Wednesday, July 27, 2011



Governor bans sidewalk sales of puppies, kittens
July 26, 2011
Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday signed into law a measure banning the sale of animals on street corners and other public property in hopes of reducing the number of poorly run puppy mills in California.

SB 917 also sets tougher penalties for those convicted of animal abuse or cruelty, allowing a maximum jail sentence of one year in cruelty cases and a fine of up to $20,000.

Sen. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) said the goal of his bill is to improve conditions for animals sold in the state.

"Because current health and safety regulations for animal sales do not apply to roadside sales, young animals are being sold that are often mistreated, ill or diseased and there’s no way to track the seller,” Lieu said.
The bill would not prevent the owner of a dog that has puppies from selling the animals from a private property, said a spokesman for the senator. It also allows the sale from animal shelters.
Lieu’s measure is co-sponsored by the State Humane Assn. of California, the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA and the SPCA Los Angeles.

Monday, July 25, 2011

PIJAC Announces............

Pet Sale Ban Proposed In St. Louis, Missouri. A proposed ordinance amending the city’s animal laws will be considered by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen when it reconvenes in September. Under the proposal, pet owners in the city would be required to spay, neuter and microchip their animals, and pet stores would be banned from selling dogs and cats. Click here to read PIJAC’s PetAlert on this issue.

Pet Sale Ban To Be Considered on August 2nd in Suffolk County, New York. Action on a proposed ordinance to ban the retail sale of puppies in the county is expected at the August 2nd meeting of the County Legislature. PIJAC has raised legal issues with the proposal, as well as policy objections. Joining the American Canine Association, PIJAC met with a number of pet retailers running stores in and around Suffolk County to discuss the proposal and appropriate responsive action. Click here to read PIJAC’s recent PetAlert on this issue. Download flyer to provide customers and pet owners urging them to OPPOSE this ordinance.

BREEDER/KENNEL

California. **ON 2ND READING IN SENATE** Assembly Bill 1121 provides for pet dealers and breeders to provide monthly reports to localities on all dogs they transfer during the reporting period. As introduced, the bill would mandate that the information be provided. PIJAC has secured an amendment to make the reporting permissive (each locality would decide whether to participate). AB 1121 would also create a “puppy license” for dogs up to one year old, supplementing the existing licensing requirement. The bill provides specific licensing terms for both the new puppy licenses and the existing dog licenses. The bill was withdrawn from the Senate Committee on Appropriations on July 14th and is currently on 2nd reading in the Senate. Click here to read PIJAC’s latest PetAlert on this legislation.

Michigan (Ypsilanti Township). **PROPOSED ORDINANCE SET FOR FINAL VOTE** A proposed ordinance, regulating backyard dog breeders in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan is set for a final vote on July 19th. The proposal, which had its first reading before the Ypsilanti Board of Trustees on June 21st, provides for breeder licensing requirements, limits number of litters per year and restricts certain dog sales. The ordinance also completely bans the breeding of “pit bulls”. Click here to read PIJAC’s PetAlert on this proposal.

PET STORE/DEALER

California. **ON GOVERNOR’S DESK** California Senate Bill 917 would make it a crime to sell, display, offer for sale, or offer to give away live animals on any street, highway, public right-of-way, parking lot, carnival, or boardwalk. However, the display and offer of an animal for sale on a street, highway, public right-of-way, parking lot, carnival, or boardwalk is not prohibited if the actual transaction does not occur in such public location. SB 917 was passed by the Assembly on July 11th and was sent to the Governor for signature.

Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). **ORDINANCE ADOPTED** A Philadelphia city ordinance, banning animal retailers from selling any dog or cat that has not been sterilized, was signed into law on May 25, 2011 and became effective immediately. Anyone who sells an unsterilized dog or cat will receive a fine and could be forced to cease operations for up to one year. The ordinance also increases dog licensing fees, adds record keeping requirements for animal retailers and provides standards of care requirements for animal owners and kennels. Click here to read PIJAC’s PetAlert on this issue.

DOG/CAT

Michigan (Bay County). **ORDINANCE ADOPTED** The Bay County, Michigan Board of Commissioners has passed an ordinance repealing language declaring “pit bulls” as vicious animals. The Commission adopted new language listing criteria in which ANY dog may be considered vicious. The new laws go into effect within seven days after being published in a local newspaper, which is soon forthcoming. Click here to read PIJAC’s PetAlert on this adopted ordinance.

Rhode Island. **HELD OVER TO 2012** House Bill 5690 provides guidelines and penalties for any person keeping a dog outside tethered, penned, caged, fenced or otherwise confined without adequate shelter from the elements. The bill also grants the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals authority to examine and enter property where dogs are tethered outdoors. HB 5690 was passed by the House on June 30th and was sent to the Senate. The bill will carry over to the 2012 legislative session as the Rhode Island General Assembly adjourned for the year on July 1st. Read PIJAC’s original PetAlert on this bill’s companion (Senate Bill 140) for more details.

PET FOOD

Oregon. **DIED ON ADJOURNMENT** House Bill 2120, which sought to establish new fees for pet food manufacturers and fee increases on the sale of animal remedies, biologics and pharmaceuticals, died in the Joint Ways & Means Committee when the Oregon Legislative Assembly adjourned on June 30th. Click here to read PIJAC’s original PetAlert on this issue.

2011-2012 SESSION SUMMARY

To date this session, PIJAC has screened more than 8,000 pet industry-related bills, ordinances, and regulatory proposals, and is actively tracking more than 1,100. Delaware, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Rhode Island have adjourned since July 1st. This leaves 10 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Congress still in session. Click here to view a 2011 State Legislature Session Calendar to see when your state adjourns.

PIJAC E-News is copyrighted by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. PIJAC is currently granting permission to further transmit this newsletter to interested parties in whole or part provided that: 1) the PIJAC copyright is referenced, 2) full attribution is given to PIJAC, and 3) the wording is conveyed in exactly the manner that it was provided by PIJAC. PIJAC reserves the right to change its reproduction/transmission policy at any time.

CONTACT US

If you need more information on government affairs issues, please contact Michael Maddox, Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel at: michael@pijac.org. For all other matters, please contact Mike Canning, President/CEO at: mcanning@pijac.org.

Defination of a PUPPY MILL.......

It was the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council that in fact DID have a definition of Puppy Mills. They state in one of their previous resports:
The definition of a puppy mill is paramount in evaluating regulatory mechanisms appropriate to address the issue. Puppy Mills are best defined as breeders who do one or more of the following:
a) Fail to follow acceptable standards of breeding
b) Fail to provide veterinary care and husbandry
c) Fail to provide socialization
d) Fail to provide safe housing
e) Fail to maintain sanitary facilities
f) Fail to transport in humane and safe manner, or
g) Knowingly breed adult dogs with hereditary or genetic defects

Sunday, July 24, 2011



Just helped save a puppy!
www.nopetstorepuppies.com
Most pet store puppies come from puppy mills. Join me in taking the pledge to stop shopping at pet stores that sell puppies.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Direct From Wayne pacelle's Blog....

The Way Forward in Missouri
In the advancement of our cause, the path to progress is not always linear. We are advancing and securing gains on so many fronts, but there are inevitable set-backs along the way. Take the example of Missouri’s Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.

Lawmakers in Missouri failed to address an ever-expanding and worsening problem of puppy mills over many decades. The General Assembly, catering to the wishes of agribusiness and the puppy mill industry, provided political protection, and the industry grew to enormous proportions, with 3,000 mills and little in the way of strong animal welfare regulations or solid enforcement through the years.

HSUS, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, and local organizations launched a ballot measure to correct the worst abuses of these large-scale dog breeders and to bring into law some modest standards to the care of dogs. Voters approved the measure, in the number-one puppy mill state.

Then, after a free and fair election, lawmakers repealed several core provisions of the ballot measure, and Gov. Jay Nixon signed these weakening provisions into law. The attack on Prop B has been a shameful example of politics at its worst, with the governor and a narrow majority of lawmakers subverting a vote of the people that occurred just a few months ago.

The new legislation removes the Prop B requirement that dogs get rest between breeding cycles, as well as the limit on the number of breeding dogs per puppy mill. It removes the requirement for prompt veterinary treatment of an illness or injury, unless a puppy mill operator subjectively decides that an illness or injury is “serious.” It gives dogs less space in cages than Prop B would have and it allows the millers five years to phase in the maximum space requirements. Finally, it replaces the criminal penalties for cruelty at puppy mills with civil penalties, except for repeat offenders.

Although we are extremely disappointed with the nullification of several core Prop B standards, we will work to make what remains in the law strong through the rulemaking process. We will endeavor to hold accountable the public officials who say they support strong laws and enforcement to protect dogs. Prop B would have taken effect in November 2011, and it is our firm hope that the new regulations will be adopted on a Prop B timeframe. We’ll advocate for that time frame, and for the strongest possible standards in our work with state regulators. It’s safe to say that even these minor improvements, along with the additional funding Gov. Nixon has pledged for inspections, would never have been considered were it not for Prop B.

Meanwhile, we are actively supporting the Voter Protection Act, a constitutional amendment to require a three-fourths vote in both houses of the legislature, or a subsequent vote of the people, in order to repeal or amend any citizen-passed initiative. We will work hard with a large and diverse group of coalition partners to place this measure on the November 2012 statewide ballot. The Voter Protection Act would provide constitutional protections for citizen ballot initiatives similar to those that exist in other states. The measure still allows the state legislature to exercise its legislative authority, and if there are major problems with an initiative they will be able to build consensus for a three-fourths vote. But it adds a layer of accountability and a higher threshold so the will of the people cannot be simply discarded with a narrow vote of the legislature, as it was with Prop B.

We will actively watch to see whether the new rules and enforcement help to improve the treatment of Missouri’s puppy mill dogs, or whether the abuses continue unchecked. If the situation does not improve dramatically for dogs, we will make all necessary preparations for a ballot initiative to restore the Prop B standards for the care of dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities. If Missourians approve the Voter Protection Act in 2012, it will help to protect the will of the people from being overturned a second time, and a future ballot initiative on puppy mills will have greater long-lasting protection from attacks by politicians and special interests.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Adopt don't shop !!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Hudson's Favorite Dog Friendly Restaurants
This is my top pick of St. Louis Restaurants that allow dogs to eat with their families outside

1.) Atlas Restaurant 5513 Pershing Avenue 63112 Open: Tues-Sat from 5:30-10 p.m. Simple yet sophisticated fare at reasonable prices. They have wine by the glass or patrons are welcome to bring their favorite wine, subject to a corkage fee.
2.) Bar Italia 13 Maryland Plaza 63108 Open :Tues-Thur 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri/Sat/Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m. You can not eat outside in their enclosed seating area but at any of the tables on the sidewalk with your well behaved dogs.
3.) Blueberry Hill 6504 Delmar Blvd. 63130 Open: 7 days a week from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with a late night menu available after 9 p.m. This is a St. Louis landmark restaurant in the loop along the St. Louis Walk of Fame stars. The restaurant is filled with pop culture memorabilia and has a fun and enjoyable menu. Outside seating available for dogs and their families.
4.) Boathouse Restaurant in Forest Park 6101 Government Drive Open: everyday, all day Mon-Sat 11a.m.-3p.m.for lunch, Tues-Sun starting at 3p.m. Sun 10-3 brunch. This is Hudson's Top Pick not only for being the friendliest dog restaurant by even having dog biscuits available for us dogs as well as fought for St. Louis to be the first city in Missouri to allow dogs at the outside seating at restaurants. Amazing service, great menu and unbelievable beautiful setting right on the lagoon with paddle boats available to rent.
5.) Brandt's Restaurant 6525 Delmar 63130 Open: They have a fabulous breakfast buffet with a Bloody Mary bar on Sat. from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and Sun. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Another fabulous restaurant located in Delmar loop. It is an acclaimed global-fusion restaurant that has been around for 20 years.
6.) Coffee Cartel 2 Maryland Plaza 63108 Open: 24 hours 7 days a week This little gem has it all from coffee to ice cream and even breakfast food and sandwiches. It is a full service restaurant who loves to have dogs and their owners enjoy their outside dining. They have a water bowl by their hose outside for us dogs.
7.) Culpeppers 300 N. Euclid Avenue 63108 Open: 11 a.m.-midnight They are known for their amazing chicken wings, burgers and salads. Their menu offers just about anything your taste buds are craving. Dog bowls are a plenty at this restaurant and they need it as they are always busy.
8.) Cupcakery 28 South Maryland Plaza 63108 Open: 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. This is a most check out establishment. It has the best cupcakes in town as far as I'm concerned. They sell single serving desserts and drinks. Their cupcakes are so moist & rich but just as importantly reasonable at $3.02 with tax. Beats the heck out of their competitor's prices and twice as moist. They are so dog friendly you can even have them dine inside with you. Some dog groups have had their meetings there as well. All you dog lovers have to check out this place.
9.) Downtown Cantina and Brick Oven Cafe 901 Pine Street 63101 Open: Mon-Fri. 11-9 Sat 5-9 or later This menu is to die for with about anything you might be craving. They are just a few blocks from the convention center and the Edwards Jones Dome as well as Busch Stadium and Scott Trade Center. They have an extensive delicious menu. They are extremely dog friendly and love to cater to the 60 plus dogs that live in the two apartment complexes by them. The owner is super friendly and loves her Yappy Hour with the dogs around town and their owners.
10.) Drunken Fish 1 Maryland Plaza 63108 Open: Mon-Fri 11-2 and 5 starts dinner This is an award winning sushi & martini restaurant that has incredible Japanese cuisine. They have over 30 original drinks and the manager is so accommodating to their patrons. If its your first time there they even give you a complimentary drink and the manager introduces himself to your table.
11.) Graham's Grill and Bayou Bar 612 W. Woodbine Ave. 63122 Open: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-11p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight and Sun 11a.m.-9 p.m. This is the oldest beach bar and grill that specializes in Cajun, seafood and southern cuisine. The atmosphere is fabulous and the staff is very friendly.A large part of the outdoor seating is under palm trees. Quite a treat in so many ways.
12.) Kaldi's Coffeehouse 17211 Chesterfield Airport Road 63005 Open: Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m. This is a wonderful place to bring your family that serves sandwiches, soups, salads and has a quiche and pizza of the day. An extensive bakery case also. They love dogs to bring their families over to enjoy outside dining.
13.) Luvy Duvy's Cafe 2321 Arsenal Open: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
14.) Riddles Penultimate Cafe and Wine Bar 6307 Delmar Blvd. 63130 Open: Tues-Thurs 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Fri/Sat 5 p.m.-midnight and Sun 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Another most check out restaurant at The Loop. This is an independent owner-operated restaurant where excellent food is their foremost concern.
Central West End and The Loop are dog friendly in general and have a large variety of restaurants for dogs and their families to enjoy outside dining. Most of the restaurants have water bowls available for the dogs. Keep in mind that if your dog isn't well mannered or friendly around other dogs kindly do not bring them to dog friendly outside restaurants. Make sure your dog has taken care of his business before you bring him along.Another place that is a most go to is Tropical Moose Snow cone stand at the Kirkwood Farmers Market that offers a liver flavor snow cone for dogs for 50 cents that is beyond delicious. I would even rank it better than cat turds and you know how I feel about cat turds. The human flavors are amazing as well and they have a great area to eat at and other outside restaurants right in the market that are Divine. I also highly recommends Dairy Queen fast food restaurants as they give free cups of ice cream with a dog biscuit in it anytime I've gone with my parents through the drive up.Of course you have to tell them your dog is along. Also most of Quizno's will bring a table outside for you to have dinner with your dog at their places. I encourage you to name and rate (giving me descriptions) of any other restaurants in St. Louis that cater to dogs and their families in the comment section below this post. Let's pool our resources on this one. Here's to dining with your families around town