
Based on the evidence collected by the CAPS investigator, a jury convicted Bauck on March 24, 2009 of four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and torture. However, the judge sentenced her on only one of the counts; she received a 90-day sentence, reduced to 20 days of work release; a $500 fine, reduced from $1,000; 80 hours of community service and one year of probation.
On August 13, 2009, the USDA/APHIS filed a Motion for Summary Judgment requesting the termination of Bauck’s license. CAPS believes this judgment was due in part to our petition for rulemaking mandating automatic termination of license upon an animal cruelty conviction. Following Bauck’s appeal, APHIS’ response to her appeal, the Judicial Officer’s Order and Decision in December 2009 terminating Bauck’s license and a subsequent termination stay based on Bauck’s federal appeal, the USDA officially terminated Bauck’s license in June 2010, effective two months later.
CAPS turned over evidence to the USDA and dealt directly with the lawyers for the USDA’s Office of General Counsel who handled the Bauck investigation and case since 2008. The USDA filed a complaint on December 7, 2010 and an amended complaint on June 5, 2011 that incorporated the evidence provided by CAPS. The hearing in Fargo, ND was scheduled for the week of November 14.
Despite all the evidence against Bauck, her conviction and license termination, CAPS received complaints in 2010 and 2011 about sick puppies purchased at pet shops in Long Island. The complaints showed that Bauck sold puppies to pet shops after her USDA license cancellation on August 16, 2010. Interstate health certificates proved that Bauck, using her maiden name and a business name, sold dogs to various Long Island pet shops. Some of these certificates even listed a fabricated pet shop in New York City – Canine Culture Center – as a consignee.
With the help of a local Minnesota organization, CAPS kept Bauck under the spotlight. We tracked Bauck’s shipments for a number of years and uncovered that she sold nearly 1,400 puppies to locations in New York. CAPS own undercover investigations of these pet shops revealed stores that refused to disclose the source of their puppies – in violation of the New York pet shop lemon law – or provided limited information after putting down a deposit. Bauck told the investigator that she was “partnered with” and family friends with the owners of at least two of the pet shops. CAPS submitted their findings to the USDA and state agencies in New York, as formal complaints.
For more information, photos and video visit www.caps-web.org or click on the links below.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Missouri Debate Over Dog Breeding Continues...
Associated Press Posted: Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:48 am (2) Comments
Debate over Missouri's dog breeding industry and the regulations governing it has weaved through the ballot box, the floors of the state House and Senate and the state Department of Agriculture. And the discussion is not done yet.
Several humane groups have voiced concerns that increased costs for the state licenses of animal shelters could cause financial problems for those facilities. Shelters lost an exemption from the licensing fees under a law approved last year, and the license charges for shelters, commercial breeders, kennels and others was increased this year from a maximum of $500 to up to $2,500.
"It's horrible public policy," said Barbara Schmitz, the Missouri state director for the Humane Society of the United States. "Shelters and rescue groups are nonprofit organizations. They're performing a community service. They are taking in animals that have no homes."
Schmitz and other critics, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, call it a "tax" and warn that it could force some shelters to close. Schmitz said opponents are pursuing several options, including a lawsuit that they filed earlier this year in the Capitol's home of Cole County and changes through the Legislature.
Meanwhile, commercial breeders said many of the dogs cared for in shelters did not come from their industry and that the state's shelters should help licensed breeders bear the financial cost of Missouri's regulation efforts.
"We believe that it's only fair for those facilities to pay their fair share as well," said Karen Strange, the president of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners.
It is another example of the disagreement that has bubbled up from heightened attention paid to dogs during the past several years in Missouri.
Last year, voters approved a ballot measure that created new rules for the breeding industry, which included a limit of 50 breeding dogs and care requirements for the dogs. It passed with about 52 percent of the vote with supporters in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas outweighing opponents in rural areas and was backed by several organizations including the Humane Society of the United States. Opponents argued that the new rules would force the end of Missouri's dog breeding industry.
Before the new rules could take effect, state lawmakers stepped in and this year approved legislation first replacing much of the ballot measure and then implementing an agreement between state-based agriculture groups and animal welfare groups. The new state legislation included the higher licensing fee and required that the state Department of Agriculture update its regulations for dogs.
Breeders and welfare groups have quibbled with a few parts of those new rules. Organizations that include the Humane Society of the United State and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also have raised objections to portions of the final rules that deal with flooring, space, outdoor access and exercise requirements. The Missouri Federation of Animal Owners sought changes to how required veterinary examinations would be handled.
State agriculture officials said they held public meetings and reviewed thousands of comments in developing the final rules. The state agency said it was appointing a panel of veterinarians to monitor the effects of the new regulations and propose future changes.
"We take our role in animal care very seriously, and these rules are an integral part of ensuring that our licensed, professional breeders have the clear guidelines they need to move forward," Missouri Agriculture Department Director Jon Hagler said in a written statement that was released when the rules were finalized.
However, new state regulations do not mean no more discussion.
Fallout from the 2010 ballot measure on dog breeding could lead to a new initiative before voters next year. A couple groups that supported last year's measure joined a new organization that is pursuing a constitutional amendment in 2012 to require a three-quarters majority vote for the Legislature to amend or repeal voter-approved laws unless the changes are referred to the ballot for a vote or the initial ballot measure allowed lawmakers to make changes by a majority vote.
Dog breeders and others said they too are ready to continue the debate if necessary. Strange said they would "actively pursue the protection of agriculture." She said there were no specific proposals or plans for a possible encore but that all their options were under consideration.
Plenty of prospects for future disagreement remain. Nonetheless, there is some agreement that things have gotten at least a little better.
Strange: "We will see a greater improvement in the industry. I believe that when the public purchases a puppy from Missouri they can feel assured that they are getting a healthy, well-socialized, well-raised new member of their family. We now have in place rules and regulations that can be enforced. Plus, we have criminal penalties in place for those who operate outside the law or substandard facilities. We now have an assurance that our animals are the best in the nation."
Schmitz:: "We believe that progress has definitely been made. Improved veterinary care provisions is definitely a step forward. We are appreciative of that effort. There is still a lot of work to be done and we go forward."
And that could mean new discussions for Missourians to sort out.
EDITOR'S NOTE _ Chris Blank has covered state government and politics for The Associated Press since 2005.
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/missouri-s-debate-over-dog-breeding-continues/article_002f1361-16e1-5abf-932b-5183cd5e80df.html#ixzz1dgbA0K8l
Debate over Missouri's dog breeding industry and the regulations governing it has weaved through the ballot box, the floors of the state House and Senate and the state Department of Agriculture. And the discussion is not done yet.
Several humane groups have voiced concerns that increased costs for the state licenses of animal shelters could cause financial problems for those facilities. Shelters lost an exemption from the licensing fees under a law approved last year, and the license charges for shelters, commercial breeders, kennels and others was increased this year from a maximum of $500 to up to $2,500.
"It's horrible public policy," said Barbara Schmitz, the Missouri state director for the Humane Society of the United States. "Shelters and rescue groups are nonprofit organizations. They're performing a community service. They are taking in animals that have no homes."
Schmitz and other critics, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, call it a "tax" and warn that it could force some shelters to close. Schmitz said opponents are pursuing several options, including a lawsuit that they filed earlier this year in the Capitol's home of Cole County and changes through the Legislature.
Meanwhile, commercial breeders said many of the dogs cared for in shelters did not come from their industry and that the state's shelters should help licensed breeders bear the financial cost of Missouri's regulation efforts.
"We believe that it's only fair for those facilities to pay their fair share as well," said Karen Strange, the president of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners.
It is another example of the disagreement that has bubbled up from heightened attention paid to dogs during the past several years in Missouri.
Last year, voters approved a ballot measure that created new rules for the breeding industry, which included a limit of 50 breeding dogs and care requirements for the dogs. It passed with about 52 percent of the vote with supporters in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas outweighing opponents in rural areas and was backed by several organizations including the Humane Society of the United States. Opponents argued that the new rules would force the end of Missouri's dog breeding industry.
Before the new rules could take effect, state lawmakers stepped in and this year approved legislation first replacing much of the ballot measure and then implementing an agreement between state-based agriculture groups and animal welfare groups. The new state legislation included the higher licensing fee and required that the state Department of Agriculture update its regulations for dogs.
Breeders and welfare groups have quibbled with a few parts of those new rules. Organizations that include the Humane Society of the United State and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also have raised objections to portions of the final rules that deal with flooring, space, outdoor access and exercise requirements. The Missouri Federation of Animal Owners sought changes to how required veterinary examinations would be handled.
State agriculture officials said they held public meetings and reviewed thousands of comments in developing the final rules. The state agency said it was appointing a panel of veterinarians to monitor the effects of the new regulations and propose future changes.
"We take our role in animal care very seriously, and these rules are an integral part of ensuring that our licensed, professional breeders have the clear guidelines they need to move forward," Missouri Agriculture Department Director Jon Hagler said in a written statement that was released when the rules were finalized.
However, new state regulations do not mean no more discussion.
Fallout from the 2010 ballot measure on dog breeding could lead to a new initiative before voters next year. A couple groups that supported last year's measure joined a new organization that is pursuing a constitutional amendment in 2012 to require a three-quarters majority vote for the Legislature to amend or repeal voter-approved laws unless the changes are referred to the ballot for a vote or the initial ballot measure allowed lawmakers to make changes by a majority vote.
Dog breeders and others said they too are ready to continue the debate if necessary. Strange said they would "actively pursue the protection of agriculture." She said there were no specific proposals or plans for a possible encore but that all their options were under consideration.
Plenty of prospects for future disagreement remain. Nonetheless, there is some agreement that things have gotten at least a little better.
Strange: "We will see a greater improvement in the industry. I believe that when the public purchases a puppy from Missouri they can feel assured that they are getting a healthy, well-socialized, well-raised new member of their family. We now have in place rules and regulations that can be enforced. Plus, we have criminal penalties in place for those who operate outside the law or substandard facilities. We now have an assurance that our animals are the best in the nation."
Schmitz:: "We believe that progress has definitely been made. Improved veterinary care provisions is definitely a step forward. We are appreciative of that effort. There is still a lot of work to be done and we go forward."
And that could mean new discussions for Missourians to sort out.
EDITOR'S NOTE _ Chris Blank has covered state government and politics for The Associated Press since 2005.
Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/missouri-s-debate-over-dog-breeding-continues/article_002f1361-16e1-5abf-932b-5183cd5e80df.html#ixzz1dgbA0K8l
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards
The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ presented by Cesar Canine Cuisine celebrates the powerful relationship between dogs and people. Eight extraordinary canine finalists, selected in a nationwide online search, will be honored at this red-carpet star-studded award gala for their remarkable devotion, bravery, and companionship. Each of these incredible dogs represents one of the many categories of working dogs, including service, therapy, military, law enforcement and arson, hearing, guide, and search and rescue. Join host Carson Kressley, along with Betty White, Peter Fonda, Paula Abdul, Faith Ford, Olivia Munn and many more for this unique celebration of our four-legged heroes and the many ways they enrich and save our lives every day.
To find out about each of the Hero Dog Award categories, inluding Emerging Hero Dogs, click here.
The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ presented by Cesar Canine Cuisine celebrates the powerful relationship between dogs and people. Eight extraordinary canine finalists, selected in a nationwide online search, will be honored at this red-carpet star-studded award gala for their remarkable devotion, bravery, and companionship. Each of these incredible dogs represents one of the many categories of working dogs, including service, therapy, military, law enforcement and arson, hearing, guide, and search and rescue. Join host Carson Kressley, along with Betty White, Peter Fonda, Paula Abdul, Faith Ford, Olivia Munn and many more for this unique celebration of our four-legged heroes and the many ways they enrich and save our lives every day.
To find out about each of the Hero Dog Award categories, inluding Emerging Hero Dogs, click here.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
On November 1, 2007 Tony La Russa was awarded the American Society for the Prevention ofals' (ASPCA®), prestigious Henry Bergh Founder's Award at the organization's annual Humane Awards Luncheon in New York, New York. In 1866, Henry Bergh founded the ASPCA®, the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere granted the authority to enforce local animal protection laws. Today, the ASPCA has over 1,000,000 members and donors nationwide, and continues to create national programs to prevent cruelty to animals. The Henry Bergh Founder's Award is presented annually to an individual who has worked most of their lives to improve the health and welfare of animals.
Tony La Russa makes his off-season home in Alamo, California with his wife, Elaine; their two daughters Bianca and Devon, one bunny, five dogs, five mice and 14 cats.
ARF - Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
www.arf.net
More Adoptable PetsAdoption Hours Wednesday: Noon - 5 p.m. Thursday - Friday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m. Location ...
Tony La Russa makes his off-season home in Alamo, California with his wife, Elaine; their two daughters Bianca and Devon, one bunny, five dogs, five mice and 14 cats.
ARF - Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
www.arf.net
More Adoptable PetsAdoption Hours Wednesday: Noon - 5 p.m. Thursday - Friday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m. Location ...
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