Saturday, August 30, 2014
Pit Bull Saves Little Boy From Attacking Bees .....
Pit Bull Saves Little Boy From Attacking Bees, Family Says
OREGON CITY, Ore. (KPTV/CNN) -- An Oregon family says their pit bull is a hero.
It all started when some kids stepped on a bee hive while walking in the woods.
Jesse-Cole Shaver, 8, was with his sisters and other neighborhood kids, exploring a creek down a steep embankment behind their Oregon City apartment complex, when one of the kids stepped into a rotten log, unleashing swarms of bees.
Jesse-Cole's big sister Jasmine was stung five times - in what could have been a deadly encounter because she's allergic to bees. She got two injections from an EpiPen to prevent her body from swelling in reaction to the stings.
"It felt like a bunch of needles went into my skin, and I didn't know what was going on until the girl started yelling, 'Bees!'," Jasmine said.
Little Jesse-Cole was stung at least 24 times.
He couldn't make it back up this hill to safety on his own. But luckily, their pit bull Hades came to the rescue.
"Hades saw me and came and she dragged me up to the grass and then stopped and let me crawl on her back and then took me to mom," Jesse-Cole said.
"I just heard a bunch of screaming, then I saw my dog dragging my son up by his pants," his mom said.
Freshly home from the hospital, Jesse-Cole is hugging his dog a little tighter.
Their mother says even in the hospital, doctors were pulling bees out of their hair.
And if it weren't for a little help from Hades, "A couple of these kids could have got really sick or died, I'm sure of it," she said.
Hades was also stung several times, but the good news: both the dog and the kids are home and doing just fine.
They say they won't be going down that trail behind their apartment complex ever again.
It all started when some kids stepped on a bee hive while walking in the woods.
Jesse-Cole Shaver, 8, was with his sisters and other neighborhood kids, exploring a creek down a steep embankment behind their Oregon City apartment complex, when one of the kids stepped into a rotten log, unleashing swarms of bees.
Jesse-Cole's big sister Jasmine was stung five times - in what could have been a deadly encounter because she's allergic to bees. She got two injections from an EpiPen to prevent her body from swelling in reaction to the stings.
"It felt like a bunch of needles went into my skin, and I didn't know what was going on until the girl started yelling, 'Bees!'," Jasmine said.
Little Jesse-Cole was stung at least 24 times.
He couldn't make it back up this hill to safety on his own. But luckily, their pit bull Hades came to the rescue.
"Hades saw me and came and she dragged me up to the grass and then stopped and let me crawl on her back and then took me to mom," Jesse-Cole said.
"I just heard a bunch of screaming, then I saw my dog dragging my son up by his pants," his mom said.
Freshly home from the hospital, Jesse-Cole is hugging his dog a little tighter.
Their mother says even in the hospital, doctors were pulling bees out of their hair.
And if it weren't for a little help from Hades, "A couple of these kids could have got really sick or died, I'm sure of it," she said.
Hades was also stung several times, but the good news: both the dog and the kids are home and doing just fine.
They say they won't be going down that trail behind their apartment complex ever again.
126 Animals Rescued From Struggling Lebanon Humane Society !!!
August 27, 2014
126 Dogs and Cats Rescued from Struggling Lebanon Humane Society
Shelter overcrowded, filthy; some animals there more than two years
Animal Cruelty Task Force Investigator cuddles a rescued puppy
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The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force is rescuing 126 animals from the Lebanon Humane Society in Laclede County which currently is reorganizing. The animals include 49 medium-to-large size dogs of various breeds, 12 small breed dogs, and 65 cats.
The HSMO Animal Cruelty Task Force is acting at the request of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Lebanon Humane Society. The LHS board is working with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and other professional animal welfare consultants as they restructure their organization and repair their facility in compliance with state and federal statutes.
“Often, the Humane Society of Missouri is the safety net for homeless animals in Missouri. We are glad the new leaders at the Lebanon Humane Society reached out for help to give their dogs and cats the best opportunity for a new home,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “We support their efforts to renew their mission and improve operations so they can again help animals in their community.”
“When the newly elected board first took over the shelter, we were shocked at the level of overcrowding, appalled at the filthy conditions, and dismayed at how long some of these animals have been at the facility,” said Judith Koch, president, Lebanon Humane Society. “We urgently needed to bring the facilities into compliance with state laws and restructure the organization, which would be impossible while trying to properly care for more than 130 animals. A professional shelter consultant advised us to place the animals elsewhere to give us time to reorganize.”
Koch continued, “We are very grateful the Humane Society of Missouri could step in to care for our animals. Their practice of placing all adoptable dogs and cats and not euthanizing for time or space gave us confidence we were giving them the best chance at finding forever homes. We also welcome the involvement of our community as we work to quickly reopen implementing high standards of animal care and professional operating procedures.”
Upon arrival in St. Louis, each animal will receive an examination by HSMO veterinarians and receive appropriate vaccinations, parasite prevention and other medical treatment, if necessary. All will be spayed or neutered before being made available for adoption. Persons interested in adopting any of these dogs or cats should visit the Humane Society of Missouri’s website at www.hsmo.org. Some of the animals could be available as soon as next week.
Donations of cat and dog toys, bed sheets and towels to help care for these animals may be brought to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Macklind Ave. Adoption Center, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63110.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Orefon Supreme Court Passes a Ruling That Will Change The Way Animals Are Treated ....
The Oregon Supreme Court this month passed a landmark ruling that will change the way animals are treated under the law in the state for the better. The ruling will ensure that any animal can be seen as a legal “victim” in a case, affording animals more basic rights to protect them from abuse.
The ruling was made on the case of a man who was convicted of starving 20 horses and goats on his property. The judge’s decision allotted a separate count of second-degree animal neglect for each animal, noting that each animal was a separate victim on his own.
The distinction might sound obvious — but it wasn’t legally accepted at the time that Arnold Nix, the defendant, was first convicted in 2009. During his case, Nix argued that the law defines animals as the property of their owners, so the word “victim” shouldn’t apply to them. As of this month’s hearing, the word “victim” does apply.
“To acknowledge that animals are victims of crime, that’s really common sense to us,” said Lora Dunn, staff attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund in Portland. And the ruling could lead to longer prison sentences for those convicted of animal abuse in the state.
This isn’t the first time the issue has been addressed in law. According to a Michigan State University report:
It is not a novel idea that entities other than humans can be considered crime victims. Businesses, corporations, neighborhood associations, and government entities have been defined as crime victims in state statutes. Including protections for animals as crime victims is a natural progression in the development of the law.
It’s not the first time animal advocates have sought greater legal protections. Recently, an organization called the Nonhuman Rights Project has waged a campaign seeking “legal personhood” to be extended to a chimpanzee. In a blog post for The Dodo, the group says:
Traditionally, Lady Justice is portrayed as wearing a blindfold as she holds the scales of justice. The idea is that justice should be blind -- impartial and dispensed without regard to the classes of persons who appear before her. Ironically, however, justice has been blind in another way, too: blind to all living beings except humans. To this day they remain invisible to the legal system.
Missouri Puppy Mill Law, 4 Years Later .....
Show Me the Impact: Missouri's Puppy Mill Law, 4 Years Later
State legislatures so far this year have already passed 84 new laws on animal protection—ushering in a wide range of reforms involving felony cruelty penalties, puppy mills, shark finning, exotic pets, fox penning, the ivory trade, and more. That makes more than 1,000 new state animal protection laws on the books since 2005.
Of course, the goal is not just to have new laws on the books, but to see them properly enforced and having the desired practical impact in the field of reducing suffering and saving lives. Nearly four years since the landmark approval by Missouri voters of Proposition B—the first ballot measure campaign to set standards for the care of dogs in large-scale commercial breeding operations, battled out in the puppy mill capital of America—we can now look back and see the impact the law is having.
The HSUSMissouri's Prop B set standards for puppy mills.
Although the Missouri legislature and Gov. Jay Nixon weakened some of the key elements of the voter-approved measure before it even had a chance to take effect, what remained intact still makes Missouri’s law one of the strongest anti-puppy mill statutes in the nation. Josh Benson of the Columbia Missourian has authored a remarkablethree-part series on commercial dog breeding in Missouri and reports on the impact the new standards have had on dogs confined in puppy mills.
Benson reports in Part 1 that since the statute became law, more than 1,300 dogs have been rescued, 37 businesses or individuals were referred to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for Prosecution, and more than $25,000 in civil fines were assessed and nine licenses revoked, ranging in length from three to 10 years. He notes, “By contrast, in the 24 months before the law took effect, 10 businesses or individuals were referred to state officials for violating Missouri's animal welfare laws. No civil fines were assessed in those cases.”
Importantly, due to the legislation, “Since 2010, the number of commercial breeders licensed with Missouri's Animal Care Program has dropped from about 1,400 to just over 800, a decline of more than 40 percent, according to data obtained from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.”
Even though the new law was weakened (with input from breeders), it appears to be having the right impact. But the puppy mill apologists still oppose having any standards whatsoever. In Part 2, lobbyist Karen Strange of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners said her group opposes animal welfare laws and doesn’t want regulation of breeders. That’s the kind of attitude that undercuts the entire industry because it allows the worst abusers to cut corners and get a free pass.
In Part 3, Benson quotes the animal welfare inspection reports from a breeder who ran a commercial facility in Lawrence County, comparing it to a horror story:
- "Defendant provided her dogs with dirty, muddy, non-potable water."
- "Defendant failed to equip her housing facilities with waste water or water drainage systems such that one 3-week-old American Eskimo puppy was observed covered in mud, shivering."
- "Defendant failed to meet the minimum standards for sanitary flooring by failing to clean her dog pens such that feces had accumulated over time to the point where one could not tell the difference between feces and flooring."
- "Defendant failed to provide necessary veterinary care to a female blue parti-colored Cocker Spaniel whose left eye was barely visible and oozing liquid and an 11-week-old Cocker Spaniel with a bite wound on its left side."
- "Defendant failed to provide adequate veterinary care to a male Sheltie that was emaciated and missing most of its body hair after two months of observed infirmity."
- "Defendant admitted she routinely relied on gunshot as a means of euthanasia. She shot the Sheltie...as a form of euthanasia because it was a 'cheaper option.'"
The breeder was fined $2,500, and her license was revoked for six years. In total, hundreds of puppy mills are now out of business, and hundreds of dogs have been rescued from a life of misery and sent on their way to good, loving homes. In 2016, when additional reforms take effect, commercial breeding operations will be required to increase the space allotments for dogs, and give them constant access to the outdoors for exercise.
That’s a positive thing, and I urge you to check out the Columbia Missourian series online. It’s a great account of the tangible progress made on this front in recent years, just one reason to be encouraged about the prospects for eliminating the worst elements of the puppy mill trade in the United States.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Billy Joel Gives Concert Proceeds To Animal Shelter !!!
Billy Joel gives concert proceeds to animal shelter
Billy Joel, Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 12th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City Alberto Reye
Music legend BILLY JOEL donated the proceeds from his birthday show in New York City to help build a local animal shelter. The Piano Man played at Madison Square Garden on 9 May (14) - the day of his milestone 65th birthday - and it has now emerged he donated the gig's profits to charity. The money was given to DJ Howard Stern's wife Beth to help her build Bianca's Furry Friends, a facility at the North Shore Animal League America shelter in Port Washington, New York, which will provide cage-free homes for cats and dogs. Stern, who reveals the star has adopted two pet dogs, tells Social Life magazine, "Billy is my hero... I call him 'Saint Billy'. Because of his huge donation, we are on target to break ground next spring!"
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Monday, August 18, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Don't Ever Offer Your Pet As FREE TO GOOD HOME in Ads .....
Great article by Compassion In Action for Animals
The Dangers of ‘Free To Good Home’ Ads
Free To Good Home ads are commonly used by people who can no longer keep their pets. Owners with good intentions use such ads in an attempt to place their pets in loving homes. But in doing so, they could be condemning them to abuse, neglect, experimentation, use as dog fighting bait, or other tragic fates. Your pet depends on you to take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and loving home.
While we’d like for every animal to live its natural life as a cherished family member, we realize this is not always the case. Whether a pet is rehomed due to circumstances beyond a person’s control (for example, an owner’s death) or if a person rehomes their pet for personal reasons, it’s important to take precautionary steps to try to ensure a safe and loving home for the pet.
The Dangers
Neglect. When an animal is obtained for free, it often has no perceived value. Since there are “plenty more where that one came from,” a person may not feed and properly care the animal. Veterinary care may be denied since they may figure they’ll just “get another one” if this one dies. As rescuers, we’ve heard horror stories of pets that were adopted by “caring” families, only to be chained outside and forgotten.
Abuse. It’s a disturbing fact of life that some people abuse and kill animals. Free To Good Home ads offer a constant supply of new victims. Two recent examples include young men who obtained pets from such ads and then brutally tortured and killed the animals.
In March of 2011, Jeffrey Nally, Jr., a 19-year-old West Virginia man, was arrested for torturing and killing 29 puppies he obtained from “free” classified ads. According to reports, Nally killed the puppies using hammers, drills, saws, crossbows, and guns. Some of the dogs were skinned or otherwise mutilated.
In December of 2010, Louisville (KY) Metro Police arrested 24-year-old Alex Phelps for torturing and killing cats. He responded to “Free To Good Home” ads and convinced owners that he’d provide their pets with a loving home. Jason Knopp handed over his two cats. Knopp commented, “"He knew all the right things to say. He said he volunteered for the Humane Society, fostering cats."
Phelps also fooled Jennifer Chappell, who had rescued, bottle fed, and cared for 3 kittens. Chappell commented, “They went in a laundry basket everyday with me to work. They were sleeping on down comforters, they had the life of luxury." Phelps responded to Chappell’s adoption ad, saying he and his family were "avid animal lovers." Chappell said, “I thought they would have a good home. He seemed like a cat lover." Phelps confessed to stabbing and killing four cats he had obtained via ‘Free” ads. He’s suspected in the torture and killing of additional cats.
Animal Experimentation/Research. “Bunchers” acquire pets from random sources, including Free To Good Home ads. The animals are then sold to Class B dealers, who sell them to research facilities for experimentation purposes. Bunchers are “professional” in acquiring pets. They know exactly what to say and will sometimes bring family members with them so they appear more legitimate.
Dog Fighting. People involved in the despicable act of dogfighting use Free To Good Home ads to acquire pets they later use to teach their dogs to kill. Cats and dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds are used for this heinous practice. They duct tape the muzzles of larger dogs to render them defenseless. The theory behind this practice is that the fighting dogs will learn to kill and gain confidence.
Breeding. Puppy mills and backyard breeders scour free ads for animals they cause use to produce puppies (or kittens). If your pet is a purebred, potential adopters may be interested in using it breeding purposes, either as part of a puppy mill operation or as a backyard breeder. Please read our report on Puppy Mills for the horrors of pets that meet this fate.
Snake Food. Small animals, including kittens, have been “adopted” for use as snake food.
Hoarders. Animal “collectors” have been known to respond to Free To Good Home ads with the sincere belief that they’re rescuing the animals. While they may have good intentions, these people collect more animals than they can property care for. As a result, they often live in squalor conditions without adequate food, water, or veterinary care.
Precautions
We recommend charging an adoption fee for the pet. People tend to value what they pay for. In today’s disposable society, a person who’s willing to pay an adoption fee is indicating more serious interest than someone who takes an animal just because it’s free. An adoption fee can also indicate the person’s ability and willingness to spend money to meet the pet’s needs, whether they be medical, grooming, food, toys, etc. If you’re uncomfortable receiving money for your pet, you could donate it to a human organization or local shelter.
If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, please have this done before placing it up for adoption. The adoption fee could cover the cost of the surgery. This could save your pet the anguish of falling victim to a puppy mill. Even if your dog is not intentionally bred, it could still contribute to pet overpopulation through accidental or unintentional breedings.
Screening Applicants
The most important step is to ask for a vet reference and then call the vet to verify that their current (or previous) pets are properly cared for, vaccinated, on heartworm preventative, spayed/neutered, etc. If you do nothing else, at least take the time to make this one important phone call. Your pet’s life could depend on it.
We also recommend asking prospective adopters if they own or rent their home. If they rent, ask for their landlord’s name/number and verify that they’re allowed to have the pet.
Ask the person to sign a contract promising committing to provide the pet with a safe and loving home, adequate food, and veterinary care. If you’re in a position to take the animal back if the person changes his/her mind, include that as a stipulation.
Other questions that we feel are important include:
- Why do they want to adopt the pet? (As a companion, guard dog, mouser, etc)
- If they have other pets, do they get along with the type of pet they’re interested in adopting?
- Where they intend to keep the pet (inside or out)?
- If a dog will be outside, do they have a fenced yard or will it be chained or running at large?
- Where will the pet sleep?
- How many hours a day will it be left alone? Where will it be kept during this time?
- Are they willing to return the animal to you if it doesn’t work out?
Please review our for more suggestions. Some questions have obvious ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers. You wouldn’t want to adopt your dog to someone who intends to leave it chained outside. But some questions are highly subjective. The “best” answer will vary from one pet to another. For example, we ask about activity level because we don’t want to adopt a hyperactive dog to a sedentary person. Likewise, a couch potato dog wouldn’t be a good match for an active individual that’s looking for a hiking or jogging partner. You know your pet and can best determine if the adopter would be a good match.
We often do a home visit prior to finalizing an adoption. This usually gives a good sense of the type of home environment where your pet would be living, particularly if the family has other pets. If you’re unable to do a visit yourself, you may be able to elicit the assistance of a local rescue organization. Even if you know you will be unable to do the visit, still ask the applicant if they would object to you visiting their home prior to the adoption. Their response may give you valuable insight.
Advertising Your Pet
It’s important to be honest and upfront in describing your pet. Note any health problems and don’t be misleading about your pet’s temperament or training. Your goal should be to find a suitable home that’s willing to accept your pet – with any faults and medical conditions – into their family. It would be unfair to both the people and the pet to set them up for disappointment by not disclosing bad habits or health problems.
Places to advertise: Veterinary offices, groomers, dog parks, pet supply stores, and any other place that is likely to be frequented by responsible people with a sincere interest in pets.
You can also place ads in newspapers and online, but carefully screen applicants, especially those responding to online ads. People who intend to do harm to your pet will not be obvious with their intentions. They may bring family members, sometimes even children, in an effort to convince you they’d provide your pet a good home. For your pet’s sake, please don’t forego the important screening procedures outlines above.
Safety Note: Exercise caution when meeting with anyone who inquires about your pet. It’s a good idea to first have them submit an application and check their vet reference. We suggest meeting in a public place and don’t go alone. If you’re doing a home visit, check references first and take a friend or family member with you.
Alternatives to Free To Good Home Ads
Make every effort to keep your pet. Moving, behavioral problems, and lack of time are common reasons cited for pet relinquishment. With guidance and effort, pets can usually accompany their families on moves. Please see our report on Renting With Pets for more information. Many behavioral problems can be resolved with the help of a knowledgeable trainer or consultant. And while you may not feel you have enough time to provide your pet with an ideal life, consider if it’s better than the alternative.
If you feel you’ve exhausted all options to keep your pet, consider seeking the assistance of a rescue organization. There are groups throughout the country dedicated to specific breeds, as well as many rescues committed to saving mixed breed dogs and cats. If at all possible, give the group(s) advance notice. If you can continue to care for the pet for a short time, it will enable rescuers to try to find a suitable home or temporary foster home. While most rescues are comprised of people who are committed to helping animals, it’s still a good idea to check their adoption policies and procedures before handing over your pet.
Other Ways To Help
- If you see a Free To Good Home ad, contact the person running the ad and alert them to the dangers of these ads.
- Ask your local newspaper to print a warning about the dangers of such ads.
- Write letters to the editors of local papers, informing readers of the dangers of Free To Good Home ads.
Breeders Used by Connecticut Pet Stores.........
Breeders used by CT Pet Stores
Based on testimony submitted to the
Task Force Concerning the Sale of Cats and Dogs at CT Pet Shops from Inhumane Origins
by Karen Rasmussen, Wilton, CT 12/4/2013
Research method
In Connecticut, a Certificate of Origin must accompany each dog sold or offered for sale in Connecticut pet shops. Such Certificate must identify the name and address of the breeder and broker of the dog, and be filed with the CT Department of Agriculture. CT Gen. Stat. 22-354 (b). The information listed in the Certificates is then plugged into USDA’s breeder and broker database to obtain the size of each operation and complete violation history. Photographs have been obtained from the USDA through FOIA.
Format
This report provides an alphabetical listing of 335 breeders who had USDA violations during the period 2010 – 2012. Each breeder was used by at least one pet shop in Connecticut.
In 2012, over 600 breeders supplied Connecticut pet stores. 335 of these had USDA violations. 156 were unlicensed.
Based on testimony submitted to the
Task Force Concerning the Sale of Cats and Dogs at CT Pet Shops from Inhumane Origins
by Karen Rasmussen, Wilton, CT 12/4/2013
Research method
In Connecticut, a Certificate of Origin must accompany each dog sold or offered for sale in Connecticut pet shops. Such Certificate must identify the name and address of the breeder and broker of the dog, and be filed with the CT Department of Agriculture. CT Gen. Stat. 22-354 (b). The information listed in the Certificates is then plugged into USDA’s breeder and broker database to obtain the size of each operation and complete violation history. Photographs have been obtained from the USDA through FOIA.
Format
This report provides an alphabetical listing of 335 breeders who had USDA violations during the period 2010 – 2012. Each breeder was used by at least one pet shop in Connecticut.
In 2012, over 600 breeders supplied Connecticut pet stores. 335 of these had USDA violations. 156 were unlicensed.
Adkins, Don & Kathleen 43A3998 2010
Anderson, Linda C. 42A0207 Disgusting reports 2010, 2011, 2012
Asmussen, Pam 46A0409 SIXTEEN violations at 5/12 pre-license inspection
Bagley Sr, Gary 43A5573 2010. Cancelled license 11/11, still selling retail as of 5/12 Bailey, Carroll 43B3609 2010, 2011, 2012
Baker, Linda 43A3415 2011.
Baker, Linda & James 73B0204 2003-2012
Baldwin, Pamela 43A4762 HSUS Horrible Hundred FINED 11K 4/13.
Barker, Wanda 71A0923 2011 + 3 Direct Violations 2013
Bauman, Leslie 63B0144 2011, 2012. Vet care, enclosures potentially dangerous Beatty, Colleen 42A1382
Anderson, Linda C. 42A0207 Disgusting reports 2010, 2011, 2012
Asmussen, Pam 46A0409 SIXTEEN violations at 5/12 pre-license inspection
Bagley Sr, Gary 43A5573 2010. Cancelled license 11/11, still selling retail as of 5/12 Bailey, Carroll 43B3609 2010, 2011, 2012
Baker, Linda 43A3415 2011.
Baker, Linda & James 73B0204 2003-2012
Baldwin, Pamela 43A4762 HSUS Horrible Hundred FINED 11K 4/13.
Barker, Wanda 71A0923 2011 + 3 Direct Violations 2013
Bauman, Leslie 63B0144 2011, 2012. Vet care, enclosures potentially dangerous Beatty, Colleen 42A1382
Benson, Denise 47A0237
Injured dog paw
Injured dog paw
This poor dog at one of these facilities had a terrible eye infection not treated
Bentley, Mickey 73A1326 2012 Fencing – sharp wire in direct contact with dogs. Over 100 dogs at kennel
Berhorst, Dan 43A3923 SIXTEEN Violations 2011. BROKER – HUNTE CORPORATION.
Berntsen, Carleen 48A0907 2010, 2011, 2012
Beukelman, Allen 42A0408
Bex, Rebecca & Franks, Guy 73B1838 “First Class Puppies”. HSUS Horrible Hundred. 2012 BROKER – HUNTE CORP.
Birchfield, Beatrice 73A0531 2011. BROKER – HUNTE CORPORATION
Sheets of ceiling coming loose Cobwebs throughout facility Debris in building
Berntsen, Carleen 48A0907 2010, 2011, 2012
Beukelman, Allen 42A0408
Bex, Rebecca & Franks, Guy 73B1838 “First Class Puppies”. HSUS Horrible Hundred. 2012 BROKER – HUNTE CORP.
Birchfield, Beatrice 73A0531 2011. BROKER – HUNTE CORPORATION
Sheets of ceiling coming loose Cobwebs throughout facility Debris in building
Old feed bags filled w/garbage near dogs. Accumulated fecal matter under dog cages.
Blaes, Becky & John 48A1196 & 48A2142 2011. Over 300 dogs.
Good example of relatively clean facility that “warehouses” its dogs, with little or no human physical contact. Pet shop customers are not aware that this is how their puppies begin their lives, nor would they find it acceptable.
Blomberg, Kathie 43A1116 2010. Over 400 dogs.
Bolz, Yvette & Larry 48A1582 2012 including live insects in food. HSUS Horrible Hundred
Good example of relatively clean facility that “warehouses” its dogs, with little or no human physical contact. Pet shop customers are not aware that this is how their puppies begin their lives, nor would they find it acceptable.
Blomberg, Kathie 43A1116 2010. Over 400 dogs.
Bolz, Yvette & Larry 48A1582 2012 including live insects in food. HSUS Horrible Hundred
Bonham, Harry & Wanda 43A4436 2010-2012
Drooping shade cloth providing little shade Sharp points on metal horse panel
Bonham, Brett 73A2637 2012 Broken wire flooring – sharp, jagged points in direct contact with dogs. 300 dogs.
Borntrager/Borntreger, Menno & Toby 42A1438 One of the worst, years of violations. Cancelled license 10/9/12. LICENSE PERMANENTLY REVOKED 5/13.
4 foot high pile of animal waste and debris. Excessive buildup of animal waste on floors
Dog with hair loss Excessive presence of soiled bedding and flies
Drooping shade cloth providing little shade Sharp points on metal horse panel
Bonham, Brett 73A2637 2012 Broken wire flooring – sharp, jagged points in direct contact with dogs. 300 dogs.
Another dog at one of these facilities had a huge wound on back
Borntrager/Borntreger, Menno & Toby 42A1438 One of the worst, years of violations. Cancelled license 10/9/12. LICENSE PERMANENTLY REVOKED 5/13.
4 foot high pile of animal waste and debris. Excessive buildup of animal waste on floors
Dog with hair loss Excessive presence of soiled bedding and flies
Excessive presence of weeds
Dirt/bedding/dead flies in water receptacle
Boyd, Benita 71A1049
Two dogs with no form of shelter
Two dogs with no form of shelter
Boyd, Marvin & Bonnie 43A4622
Grime on walls and doors
Brasher, Linda 71A0762
Bray, Summer 73A2416 2011, 2012
Brecheisen, Dorothy (Dot’s Little Doggies) 48A1755 10 & 11 reports, over 500 dogs
Brecheisen, Dorothy (Dot’s Little Doggies) 48A1755 10 & 11 reports, over 500 dogs
Above – Shih tzu with matting over more than 50% of its body
Breedlove, Alisa 43A4023
Brennan, Tina 46A0270 2012 Oxytocin seven years past expiration date
Bridges, Mike & Barbara 63A0177 (Tennessee) 2010, 2011, 2012 Britez, Josh 23A0381 2011. Wire panel and wall structural issues Brooks, Betty 43A4048 2011
Brennan, Tina 46A0270 2012 Oxytocin seven years past expiration date
Bridges, Mike & Barbara 63A0177 (Tennessee) 2010, 2011, 2012 Britez, Josh 23A0381 2011. Wire panel and wall structural issues Brooks, Betty 43A4048 2011
Brosch, Mary 47B0091 2010-12, with reports back to 2007. 4 dogs needing vet care, incomplete records, rusty
panels in cages. 200 dogs.
Brown, Charles 71A0823 2011, 2012. Cancelled license 11/12
Brown, Sharon 43A5554 2011
Brown, Charles 71A0823 2011, 2012. Cancelled license 11/12
Brown, Sharon 43A5554 2011
Brown, Donna 43A3357
Grime on doors, broken sharp flooring
Grime on doors, broken sharp flooring
Broken sharp cages
Brown, Kathy 43A4939
Standing water, mud in pens, feeder with no cover, not enough shelters for number of dogs
Standing water, mud in pens, feeder with no cover, not enough shelters for number of dogs
Worn, chewed, green wood around cage doors
Sharp flashing, worn wood, green algae on supports
Damp caked food and hair mixture in feeder
Bundy, Jerry & Marlene 43A4893
Burkholder, Harvey 31A0061 2011 (HSUS Horrible Hundred) SELLING UNDERAGE PUPS. 9 indirect, 8 repeat, 2 direct violations in 2011. Burkholder’s veterinarian recommended giving several dogs with Grade 5 periodontal disease to “rescue group” after they weaned their pups. No other follow-up found. -
Burkholder, Harvey 31A0061 2011 (HSUS Horrible Hundred) SELLING UNDERAGE PUPS. 9 indirect, 8 repeat, 2 direct violations in 2011. Burkholder’s veterinarian recommended giving several dogs with Grade 5 periodontal disease to “rescue group” after they weaned their pups. No other follow-up found. -
Burrier, Linda 31A0018 2010, 2011
Burrow, Myra 43A5503 & 43B3584 11 report Byl, Ari & Helen 42A0791
Burrow, Myra 43A5503 & 43B3584 11 report Byl, Ari & Helen 42A0791
Grade 5 periodontal disease.
Another dog from one of these facilities with horrible eye infaection untreated. This is how THE PARENT DOGS ARE TREATED
Campbell, Tommy & Theresa 42B0253
Cannon, Debra 73A1772
Canterbury Tails/Troy Wedel 48B0319 One of their brokers
Carlisle, Clair & Susan 48A1672 2011 No ID tags on most dogs. Inventory list missing dogs. Plastic shade material cracked. 100 dogs
Case, Lu & Jean 71A0727 Official Warning 2/13.
Chalfont, Darlene 73A2076 2011, 2012
Cochran, Jamie 43A4719 2012
Collins, Alexis & Greg 43A1721 Bulldog with eye issue
Collins, Bill 43A5513 2012
Colvin, Patricia – 73A2074 2011 No bedding in 15 outside doghouses in January (Oklahoma)
Cox, Lou 43A1969 Renner, John & Lyle 41A0248 Selling underage puppies to Fulton (broker). Fined 5k 1/13, HSUS Horrible Hundred. Reynolds, Susanne 48A2078 2012
Cannon, Debra 73A1772
Canterbury Tails/Troy Wedel 48B0319 One of their brokers
Carlisle, Clair & Susan 48A1672 2011 No ID tags on most dogs. Inventory list missing dogs. Plastic shade material cracked. 100 dogs
Case, Lu & Jean 71A0727 Official Warning 2/13.
Chalfont, Darlene 73A2076 2011, 2012
Cochran, Jamie 43A4719 2012
Collins, Alexis & Greg 43A1721 Bulldog with eye issue
Collins, Bill 43A5513 2012
Colvin, Patricia – 73A2074 2011 No bedding in 15 outside doghouses in January (Oklahoma)
Cox, Lou 43A1969 Renner, John & Lyle 41A0248 Selling underage puppies to Fulton (broker). Fined 5k 1/13, HSUS Horrible Hundred. Reynolds, Susanne 48A2078 2012
Electrical wire in whelping cage. Note cigarette near
Dirt/excreta in enclosure dog with newborn pups.
Riggs, Arin & Jason 46A0404 NO INSPECTIONS, repeatedly not at kennel since 2010.
Riley, Mark 43A4256
Rios, Valente 43A5652 14 pages of violations on 1/12, plus more in 2012. HSUS Horrible Hundred. 6 years of violations. From USDA report -
Riley, Mark 43A4256
Rios, Valente 43A5652 14 pages of violations on 1/12, plus more in 2012. HSUS Horrible Hundred. 6 years of violations. From USDA report -
A 4-5 week old Maltese/Poodle appeared lethargic. Puppy had large buildup of fecal material around anal area,
dried & hard. Gums were pale, abdomen firm, he was warm to touch. Employee took to clean up. Upon return,
fecal matter had been removed, but tail had an open wound. A piece of sharp bone was protruding from middle
of wound and flesh was bright red. Licensee stated he had docked the puppy's tail 4-5 days ago.
When asked to explain how they perform this procedure, licensee stated they, "Dip the scissors in alcohol & cut
the tails off with scissors." When asked if he uses any type of anesthesia, or cleans the tail before amputating,
the licensee said, "No." When asked what he does if the puppies' tails bleed, he stated they, "Put a yellow
powder on it." When asked where they perform this procedure the licensee stated that they, "Do this in the
cage" the puppies are in.
In a nutshell, he was told by the inspector that this did not meet veterinary professional standards. That's IT.
Stephanie L. Osborne was the Animal Control Inspector, #5054, USDA APHIS Animal Care.
Side view of lethargic puppy with docked tail -
Roseberry, Sharon 48B0121 Official Warning 1/12. Cancelled license 8/12.
Rottinghaus, Audrey & Derrick (Wendy’s Pets) 48B0313 Years of reports. HSUS Horrible Hundred Rottinghaus, Krystal & Sandra (Kit’s Pets) 48A2120 Years of reports. HSUS Horrible Hundred Rottinghaus, Kelly 71B0138
Rowe, Patricia 43A2520 2010, 2011, 2012 (Direct Violation 1/11)
Rozin, Keith & Joann 43A4116 & 5803 2011
Dog not bearing weight on front leg. No mention of feces under cage.
Roseberry, Sharon 48B0121 Official Warning 1/12. Cancelled license 8/12.
Rottinghaus, Audrey & Derrick (Wendy’s Pets) 48B0313 Years of reports. HSUS Horrible Hundred Rottinghaus, Krystal & Sandra (Kit’s Pets) 48A2120 Years of reports. HSUS Horrible Hundred Rottinghaus, Kelly 71B0138
Rowe, Patricia 43A2520 2010, 2011, 2012 (Direct Violation 1/11)
Most of the pictures that were in this report I choose not to use as it would make the every person just sick to their stomach of the abuse and neglect but some I thought you needed to see to get a glimpse of the abuse the parent dogs of those pet shop puppies must suffer and endure their entire lives !!!
This poor BREEDING DOG had massive hair loss that went untreated.
People you aren't saving the puppies at those pet stores simply condemning the parent dogs to a life of sheer HELL.....
Rozin, Keith & Joann 43A4116 & 5803 2011
Dog not bearing weight on front leg. No mention of feces under cage.
Sachse, Myrna 43A5337 2011
Matted Yorkshire Terriers
Sartin, Lynn 43A4843 2011, 2012
Dental
Litter of puppies, feet falling through cage floor
Scheulen, Gary 43A4527 2012
Schlabach, Leroy 31A0385 2011, 2012 Excessive accumulation of feces throughout facility, dog needing vet care.
Schlaback, Ida & Daniel 31A0412 -
Walnut sized firm mass in mammary gland Excessively thin dog
Schmucker, John 32B0210
2 rows of cages with puppies in too-small cages, some cannot even stand
Schlaback, Ida & Daniel 31A0412 -
Walnut sized firm mass in mammary gland Excessively thin dog
Schmucker, John 32B0210
2 rows of cages with puppies in too-small cages, some cannot even stand
Accumulated feces in washdown under cages.
Accumulated fur and grime along water lines.
Schrock, Moses 48A4116 2011, 2012
Only noted rusting at bottom of tin shelter
Only noted rusting at bottom of tin shelter
Open used syringes in whelping building
Schrock, Peter 48A1997 2011, 2012
Green drinking water
Green drinking water. Dog house duct-taped?
Schulte, Caroline 43A4748 2010, 2011, 2012.
Schwartz, Samuel 43A5566 2011
Scott, Gerry 43A4870
Seals, George & Jan 73A2038 Multiple 2010, 2011, 2012 Sellin, Yvonne 48A0388 2010, 2011, 2012. Shaw-Zahourek, Peg 47A0571 2011
Schwartz, Samuel 43A5566 2011
Scott, Gerry 43A4870
Seals, George & Jan 73A2038 Multiple 2010, 2011, 2012 Sellin, Yvonne 48A0388 2010, 2011, 2012. Shaw-Zahourek, Peg 47A0571 2011
Sherrill, Kay 43B3564
Shetler, Atlee 31A0101 2011, 2012 Dental issues on 5/18/11. Has not been inspected again as of 5/13, not there 3 times in a row in 2012 & 2013.
Shetler, Myron 31A0393 2011, 2012 Also repeatedly not there for inspections.
Shine, Debbie 43A5583 Six violations 2012
Shold, Sue 42A1299 2011, 2012. Broker – Hunte Corporation
Shelters for dogs -
Shetler, Atlee 31A0101 2011, 2012 Dental issues on 5/18/11. Has not been inspected again as of 5/13, not there 3 times in a row in 2012 & 2013.
Shetler, Myron 31A0393 2011, 2012 Also repeatedly not there for inspections.
Shine, Debbie 43A5583 Six violations 2012
Shold, Sue 42A1299 2011, 2012. Broker – Hunte Corporation
Shelters for dogs -
Excessive feces in cage Matted Yorkie
Shubert, Angela 63B0175 2011
Slagley, Rhonda 71A0693
Slobe, Kathy 43A3549 2011.
Smith, Glenn 73A2119 2010
Smith, Larry & Gertrude 43A3061 2010 Snidow, Julie 43A3124 2011.
Snyder, Deborah & Smoot, Doug 48A2003 2011 Sonnenberg, Michelle 41A0021 2011, 2012 Standridge, Peggy 71A1048 2012
Stark, Timothy & Alliesa 71A1251 2010, 2011, 2012 Steiber, Theresa & Alan 42A1445 2012
Storey Cole 71A1044
4 Yorkshire Terriers identified with severe hair loss (including nursing female). Grime on cages.
Slobe, Kathy 43A3549 2011.
Smith, Glenn 73A2119 2010
Smith, Larry & Gertrude 43A3061 2010 Snidow, Julie 43A3124 2011.
Snyder, Deborah & Smoot, Doug 48A2003 2011 Sonnenberg, Michelle 41A0021 2011, 2012 Standridge, Peggy 71A1048 2012
Stark, Timothy & Alliesa 71A1251 2010, 2011, 2012 Steiber, Theresa & Alan 42A1445 2012
Storey Cole 71A1044
4 Yorkshire Terriers identified with severe hair loss (including nursing female). Grime on cages.
Stoll, Stephen 32A0249 2012
Straight, Fran & Jim 43A5789
Stutzman, Floyd 42A0997
Rusty feeder
Dog with hair loss and red bumps
Swanson, Scott & Hyman, Dave 42A1003 2010, 2011
Swartzentruber, Paul & Josie
Swenson-Sawyer, Sherrye 41B0161 2011
Taylor, Theresa 71A1247
Thomas, Lashell & Noah 42A1454 2012
Thomas, Lori 48B0329 11-12 reports. Over 1,000 dogs. Chewed wood in whelping box with sharp screw
Swenson-Sawyer, Sherrye 41B0161 2011
Taylor, Theresa 71A1247
Thomas, Lashell & Noah 42A1454 2012
Thomas, Lori 48B0329 11-12 reports. Over 1,000 dogs. Chewed wood in whelping box with sharp screw
Dirty, rusted food receptacle
Shih-tzu with hair loss
Chihuahua with excessively long nails
Evidence of rodent activity
Hair trapped in cage wires
Severe matting on dog
Thorp, Linda 42A1140 Dead dachshund found by USDA inspector.
Decreased ventilation, strong ammonia odor inside Old feces stuck in bottom of cage
Puppy – ear cropped by licensee Schnauzer puppy found dead by USDA
Medication kept in baby food jar. Both eyes sunken w/discharge. Excessive fecal material in cage.
Troyer, Marlin 31A0185 Multiple 2011. Use of medications without vet guidance. Intentionally falsifying records so puppies will appear older
Troyer, Betty & Emanuel 31A0184 2011, 2012
Troyer, Reuben 31A0197 2011 and Official Warning 6/5/12
Urbanec, Paul 47A0540 2010-2012 Terrible
Decreased ventilation, strong ammonia odor inside Old feces stuck in bottom of cage
Puppy – ear cropped by licensee Schnauzer puppy found dead by USDA
Medication kept in baby food jar. Both eyes sunken w/discharge. Excessive fecal material in cage.
Troyer, Marlin 31A0185 Multiple 2011. Use of medications without vet guidance. Intentionally falsifying records so puppies will appear older
Troyer, Betty & Emanuel 31A0184 2011, 2012
Troyer, Reuben 31A0197 2011 and Official Warning 6/5/12
Urbanec, Paul 47A0540 2010-2012 Terrible
Wagler, Henry 32A0244 10 violations 2012 (4 Repeat, 1 Direct).
Excessive feces under cages Overgrown nails
Drinking water Dog house with sharp edges, no wind/rain break
Wagler, Nicholas 32A0285 No report 2012, 2 violations 2013 Wagler, Owen 32A0339 2011
Wagler, Darrell & Marlene 32A0364 2012
Wagler, Henry & Amos 32A0244 TEN VIOLATIONS 2012. Wagler, John & Betty 48A2108 2010, 2011
Walls, Melissa & Roger 73A2655 Awful 3/12 prelicense inspection, bad 12/12
Walter, Brenda 43B0425 94 State violations, HSUS 2010 Missouri Dirty Dozen list. “Crimped” tails of 4 pups infected.
Warren, Deb 43A3278
Excessive feces under cages Overgrown nails
Drinking water Dog house with sharp edges, no wind/rain break
Wagler, Nicholas 32A0285 No report 2012, 2 violations 2013 Wagler, Owen 32A0339 2011
Wagler, Darrell & Marlene 32A0364 2012
Wagler, Henry & Amos 32A0244 TEN VIOLATIONS 2012. Wagler, John & Betty 48A2108 2010, 2011
Walls, Melissa & Roger 73A2655 Awful 3/12 prelicense inspection, bad 12/12
Walter, Brenda 43B0425 94 State violations, HSUS 2010 Missouri Dirty Dozen list. “Crimped” tails of 4 pups infected.
Warren, Deb 43A3278
Watts, Gerald 71A1095
Clutter and filth throughout kennel. Note syringes on right and on sink area below left.
Puppies feet falling through cage floor
Clutter and filth throughout kennel. Note syringes on right and on sink area below left.
Puppies feet falling through cage floor
Wehling, Mark 42A1443 2012
Accumulation of discarded materials adjacent to kennel
West, Connie 73A1872 Puppies walking in feces. HSUS Horrible Hundred. Fined $1200 6/13 Westercamp, Gina 42A1147 2010, 2011
White, Brenda 48A2090 201
White, Norissa 43A2711 2011
Accumulation of discarded materials adjacent to kennel
West, Connie 73A1872 Puppies walking in feces. HSUS Horrible Hundred. Fined $1200 6/13 Westercamp, Gina 42A1147 2010, 2011
White, Brenda 48A2090 201
White, Norissa 43A2711 2011
Excessive hair/feces in enclosure
Chihuahua with eye issue
Williams, Jacklyn 43A5667 2011
Williams, Tammy 43A3721 2011 including 1 Direct Violation. Official Warning 2/13.
Multiple dogs with no identification, matting and eye problems
Cages and boxes in which dogs spend their entire lives at the Williams’ kennel
Williamson, Judith 47A0084 (Loyal, Loving & True Kennel) 2011-2012 www.pup2love.com Willis, Margaret 43A4850
Winkelman, John (Osage Kennels) 43A4667 2012 disgusting
Wittmer, Timothy 32A0427 2012
Cages and boxes in which dogs spend their entire lives at the Williams’ kennel
Williamson, Judith 47A0084 (Loyal, Loving & True Kennel) 2011-2012 www.pup2love.com Willis, Margaret 43A4850
Winkelman, John (Osage Kennels) 43A4667 2012 disgusting
Wittmer, Timothy 32A0427 2012
Wolfe, Mike 48A2005 2012. Official Warning 4/13
Woodley, Clark & Amy 43A4512 “Dreamland Kennel” Sick squinting puppy
Woodley, Clark & Amy 43A4512 “Dreamland Kennel” Sick squinting puppy
Weeds along wall of dog enclosures
Broken sharp wire in cages
Rodent droppings on floor
Rodent droppings on humidifier
Open bag of feed
Wortman, Doug & Debbie 43A4225
Wright, Ramona 43B0082 2011
Yach, Jeff 43A4031 2011 (Cats)
Yates, Janelle 43A5324 Rarely there for inspections Heat index 113.5 degrees (98.9 real temp)
Wright, Ramona 43B0082 2011
Yach, Jeff 43A4031 2011 (Cats)
Yates, Janelle 43A5324 Rarely there for inspections Heat index 113.5 degrees (98.9 real temp)
Same inspection, 2 Doxies with bone dry water bowl
Interior, above cages
Exterior of whelping house. Excessive feces etc.
Ceiling in whelping house – rust and mold
Dead mouse in food receptacle
Mouse feces in refrigerator
covered floor
Puppy standing in food bowl after walking on feces-
Thin dog with hip bones protruding Exterior enclosure with excessive feces
Yoder, Abe 31A0420 HSUS Horrible Hundred, Poodle w/broken jaw from previous report.
Yoder, Andy E. 31A0396 2011, 2012
Yoder, Leah 23A0247 2011, not there for 2012 inspection
Yoder, Leroy 31A0375 2010, 2011, 2012 (ASPCA pics)
Yoder, Myron 31A0104 2010
Yoder, Owen R. 31A0198 2011, 2012 HSUS Horrible Hundred. Official Warning 8/12
Owen R. Yoder - Puppies’ feet falling through gaps in wire flooring (multiple)
Yoder, Leah 23A0247 2011, not there for 2012 inspection
Yoder, Leroy 31A0375 2010, 2011, 2012 (ASPCA pics)
Yoder, Myron 31A0104 2010
Yoder, Owen R. 31A0198 2011, 2012 HSUS Horrible Hundred. Official Warning 8/12
Owen R. Yoder - Puppies’ feet falling through gaps in wire flooring (multiple)
Yoder, Andy 31A0396
Excessive matting Excessive matting
Yoder told inspector he kept hunting dogs only in these cages Eye of Scottie covered in green crusty substance
Yoder, Christ 31A0401 2010, 2011, 2012 and Official Warning 2/13
Yoder, Mabel & Jonas 31B0159 2012 (Direct violation – 3 dogs needing vet care) Yoder, Menno 31A0357 2011, multiple 2012.
Washdown drain under cages -
Yoder, Aden 31A0178 2011 (Direct violation), 2012
Excessive matting Excessive matting
Yoder told inspector he kept hunting dogs only in these cages Eye of Scottie covered in green crusty substance
Yoder, Christ 31A0401 2010, 2011, 2012 and Official Warning 2/13
Yoder, Mabel & Jonas 31B0159 2012 (Direct violation – 3 dogs needing vet care) Yoder, Menno 31A0357 2011, multiple 2012.
Washdown drain under cages -
Yoder, Aden 31A0178 2011 (Direct violation), 2012
Young, Sara 71A0676 2011, 2012. HSUS Horrible Hundred. Violations back to 2007. BROKER – HUNTE CORP.
Not enough dog houses for number of dogs in cage.
Pomeranian – large mats/dried fecal material on rear
Mouse droppings where bulk food is stored
Dog with wounds & hair loss
Zeilstra, Tom 43A5741 2011, 2012
Zimmerman, Lavern 61A0139 2010, 2011, 2012 Zimmerman, Marlin 23A0268 HSUS Horrible Hundred Zuspann, Ruth 43A1013
Zimmerman, Lavern 61A0139 2010, 2011, 2012 Zimmerman, Marlin 23A0268 HSUS Horrible Hundred Zuspann, Ruth 43A1013
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Mayor Slay Ire Animal Rights Folks ........
ST. LOUIS • Mayor Francis Slay’s support of Missouri’s “Right to Farm” constitutional amendment, which was narrowly approved by voters on Tuesday, has drawn the ire of some animal rights activists.
Slay, who has long been a favorite of dog and cat lovers in the city, recorded a last-minute robocall that was dialed to voters in St. Louis city and county on election day. Slay said on the call that he supported the amendment to “keep food costs affordable for all Missourians.”
Statewide voters approved it by a razor-thin 2,500 votes, although 73 percent of St. Louis city voters cast their ballots against it.
The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, a group that believes the amendment could relax regulations on puppy mills, criticized Slay saying: “What had to be the most disappointing development in this campaign was the last-minute efforts by Mayor Francis Slay of St. Louis to help pass this amendment.”
Until Tuesday, Slay’s support of the issue was not well known.
The amendment was promoted as an instrument to “protect the hardworking Missouri farm families who dedicate their lives to feeding our families; saving thousands of Missouri jobs and ensuring our families continue to have access to quality food at the grocery store.” Opponents said it was designed to shield the state’s agricultural industry from unwanted regulations, animal rights initiatives, and opponents of genetically modified crops.
The Humane Society of the United States opposed the measure, saying it was “pushed by special interests who didn’t like it when Missouri voters decided to crack down on abusive puppy mills. The puppy mills want immunity under the terms of the ‘Right to Farm’ measure.”
Slay’s support of the constitutional amendment could put him at odds with the city’s animal rights supporters — a coalition that has long supported him.
Jeff Rainford, Slay’s chief of staff, said the mayor supported it because it is “innocuous and that it is not going to do all of the things (opponents) claim it is going to do.”
“(Slay) has been trying to build bridges between rural Missouri and St. Louis,” Rainford said. “They have supported him and the city’s agenda in Jefferson City.”
Slay has courted rural politicians for support on big city initiatives, notably the successful effort to take state control of the St. Louis police department and return it to the city. Rainford said state Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, lobbied for Slay’s support.
Rainford noted that St. Louis has been a statewide leader in animal welfare.
“Mayor Slay has been pushing hard to be a no-kill city, so it’s a little irritating to be lectured about animal rights,” he said.
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