Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
What The Entrance To Heaven Looks Like .....
And For All The PUPPY MILLERS that face will be telling you that your in the wrong spot and your entrance is down below and its HOT down there.
Dog breeding in Missouri: Does volume limit quality of care? By CAMILLE PHILLIPS •
Animal rights activists continue to push for an end to what they call “puppy mills” in Missouri, five years after voters passed a proposition tightening dog breeding regulations. A year later, Gov. Nixon signed a compromise bill into law that reduced some of those regulations.
About 20 people picketed Petland in Lake St. Louis Sunday, carrying signs that read “Honk for a shelter dog” and “Boycott stores that sell puppies.”
Leanne Fritsch of University City organized the protest for “Puppy Mill Awareness Day.” She said a smaller group meets at Petland every Saturday.
“It’s really about the parents in the mills who spend their entire lives caged and bred and bred just to produce puppies to sell and when they can’t breed any longer they’re destroyed,” said Fritsch. “They’re never loved, they have no socialization.”
Asked for his perspective, Missouri Pet Breeder AssociationPresident Hank Grosenbacher took issue with that characterization.
“You can’t do what we do and not love your animals. You just can’t do it,” said Grosenbacher, who breeds English bulldogs.
Fritsch said she’s helped close six stores since 2008 by organizing protests.
“There have been customers here at Petland that stop and ask us what’s going on,” Fritsch said. “We encourage them to go to rescues and shelters in the area … I will admit it’s harder to find puppies in rescues and shelters but it is possible. It’s just not going to be an impulse purchase like it is in these stores.”
She said she doesn’t have a problem with PetCo or PetSmart because they stopped selling puppies and host rescue adoptions instead.
“Personally I would prefer that no one breed just because right now there are millions of healthy adoptable animals in our shelters being killed every year. But if someone is set on going to a breeder what we say is make sure you find a reputable breeder,” Fritsch said, adding that a reputable breeder would never sell puppies online or to a store.
In 2011 Missouri lawmakers removed the 2010 regulation limiting breeders to 50 dogs, but left in requirements for annual vet exams, continuous water and larger cages.
According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the state has about 790 licensed commercial breeders; about a thousand fewer than it did in 2009.
Grosenbacher points to the tighter regulations outlined in Proposition B in 2010 as the cause, saying it drove some breeders out of business.
“We estimate that we only have about 25 percent of the adult females in kennels that are producing puppies today,” Grosenbacher said, adding annual inspections with the weight of criminal prosecution if regulations aren’t followed mean their dogs are well looked after.
Penalties for violating state standards are “pretty much a thing of the past,” Grosenbacher said because his organization has a kennel assistance program where breeders help other breeders if someone gets sick or falls into financial trouble.
The owner of Petland could not immediately be reached for comment.
Follow Camille Phillips on Twitter: @cmpcamille.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Pet Store Chain Linked To Puppy Mills-Health-Pet Health/NBC News
After an eight-month investigation, the Humane Society of the United States accused Petland, the national pet store chain, of selling dogs bred under appalling conditions at puppy mills around the country.
The animal protection group made the charges at a news conference in Washington Thursday. The investigation involved 21 Petland stores and dozens of breeders and brokers. The Petland stores are being supplied by large-scale puppy mills, although customers are routinely informed that the dogs come only from good breeders, the Humane Society said.
"They are buying from puppy mills where these dogs are not treated like pets," Michael Markarian, an executive vice president with the Humane Society, told a news conference. "They're treated like a cash crop, where mother dogs live in wire cages, sometimes stacked on top of each other in filthy, dirty, cramped conditions, where they receive little socialization or human interaction or exercise."
Dogs from puppy mills are sold at Petland stores for as much as $3,500 each, according to the Humane Society.
Investigators reviewed interstate import records of an additional 322 breeders, U.S. Department of Agriculture reports and more than 17,000 individual puppies linked to Petland stores, according to a release on the group's Web site.
Filthy cages, inadequate care Among the poor conditions cited, investigators found puppies in commercial breeders "living in filthy cages reeking of urine, with inadequate care and socialization," according to the release. The Humane Society says dogs at the mills were found in cages with wire flooring so large that the puppies' paws and even the paws of the mother dogs would fall through.
The group said pet stores should not be buying puppies from "abusive puppy mills" and "should not be lying to consumers" about where they get their puppies.
A call to Petland corporate offices in Chillicothe, Ohio, was not immediately returned. In a statement, Petland said the company does not support substandard breeding facilities and provides each store with guidelines on humane care of animals.
Video: Fighting puppy mills
A statement on the company's Web site noted that "Petland stores are independently operated by qualified franchisees. Each is responsible for choosing healthy pets offered to Petland customers. Petland, Inc. provides each Petland store with humane care guidelines to assist in this important task."
Individual Petland stores previously have been targeted by animal rights activists for reselling puppies supplied by commercial breeders.
Large commercial breeders are legal and regulated by the USDA, but enforcement of humane conditions is a low priority , according to a recent report on msnbc.com.
The Humane Society investigation comes as legislators recently have stepped up moves to crack down on the lucrative puppy mill industry. In October, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill imposing stricter standards on commercial kennels , including regular veterinary exams, larger cages and exercise areas. At least three
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Sadly These Facilities Exist All Over The United States ......
Puppy Factory Shut DownBREAKING NEWS: RSPCA Victoria shuts down one of the worst puppy factories on record.This afternoon the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court handed down the below sentencing to puppy factory operators recently found guilty of 240 animal cruelty charges.Each received the maximum 10 year banning order,which means they are disqualified from having dogs under their care (including breeding, sale or purchase), with the exception of Dean Peace being allowed to keep two dogs that must be desexed and used as working dogs or pets only.Fines imposed are as follows:John Barry Peace - $60,000Phyllis Peace - $60,000Dean Peace - $25,000J.B. &P.W. Peace Pty Ltd - $40,000REVEALED FOR THE FIRST TIME:Now that sentencing has been handed down, we can now share with you this video which details the journey of the puppy factory survivors. Please note that this video is hard to watch, but awareness is necessary so we can all come together and end these puppy factories for good.To help us treat, rehabilitate and care for puppy factory survivors, please donate now: rspcavic.org/endpuppyfactories
Posted by RSPCA Victoria on Wednesday, September 23, 2015
BREAKING NEWS: RSPCA Victoria shuts down one of the worst puppy factories on record.
This afternoon the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court handed down the below sentencing to puppy factory operators recently found guilty of 240 animal cruelty charges.
Each received the maximum 10 year banning order,which means they are disqualified from having dogs under their care (including breeding, sale or purchase), with the exception of Dean Peace being allowed to keep two dogs that must be desexed and used as working dogs or pets only.
Fines imposed are as follows:
John Barry Peace - $60,000
Phyllis Peace - $60,000
Dean Peace - $25,000
J.B. &P.W. Peace Pty Ltd - $40,000
John Barry Peace - $60,000
Phyllis Peace - $60,000
Dean Peace - $25,000
J.B. &P.W. Peace Pty Ltd - $40,000
REVEALED FOR THE FIRST TIME:
Now that sentencing has been handed down, we can now share with you this video which details the journey of the puppy factory survivors. Please note that this video is hard to watch, but awareness is necessary so we can all come together and end these puppy factories for good.
Now that sentencing has been handed down, we can now share with you this video which details the journey of the puppy factory survivors. Please note that this video is hard to watch, but awareness is necessary so we can all come together and end these puppy factories for good.
To help us treat, rehabilitate and care for puppy factory survivors, please donate now: rspcavic.org/endpuppyfactories
Remember To Rescue Thursday Have Now Begun On Facebook.....
Mark Buerhle jumped in on the cause with his gorgeous dogs
David Backes and Theresa added Their Support as well to this weekly event on Facebook
SHARK is On The Move .......
Start is thrilled to announce an exciting, powerful new tool in our efforts speak up for animals and educate people about animal issues.
SHARK (Showing Animals Respect And Kindness), the Chicago group that is among the most innovative and effectual champions for animals, has donated the Tiger Video Truck to START!
SHARK (Showing Animals Respect And Kindness), the Chicago group that is among the most innovative and effectual champions for animals, has donated the Tiger Video Truck to START!
The Tiger Truck is a mobile video billboard. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is priceless! This will magnify our message tremendously. Check it out here!
In order to make the most of this investment, we need to get it out in the public eye as much as possible. Therefore. START is making the Tiger Truck available to local organizations who wish to use it to help animals. It is perfect spreading the word about spay/neuter, adopting from a shelter or rescue group, bringing animals indoors during inclement weather, pictures or video of animals available for adoption, etc.
In order to make the most of this investment, we need to get it out in the public eye as much as possible. Therefore. START is making the Tiger Truck available to local organizations who wish to use it to help animals. It is perfect spreading the word about spay/neuter, adopting from a shelter or rescue group, bringing animals indoors during inclement weather, pictures or video of animals available for adoption, etc.
Join us Tuesday September 29th at 7:30pm at the Brentwood Community Center, 2505 South Brentwood Blvd. to see the truck for yourself, and how it can help your group help animals! Light refreshments will be served. RSVP's are appreciated but not necessary:)
**Special thanks to Carol House Furniture and the Dubman Family for getting the truck up and running again!!**
Hope to see you there!
Bonnie B
President, St. Louis Animal Rights Team
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Peaceful Protest Against Puppy Mills .....
What: Peaceful Protest Against Puppy Mills
When: Sunday, Sept 27 11am to 2 pm
Where: Petland
6131 Ronald Reagan Dr (across from Walmart)
Lake St Louis, MO 63367
Why: Puppy Mill Awareness Day
Puppy Mill Awareness Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the lives of dogs who have survived a horrible experience and those people and organizations that dedicate their time, energy, and resources to reducing abuse and neglect that is associated with the commercialization of dog breeding. Making people aware that Puppy Mills do exist in all shapes and sizes and the awful things that happen to these animals as a result of their existence.
Puppy Mill Awareness Day (PMAD)
Started by Last Chance for Animals and other animal activists, PMAD takes place every September to spread awareness of the sad truth behind the puppy mill industry and encourage the public to adopt – not purchase – companion animals.
PMAD started in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2004, and now animal advocates across the United States join forces on this day by holding protests, organizing adoption events, and leading marches or walks. Anyone can hold a PMAD event in their hometown.
About Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities. Every year, 2.4 million puppies are bred in puppy mills and sold for profit, despite the overcrowding in animal shelters and severe overpopulation of dogs.
Dogs in puppy mills are kept in cramped, filthy conditions and may have inadequate food, water and medical care. Many of the breeder females are bred to death. They give birth to litter after litter, and eventually become so beaten down that they cannot conceive anymore. At this point, they are usually killed, since they are no longer able to make their owner money. Puppies are sold to pet stores as young as 8 weeks old, many times with false paperwork and illnesses yet to be discovered. Illnesses are frequently overlooked, and animal health documents are easily modified.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
This Blue Jay Pitcher Refused To Leave His Pit Bull Behind Despite Breed Specific Laws ....
EAVE HIS PIT BULL BEHIND DESPITE BREED SPECIFIC LAWS
POSTED BY CALLAIE-NAFTOLIN
READ MORE: THIS BLIND PIT BULL HAS TO WEAR A MUZZLE
READ MORE: LILY'S AN AMBASSADOR FOR PIT BULLS EVERYWHERE
While the family continues to fight breed specific bans in both Canada and the United States, they haven't forgotten where Slater came from. Together they have raised and donated over a million dollars for the compound. Most recently they've entered Slater into the MyRescue.Dog contest.
The website boasts pictures of a series of dogs and once a picture is posted they pledge to donate $10 to the rescue agency where that dog came from, or the shelter of your choice, with $1 donated for every vote obtained by that particular dog. You can vote for up to ten dogs per day. The winning shelter receives $25,000 and the 15 runners up will see their chosen rescue agency receive $5,000 each.
Several of the Buehrles' teammates have shown their support, taking to Twitter to encourage fans and followers to vote for Slater, in the hopes of raising funds for an incredibly worthy rescue. Should you wish to vote for Slater click here. Should you wish to learn more and perhaps post a picture of your own dog click here.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Animal Welfare Groups Urge USDA to Improve Care Standards for Puppy Mill Dogs/ Newswire
PR Newswire Reports:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Humane Society of the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association filed a legal petition with the United States Department of Agriculture urging the agency to improve the standards of care for dogs kept in commercial breeding facilities. The USDA regulates such facilities under the federal Animal Welfare Act, but current AWA regulations fall far short of ensuring the humane treatment of dogs.
The requested changes would create more specific standards for veterinary care, housing, breeding practices, socialization and placement of retired breeding dogs. Among other things, the petition urges the USDA to adopt the following rules for licensed dog breeders:
- Restrict the use of wire flooring in the dogs' primary cage space. Wire flooring is routinely used in commercial breeding facilities, often in cages stacked on top of each other, and is highly detrimental to the dogs' welfare;
- Require breeders to provide dogs with access to an exercise space. Current regulations do not mandate even daily or weekly exercise, and many dogs are kept in their cages day in and day out, for years on end;
- Require that dogs be physically examined by a veterinarian at least once per year, including a determination that breeding dogs are fit to endure pregnancy and nursing;
- Restrict the frequency of breeding. Currently there are no limits on how frequently dogs may be bred, and commercial breeders routinely breed female dogs at every heat, with no rest between litters, contrary to the recommendations of most breed clubs;
- Require breeders to provide dogs with constant access to potable water;
- Increase the minimum cage space requirements so that dogs have adequate space to move around freely and to stand on their hind legs without touching the top of the cage; and
- Require breeders to make reasonable efforts to work with rescue groups to adopt out retired breeding dogs and "unsellable" puppies, rather than euthanizing or abandoning the dogs.
The HSUS, ASPCA and HSVMA issued the following statements:
Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS said: "It's common sense that dogs should have water, space, exercise, and other basic care, and responsible dog breeders and pet industry groups should welcome these improved standards to deal with the outliers who cut corners and treat puppies like products. The current standards are insufficient and outdated, and need to be fortified to crack down on abusive puppy mills."
Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA said: "Dogs are not products that can be simply warehoused without appropriate regard for their welfare. The public overwhelmingly agrees that the current USDA standards for dogs kept in commercial breeding facilities do not amount to humane treatment for dogs. The USDA needs to recognize this, and step up to ensure these vulnerable animals have proper care to maintain their health and well-being."
Dr. Susan Krebsbach, veterinary advisor for HSVMA said: "This petition requests much needed enhancements to existing regulations concerning the treatment of dogs used and bred for commercial sale, including the physical conditions of the breeding facility and the health and welfare of the individual dogs. These new regulations would greatly improve the living space, physical health, and psychological well-being of literally tens of thousands of dogs in the United States."
The petition was prepared pro bono by the international law firm Latham and Watkins and by attorneys in the Animal Protection Litigation department at The HSUS and by the ASPCA.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization, rated most effective by our peers. For 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty.We are the nation's largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read more about our 60 years of transformational change for animals, and visit us online at humanesociety.org.
About the ASPCA®: Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation's leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association was formed as a home for veterinary professionals who want to join together to speak out for animals, engage in direct care programs for animals in need, and educate the public and others in the profession about animal welfare issues. The HSVMA is an affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States. www.hsvma.org
Camden County Bans Puppy Mill Sales.....
Matt Flowers, @CP_MFlowers
CAMDEN Camden County Freeholders passed Thursday night a new law banning the sale of puppy-mill animals in the county.
The new legislation, passed on a 6-0 vote, makes Camden County the first in New Jersey and only the fourth county governing body in the nation to use the model legislation.
"Norman's Law," named after a shelter dog saved by Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, likely will increase demand for animals from shelters and rescue organizations and save tax dollars, officials said.
"As we said last week, we are going to stand up for animals of this county and ensure no one is profiting off of the inhumane treatment of puppy mills," Nash said.
The law only allows the retail sale of puppies and kittens from shelter or rescue organizations.
The Camden County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health will regularly inspect all pet stores in Camden County. Inspections will include determining the origin of the pets for sale and requiring shop owners to provide information on the animals being sold to the public.
According to Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, if violations are found, the shop will be penalized.
If any pet store in Camden County ignores the resolution, county officials will not only fine the business, but they can shut it down completely, officials said.
Community activist Alan Braslow, who has been protesting outside of a Cherry Hill pet store since July, thanked Camden County and supporters for passing the legislation.
"We did this together and will continue to protest and work until we attain a final resolution," Braslow said. He added, "we now need every municipality in the county to step up and pass the sister ordinance."
Nash said several other counties and towns have inquired about the model legislation after it was announced last week. He hopes the ban will take hold statewide.
Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer, Winslow Township Mayor Barry Wright, and Cherry Hill Councilwomen Sara Lipsett and Melinda Kane said in a news conference last week they are on board with the restrictions on the sale of puppy mill pets in their towns.
Mayer said it is important for all municipalities to pass sister legislation to give the resolution teeth.
"Gloucester Township is stepping up," Mayer said. "Not only do I believe this ordinance will improve the treatment of animals, but also reduce overpopulation and the costs associated with that."
Officials also said in addition to the inhumane conditions in which dogs are bred in puppy mills, the county animal shelter network is filled to capacity with homeless animals, costing taxpayers more money.
The freeholders worked closely with the Humane Society to craft the new legislation. Kathleen Schatzmann, New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said the resolution has made a positive impact in the other areas where it has been adopted.
"This ordinance would not only crack down on the cruelty in puppy mills, but would also give homeless cats and dogs in Camden County a greater chance of finding a home," Schatzmann said.
Activists say the law isn't designed to put stores out of business, but help them be more successful.
Amy Jesse, a public policy coordinator for the Humane Society said pet shops can thrive on a humane model, where they are only obtaining dogs and cats from shelters and rescues. She noted Pets Plus Natural, which has stores throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey — including Delran and Gibbstown — as an example.
"To date, they have converted 8 out of 10 of their stores to the humane model," said Jesse, who added the chain has adopted more than 1,700 dogs since August.
"One of the reasons Pets Plus Natural has seen so much success with the humane model is that the stores now have a much better relationship with the community."
Matt Flowers; (856) 486-2913; mflowers@gannettnj.com
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