PA kennels shed breeding stock before new law takes effect!

PLEASE CROSSPOST!

Nearly 400 breeding dogs from Pennsylvania' s largest commercial kennels are scheduled be shipped west to be auctioned in Ohio next week, in a move that animal welfare activists say is likely the result of tougher standards under the new state dog law.

The dogs, most of them Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles and Shih Tsus, from 12 licensed kennels are expected to be sold at the Buckeye Dog Auction on Oct. 7 in Farmerstown, according to Mary O'Connor-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs. http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

*The video below, (bottom of article) produced by the Humane Society of the United States, takes a close-up look at dog auctions.

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/PA_kennels_shed_breeding_stock_before_new_law_takes_effect.html

Read full article below

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Subj: PA 9-09 PA kennels shed breeding stock before new law takes effect


http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/PA_kennels_shed_breeding_stock_before_new_law_takes_effect.html

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

PA kennels shed breeding stock before new law takes effect

Is a mass downsizing underway in Pennsylvania kennels?

Nearly 400 breeding dogs from Pennsylvania' s largest commercial kennels are scheduled be shipped west to be auctioned in Ohio next week, in a move that animal welfare activists say is likely the result of tougher standards under the new state dog law.

Key provisions of new law (Act 119) take effect on the first anniversary of the signing of the legislation on Oct. 9, among them: larger cage sizes, restrictions on cage stacking, access to outdoor exercise and regular veterinary exams for breeding dogs.

The dogs, most of them Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles and Shih Tsus, from 12 licensed kennels are expected to be sold at the Buckeye Dog Auction on Oct. 7 in Farmerstown, according to Mary O'Connor-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs. http://www.columbus topdogs.com/

Among the Lancaster County kennels which have listed dogs with the auction are: Glenwood Kennel in Ephrata, Gold Kennels and School Lane Kennel in Gap, R.E.Z Kennels and Conestoga Kennel in New Holland, James S. Zimmerman Kennel in Ephrata, Myer Kennels Inc. in Lititz, John S. Fisher Kennel and S & R Kennel in Gordonville, Nolt Kennel in East Earl.

Also listed selling dogs is Scarlet-Maple Kennel in Ronks. Its owner, Daniel Esh, had his kennel license revoked by the state after repeated unsatisfactory inspections.

A number of the other kennel operators selling dogs at auction have been been convicted of violations of the state dog law which would make them ineligible for a waiver to extend construction time for the improved kennels. An attorney who represented commercial kennel operators in their unsuccessful federal lawsuit to stop the law from being implemented, predicted it could take hundreds of thousands of dollars to meet the new standards. But activists point out that breeders are part of a multi-million industry and should be able to handle the costs of compliance.

Banned in Pennsylvania, dog auctions have taken off in Ohio's dog breeding capital, Holmes County, which is also home to one of the largest Amish populations in the country. Shaver and others - http://banohiodogau ctions.com/ Home.html who have witnessed the mistreatment of dogs at auctions where some sickly animals sell for as little as $1 - are waging a ballot referendum initiative and advocating for legislative action :
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/06/11/ AUCTIONBAN. ART_ART_06- 11-09_B1_ T8E55KC.html? sid=101 to make dog auctions illegal in Ohio.

The video below, produced by the Humane Society of the United States, takes a close-up look at dog auctions.

USA - Important Update for SB 250 and AB 241 from SCIL

Dear Friends:

This email is an update on where the bills sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) currently stand.

The California Legislature is currently on recess, however they will be back in session soon, and both of our bills (SB 250 and AB 241) will be heard in committee later in August.

First, let me be honest about the primary purpose for this email. We need your help to reach out to all supporters of animal friendly legislation in California, and alert them that these important bills are almost to the finish line! We need dedicated support now more than ever. And, the battle is getting costly, because our opponents are pouring money into California, trying to kill these good bills.

So here's what I am asking:

Please forward this email to at least three people you know in California who love animals. Our hope is that they will visit www.YESonSB250. com and www.YESonAB241. com, fill out easy support letters, and join the thousands of supporters working towards making our state a better place for pets.

Please consider participating in our new 25 bucks for SB 250 campaign. SCIL is run completely by volunteers and has no paid staff. However, running legislative campaigns is very expensive.

You don't have to donate $25... any amount at all will help us fight towards our goal to reduce shelter euthanasia through spay and neuter legislation. Click here to donate.


This is a historic time for animal friendly legislation in California and it's supporters like you who have made it all possible. Thank you!


OK, now for the good stuff... here's the latest on the bills:

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

SB 250, The Pet Responsibility Act, authored by Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, remains one of the biggest bills in Sacramento today. It has generated more support than any other bill this session. SB 250 simply requires that dogs be spayed or neutered unless their owner/guardian obtains an unaltered dog license when they license their animal. SB 250 also requires that roaming cats be spayed and neutered by their owner/guardian.

SB 250 will dramatically increase the number of pets who are spayed and neutered, thus reducing shelter overpopulation by decreasing the numbers of accidental pet pregnancies. In Santa Cruz County, where a similar law was passed over 10 years ago, shelter impounds dropped by over 64%! You can read about their success by clicking here. Santa Cruz is so successful that they are actually now taking in excess animals from other shelters to help ease overcrowding in those areas.

But the rest of the state is not so lucky. California shelters bring in approximately one million dogs and cats every year, and euthanize (kill) over half, simply because there are not enough homes. This enormous number of homeless pets actually means that every dog born in the state of California today has nearly a 1 in 4 chance of ultimately becoming homeless and dying in a shelter. Two-thirds of the cats entering California shelters are euthanized. And, the numbers are getting worse every year.

According to the State Controller's City and Counties Annual Reports for Fiscal Year 2006-07, California spends $300,000,000 per year housing and killing animals. This is a moral and financial crisis that we can finally begin to address with SB 250.

SB 250 will be voted on in the Assembly Appropriations Committee later in August, followed by the full Assembly vote, and then the Governor's desk. We will alert you shortly when it is time to contact your legislators.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

AB 241, The Responsible Breeder Act, authored by Assemblymember Pedro Nava, limits cruel puppy mills in a reasonable way, by simply limiting owners and breeders to a maximum of 50 unaltered animals.

While 50 unaltered animals may sound like a lot, in reality puppy mills in California today house up to 500 animals. They live in overcrowded, filthy, and inhumane conditions with inadequate shelter and care. Many puppy mill breeding dogs live on wire mesh and never touch the ground their entire life.

AB 241 will be voted on in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 17th, followed by the full Senate vote, and then the Governor's desk. We will alert you shortly when it is time to contact your legislators.


OK, now for the not-so-good stuff... one of the most frequent questions I am asked about SB 250 is:

Who could be against this legislation?

The answer is: the vast majority of opposition to animal friendly legislation comes from one group - underground animal breeders who fear that new legislation will affect their unscrupulous businesses.

These backyard breeders are joined by hunting groups, fur farmers and other people who make their living off the backs of our animal friends.

The leaders of these groups rely on the most outrageous arguments and claims. They do this in order to rile up animal breeders and animal profiteers, compelling them to call, fax and visit legislators to complain against the bills.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Here are the two primary arguments used by opponents:

Spay and neuter legislation is actually designed to eliminate dogs and cats forever. The supporters of spay and neuter legislation are radicals who do not want anyone to own pets.

Pet overpopulation is a myth. Dogs and cats killed in shelters are unadoptable, and therefore cannot find homes anyway. And, the reason pets are killed in shelters is not overpopulation. .. it is actually the fault of uncaring shelter directors, shelter workers and rescue groups who just don't try hard enough.

It saddens and angers me just to type those words. The idea that the thousands of animal rescuers (including myself) working to pass these bills, most of us whom live with several pets and use our own money to rescue and place others, would want to eliminate pets is the most outrageous, insulting lie I have heard in my over 25 years of animal rescue.

The claim that there is no pet overpopulation problem defies logic. The 500,000 pets who die in California shelters each year are there because the pool of animals born each year is larger than the number of available homes... period.

In Their Own Words

Here are some of the most vocal opponents of spay and neuter laws, and some others opposed to animal laws in general, in their own words (shown in blue).

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

William Hemby, founder of PetPAC, describing who he thinks is behind SCIL legislation:

"...across the United States you have some of these animal rights extremist groups like the Animal Liberation Front... it started years and years ago, if you remember, about throwing the blood on fur coats and all that jazz....

Well now... these people want to eliminate all dogs and cats in California, and so they want everybody else to conform to their society."

As far as I can tell, it was PetPAC's Mr. Hemby who first coined the phrase "Pet Extinction Act" to describe spay and neuter laws. The term has inflamed breeders and presumably increased donations to PetPAC.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council), on pet overpopulation:

The claims of pet overpopulation are "without sound basis" and "intended to alarm the public about an overpopulation problem that does not even exist".

Regarding the enormous number of pets euthanized in shelters "it is unclear where the evidence for such statements comes from, or whether it even exists".

A quick note... PIJAC is the primary lobby group representing pet stores in California, and these quotes are taken from a letter submitted by JK Pedrotti, a Government relations firm representing PIJAC.

Clearly, it is in pet stores best interest to pretend there is no overpopulation problem. If PIJAC will not believe the shelter admission and euthanasia numbers submitted to the State by the shelters themselves, then they will never believe that we have a problem, no matter how many pets we kill each year.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

We the People for Pets, an anti-pet legislation group:

Animal rights is a "staircase leading to pet extinction and total loss of pet owner rights", and spay and neuter laws are being pushed with tactics "used by the Nazi party to dehumanize their targets".

I can't really find words to address this lunatic fringe stuff...

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Nathan Winograd, author and shelter consultant, on pet overpopulation:

"Shelter killing is not the result of pet overpopulation; it is the result of shelter managers who find killing easier than doing what is necessary to stop it."

Nathan states that shelter workers are "content to kill animals" while "hiding behind the myth of pet overpopulation" .

I must take a moment to comment on this. I have spent much of the last four years meeting with shelter workers across California. I have seen their tears as they explain their anguish at having to put down healthy animals every day. I have seen the emotional toll, and I have seen their pain as they come to grips with the horrible task they are faced with every day, thanks to careless pregnancies and reckless overbreeding. You can watch interviews with many of these shelter workers at www.YESonSB250. com.

The claim that it is the shelter workers who are to blame for the number of pets flowing into our shelters, rather than the irresponsible pet owners and breeders who fill those shelters with their careless actions, is callous, shallow thinking.

Nathan is now selling books directly to breeders via a book tour with PetPAC, who advertise "Tour Dates" for him on the PetPAC website. And incredibly, he is now involved with radical underground breeder publications like The Animal Herald, a newsletter based partially on the idea that spay and neuter laws are "akin to genocide of dogs". The founder of this publication, cat breeder Diane Amble, appears to devote a lot of time trying to find ways to use the term "terrorist" in conjunction with the term "animal rights". This image is a capture from the latest edition of The Animal Herald... you can see a cartoon of Senator Florez, Assemblymember Nava and myself, dressed as "angels of death" for trying to pass animal protection laws. Nathan Winograd's contribution to this classy publication begins directly under the cartoon.

Ironically, or conveniently, pet breeders have become the biggest cheerleaders for Mr. Winograd, and they are often seen at the Capitol with a copy of Nathan's book clutched as their bible. Nathan has given backyard breeders an 'out' for a problem they directly contribute to, while blaming those who have to clean up the mess.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Gina Spadafori, regular contributor to AKC (American Kennel Club) Publications:

Pet breeders must "realize that we're all in this together, pet-owners against the forces of pet extinction".

Gina is a columnist and author of pet books. Shame on her for constantly pushing the bogus claim that pet owners are against spay and neuter legislation. The truth is that tens of thousands of pet owners have written and called in support of the bills. Those "pet owners" who come out against these bills consistently turn out to be people only looking out for their own self-interest (the "Me Me Me" crowd).

In fact, according to a 2008 poll by the well respected firm Zogby International, "California voters are strongly in support of a law that would enforce the spaying and neutering of pets." The Zogby poll found that 66% of California voters supported spay and neuter laws, and that after learning more about the laws, a full 80% of the voters supported them. The Zogby poll conclusion? Pet owners overwhelmingly support spay and neuter laws to reduce shelter euthanasias.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

From the scarier side of the breeder community... some breeders refer to violence as a possible answer to what they perceive as an intrusive government in league with animal rights "wackos":

Walt Hutchens, Timbreblue Whippets breeder in southwestern Virginia:

"We need to win as rapidly as possible, hopefully before there is any significant violence. The effect of violence on our chances of victory cannot be predicted." In general Mr. Hutchens seems to oppose violence, but he also slyly notes "By making the AR wars 'interesting, ' it will lead to much more media interest".

Joe Overlease, Cocker Spaniel breeder from Missouri who ships dogs nationwide:

"Every Breeder I know is armed to the teeth as well, hot lead is a good motivator even for the most sincere AR wacko... Welcome to Fort Cocker".

Walt Hutchens' writings appear on the website Rexano.org, which is devoted to keeping exotic animal ownership legal and unregulated. Rexano also offers the opportunity to download posters and purchase bumper stickers:

The posters are by artist Tamara Burnett, who envisions pet legislation as a PETA / HSUS plot to remove dogs and cats from society. Tamara has painted her depiction of me on the broom, wearing a PETA hat and stealing dogs from children. I included these posters to illustrate just how far out these folks are (and how much time they have on their hands!).

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

California Farm Bureau Federation writing about SB 250:

"Not all counties have provisions for intact [differential] licenses, and the amendments do not seem to allow dog owners to obtain an intact license if their cities or counties do not have them. This would force... dog owners residing in these counties to sterilize their dogs."

This statement from the Farm Bureau is completely wrong, and is one of the many scare tactics being used by opponents of animal legislation. In fact, statewide law for differential licenses have been in existence since 1973 (Food and Ag code 30804.5).

"Farm Bureau is also concerned about the potential for... actions taken against our members who may leave their dogs in the back of a pickup truck."

This is another example of outlandish hyperbole meant to scare Legislators. There is no provision in SB 250 that would allow animal control to seize a dog, and in the several California communities where similar laws are already in place, these hypothetical events do not occur.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Save Our Dogs, an anti-spay and neuter legislation group:

"...are the supporters trying hide the fact that the real goal of the bill is to eliminate all cats and dogs?"

The Save Our Dogs website, registered to someone in Oregon, also provides misleading graphs for download. The site consistently tries to influence opinion by presenting only part of the available data. In my opinion, this group was formed solely to provide misinformation about spay and neuter laws.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

John Yates, American Sporting Dog Alliance (in Pennsylvania) , on spay and neuter laws:

"Such is the murderous intent of [this]... movement, which seeks to gradually eliminate animals from American life. Its immediate goal is to force people to sterilize or euthanize as many dogs and cats as possible, and SB 250 was written for this reason."

Unbelievable. The delusions held by some of these people are downright ridiculous.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -

Last, but not least.

No overview of spay and neuter law opponents would be complete without mentioning the Oregon group National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). This group is front and center when it comes to opposing legislation that helps any type of animal, whether it is spay & neuter laws, curbs on puppy mills, or restrictions on animal cruelty.

Who are they? According to SourceWatch, who featured NAIA in their "FRONT GROUPS" project, "The NAIA is a front group and industry funded lobbying organization for animal commerce and agriculture based in Portland, Oregon. Agendas include financial interests, legislation and public perception related to farm animal agribusiness, commercial breeding, hunting, fishing, trapping, fur ranching, animal testing, horse slaughter, rodeos, circuses and entertainment. "



At this point, you may be asking yourself, are all pet breeders bad? My answer is no.

There are many types of pet breeders, including responsible ones who love their animals. Through this process I have been in contact with breeders who do abide by the law, and understand the suffering and expense of pet overpopulation. These breeders do feel that laws are needed to address the issue. And some of these breeders reported death threats when they started expressing their opinions. Today, these good breeders have learned not to speak out.

Ironically, if breeders license their animals and simply follow current laws, SB 250 will never even affect them.

I included all this information about our opponents because I wanted you to know what we are up against as we work to pass SB 250 and AB 241. Please forward this email to at least three friends who care about animals, and please consider making a donation if you can afford it.

Please do not let a group of extremists from around the United States hold back progress for animal welfare in California. We cannot allow the opposition to drown out our compassionate voices with their misinformation and paranoia.

Sincerely,

Judie Mancuso
President, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL)
A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization focused on reducing pet overpopulation through legislation.
www.YESonAB241.com
www.YESonSB250.com

UPDATE! No More Thorp Dog Auctions in WI!

Dear Companion Dog Lovers:

Please see the latest update below regarding Thorp dog auctions. Let's hope "commercial" breeders in OH take note!

A HUGE "two paws up" to our friends and supporters from WI Puppy Mill Project and Clark County Humane Society who were instrumental in leading this campaign!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.%20com/
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.lostpetusa.net/

LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

P.S. You or someone you know has requested you be added to the Columbus Top Dogs email list. If you do not want to receive emails from columbustopdogs. com, please reply and put "remove from list" in subject. Thank you!



BREAKING NEWS: NO MORE THORP DOG AUCTIONS???

As September approaches with no announcement of a date for the fall dog auction at Horst Stables, many of you have been asking us when the next Thorp dog auction will be.
We are excited to announce that the answer to that may be -- NEVER!
For the past three months, we have been investigating a rumor that the auction may be over. Several reliable sources have told us the same thing: there will be NO MORE DOG AUCTIONS at Horst Stables!
Auction organizers have been quoted as saying that running the auction is too much of a hassle because of the protests and negative media publicity! Chuck and Cheri Wegner and all of you who wore your orange t-shirts, stood up and chanted, carried signs in the hot sun and the sub-zero temperatures -- as well as all of our Media friends who reported on the auctions, the dogs, the millers selling them, and their impact on you -- NEVER doubt that you made a difference, and we sincerely thank you all!
Standing the Line: Thorp Dog Auction, 11 Mar 09
Not mentioned by auction organizers were the many repeat violations of USDA regulations, documented in inspection reports from the first dog auction on 14 October 2006 to the most recent one on 11 March 2009. We feel that the aggravation of being forced to comply with existing regulations, along with the promise of much stricter ones included in the Smith-Krietlow Commercial Dog Breeding Licensure Bill (AB-250/SB-208), were also major factors in the decision to end the selling of dogs.
USDA/AWA Inspection Reports of Horst Stables, 06-07 (pdf)
USDA/AWA Inspection Reports of Horst Stables, 08-09 (pdf)
This information could be yet another Thorp Dog Auction LIE...but to the best of our knowledge now...IT IS OVER. To put it bluntly, "it's all about the money," and thanks to our supporters, dog auctions apparently are simply not profitable enough!
Prior to the Dog Auctions, the Horst Stable auction business mainly sold horses, cows, and farm supplies. Apparently, they have discovered that selling dogs is just not the same as selling livestock. Hopefully, the Commercial Dog Breeding Licensure Bill will help convince puppy millers that BREEDING dogs just isn't the same as breeding livestock.
Until then, millers will still be trying to make a buck off the mill dogs -- so pet owners, rescue organizations, and shelters will continue to be burdened by the dark, dirty underground network and "dumping" of these animals.
But we have taken an important first step!

Beware of Dog: Five Things You Need to Know

How in the world do we navigate the current state of dogs in our
country? When did the innocent question, "How Much is that Doggie in
the Window?" turn into "Do you get your dogs from puppy mills?" Once
upon a time, it was perfectly acceptable to buy your precious pup at a
pet store. Not anymore. And, how did we allow the number of homeless
pets to jump into the millions and then decide that it was okay to
euthanize them just because there was "no room at the inn." How did we
take something so simple -- the joy of finding and caring for a dog --
and turn it into such a mess?!

--
full story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carrie-pollare/beware-of-dog-five-things_b_245516.html

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AS OF 6/9/09

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

I wanted to share with you some important updates on efforts taking place across our country to raise awareness of puppy mills, dog auctions, pet stores and the entities that support and keep them in business.

SPECIAL UPDATE! This past Saturday's Pet Expo 2009 in Akron and 2009 Alum Creek Dog Park Pup-A-Palooza were incredibly successful for our Petition Initiative to secure over 1,200 signatures from registered voters in Ohio! The outpouring of support was amazing! We had multiple animal rescues, humane societies and pet related vendors soliciting signatures at their booths, and it was great to see how many concerned citizens came (and are still coming) together to help create much needed change benefiting breeding dogs in Ohio. Although we had a goal of June 6 to collect 1,200 signatures, we won't officially present the Petition to the Ohio Attorney General until June 15, so we will continue accepting additional signed Petitions up through June 13.

Because we were successful in reaching this significant milestone in this campaign, reporter Kathy Gray with The Columbus Dispatch will be publishing a follow-up article to reporter Holly Zachariah's story,"Animal advocates may push for a ban on dog auctions" in tomorrow's edition.


1. CALIFORNIA. LEGISLATION MOVING TO THE FULL ASSEMBLY FOR A VOTE! On June 2, Assembly member Pedro Nava's AB 241, the Responsible Breeder Act, passed the Senate and will now move to the full Assembly.

The goal of AB 241 is to help stop cruel overcrowding and animal mistreatment in commercial breeding kennels. If passed, the proposed legislation will limit the number of intact cats or dogs a seller can maintain to 50. This bill does not impact animal shelters, research facilities, pet stores, veterinarians, groomers or boarding facilities.

2. COLORADO. Legislation introduced on January 21 in Colorado that would have limited the number of dogs breeders could keep and mandate veterinary certification exams for commercially bred dogs has been set aside indefinitely. The Colorado House Agriculture Committee voted on January 28 to table H.B. 1172, and no further hearings are scheduled at this time. The puppy mill bill, if passed in its proposed form, would:

ü Limit the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain
ü Mandate annual veterinary exams
ü Prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license

3. CONNECTICUT. LEGISLATION PASSED! On June 3, S.B. 499 overwhelmingly passed in the General Assembly and is awaiting the Governor's signature. The proposed bill will provide pet owners double their money back from stores that sell them puppies, kittens and other animals with chronic disease or disabilities. It will also prohibit sales of animals from unlicensed facilities and require brokers to list each breeder's name and/or USDA number on all health certificates.

Groups such as the Westport Coalition Against Puppy Mills, whose members include G. Kenneth Bernhard, a lawyer and former state representative from Westport, believe that wronged pet owners need more recourse. Bernhard said that coalition members reviewing records, traced many puppies for sale in Connecticut pet stores to so-called puppy mills in Pennsylvania and points west. "Some had some horrific violations," Bernhard said, adding that owners have been stuck with huge veterinary bills.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Pet 'Lemon Law' unleashed at hearing".

4. IDAHO. On February 17, announcement was made that an animal cruelty bill that teamed the agricultural community and a local animal welfare group together is dead for the 2009 session because of infighting between two animal welfare groups.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Animal Cruelty bill fails to enter legislature".

5. ILLINOIS. LEGISLATION PASSED! Senate Joint Resolution 56, which will establish a 15-member Task Force to recommend legislation to address commercial breeding, passed the Illinois State House and is now on its way to Gov. Quinn for his signature. The Task Force would consist of four members appointed by House and Senate leadership, a representative of the Department of Agriculture, five members of national animal welfare organizations (most of these will be from animal rescue groups or animal sheltering organizations and a representative of veterinarians (the only qualified and fair appointment of the group). The Task Force would also include four more appointees that represent dog breeders (one small breeder, one commercial breeder, one pet store representative and one for sporting dogs).

Due to pressure from the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, the American Kennel Club and commercial breeders in Illinois, H.B. 198/S.B. 53 was not brought forward for a vote in the Business and Occupational License Committee. Named after a sole survivor of a puppy mill in Downstate Macon County, H.B. 198 was expected to have a positive impact on ending puppy mills in Illinois. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:

ü Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered dogs.
ü Prohibit individuals from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
ü Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
ü Require pet stores and breeders to provide potential pet buyers with the dog's full medical history, information of spaying and neutering and information about any prior medical care.
ü Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.

6. INDIANA. LEGISLATION PASSED! HB 1468 (Tiko and Daisy's Bill) passed the final committee on April 29 and has been signed into law by the Governor on May 7! The animal cruelty/neglect portion of the bill is indeed a significant victory for Indiana's animals! Here are a few points from the bill (which will become effective 7/1/09) related to commercial dog breeders; A commercial dog breeder:

ü May not house a dog in a cage containing a wire floor unless the cage contains an accommodation that allows the dog to be off the wire floor;
ü Who housesa dog in a wire cage, shall house the dog in a cage that is large enough to allow for reasonable movement by the dog; and
ü Shallprovide every dog with a reasonable opportunity for exercise at least one time per day.

The bill in its entirety can be read here. INDIANA RESIDENTS: As a reminder, please start asking about your city and county ordinances. Any changes that will protect dogs must be made before the end of this year! Senator Steele's amendment to HB1468 prohibits local government from enacting ordinances more stringent than those afforded in this bill, unless they are passed before the end of December.
7. IOWA. LEGISLATION TO BE REINTRODUCED IN 2010! An attempt to crack down on puppy mills that would have allowed state officials to inspect federally licensed dog breeders failed to gain approval in the Legislature this year. But Rep. Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, one of the key sponsors of the legislation, is vowing to bring the issue before lawmakers again next year to help address the problem of dogs living in inhumane conditions.

The proposal in front of the Legislature would have let state agriculture inspectors check out Iowa facilities that hold federal licenses when they received a complaint of animal abuse or neglect. The measure failed to gain traction with lawmakers as part of a budget bill in the closing hours of 2009 session that ended April 26. Instead, lawmakers approved an interim study (which will include the Department of Agriculture, USDA and stakeholders from the breeding and humane advocacy communities) on the issue, which Lykam hopes will shed light on what's happening in Iowa.

The proposed House version - HF 30 - can be read here.

8. MAINE. HP 666, LD 964 An Act Pertaining to the Breeding and Selling of Dogs and Cats, introduced by Representative Wendy Pieh (D-Bremen) 3/10 and referred 3/12 to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation And Forestry and sent for concurrence. HP 666, LD 964 establishes three categories of breeding kennels:

ü A breeding kennel that maintains at least 5 but no more than 10 female dogs or cats capable of breeding is a Category 1 breeding kennel. (Fee $75)
ü A breeding kennel that maintains at least 11 but no more than 20 female dogs or cats capable of breeding is a Category 2 breeding kennel. (Fee $250)
ü A breeding kennel that maintains 21 or more female dogs or cats capable of breeding is a Category 3 breeding kennel. (Fee $500)

HP 666, LD 964 creates "conditional licensing" for new applicants until inspections are performed and the kennel passes to the satisfaction of the state inspectors. HP 666, LD 964 establishes fees for follow-up inspections following an infraction. Should two or more follow-up inspections be needed in any calendar year, the department shall charge the licensee a fee equal to 50% of the original license fee for each follow-up inspection. If documents necessary for registration of a dog or cat with a pedigree registry are not provided to the buyer within 60 days of sale, the buyer is entitled to a refund of 50% of the sale price. The proposed legislation also adds a new requirement that a veterinarian must examine animal prior to sale.

The proposed bill - HP0666, LD 964 - can be read here.

9. MARYLAND. S.B. 318 (H.B. 495), which would have addressed the commercial dog breeding industry, was given an uunfavorable report on March 2 by Judicial Proceedings and withdrawn. If passed, the proposed legislation would have prohibited a person from owning, possessing, controlling, or otherwise having custody of more than 50 breeding dogs over the age of four months at any time; established enclosure size and exercise requirements to be met by a person owning, possessing, controlling, or otherwise having custody of more than 10 breeding dogs over the age of four months; established a penalty for a violation of the Act; and exempted specified facilities from the requirements of the Act.

10. MINNESOTA. H.F. 253 was tabled in the House Agriculture Committee, so the proposed legislation will not pass this year. Learn more at Follow The Vote.

Minnesota has no state laws to regulate the dog and cat breeding industry, and Senate File 7 (Betzold) and House File 253 (Tillberry) were introduced in the Minnesota Legislature to provide such regulation.

ü S.F. No. 7, as introduced, Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill
ü H.F. No. 253, 1st Engrossment, Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill

Kathy Bauck (Pick of the Litter) Verdict: The jury found USDA licensed breeder, Kathy Jo Bauck, not guilty of two felony counts of animal abuse and guilty of four misdemeanor counts. For trial and sentencing details, and to view the undercover investigation video, we invite you to visit - > http://www.animalfo lksmn.org/.

11. MISSOURI. Since taking office in January, the agriculture chief has been working to better enforce a 1992 program for protecting animals cared for by breeders. He has named a new program coordinator, asked for a re-examination of old cases, ordered a review of internal procedures, and stepped up inspections and the issuing of citations to violators. His new Operation Bark Alert allows people to report unlicensed breeders directly to him by e-mail.

For more information, we invite you to read the April 6 article, "Missouri fights reputation as 'puppy mill".

12. MONTANA. A Ballantine woman's animal cruelty case caught the attention of Montana lawmakers and has prompted several bills aimed at regulating dog breeders and animal hoarders.In December, authorities seized 189 living dogs and numerous dead dogs from Linda Kapsa's Shady Lane Kennels, triggering an animal cruelty case that prosecutors believe was the largest seizure of animals in the state. Animal rescue officials, on the scene during the seizure, described Kapsa as an animal hoarder and said her operation could be described as a puppy mill.Sen. Mitch Tropila (D-Great Falls) introduced a bill that would add hoarding to the state's list of animal cruelty offenses, and Rep. Dave McAlpin, D-Missoula, is introducing a bill that would require commercial breeders - those with 20 or more adult dogs - to register with the state and submit to annual surprise inspections. Registration would come with a $415 biannual fee to cover the cost of inspections.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Proposed legislation would place stricter regulations on breeders" .

13. NEBRASKA. Legislation introduced on February 2 in Nebraska that would have limited the number of dogs breeders could keep and mandate veterinary certification exams for commercially bred dogs has been set aside indefinitely. State Legislators are currently voting on an amended version of this proposed bill, LB241. The Appropriations Committee of the Legislature is very seriously considering cutting the funding of the Commercial Dog and Cat Program. If one inspector is removed, it is predicted there will be a discontinuation of regular inspections of commercial kennels, dealers and pet stores, animal control facilities, boarding kennels or humane societies by the State. Inspections will only be complaint driven.

Senator Ken Haar introduced LB 677, a bill that aimed to strictly regulate commercial dog breeders in Nebraska by establishing ownership limits and dog breeding restrictions. If adopted as proposed, LB 677 would have:

ü By April 1, 2010, restrict all those defined as "commercial breeders" under existing Nebraska law to owning no more than 75 dogs over the age of four months.
ü Limit the breeding of purebred dogs only to dogs between the ages of 18 months and eight years of age.
ü Mandate the implementation of kennel requirements, including but not limited to, climate conditions, enclosures, building materials, and construction.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Farm Bureau wary of potential pet, livestock linkage".

14. NEW YORK. NY A.B. 7285 & S.B. 5392 has been introduced to address commercial breeding in New York.

To educate citizens about the horrific abuse taking place in those "beautiful white barns", Puppymill Rescue Inc. invites animal advocates from across the country to participate in the second annual "Bark Heard around the World" to be held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY from 10AM - 4PM on Sat., May 30th, 2009.

15. NORTH CAROLINA. S.B. 460 / H.B. 460 Commercial Dog Breeders; adds commercial breeder, commercial breeding operations to SECTION 1 G.S. 19A-21 as a category along with pet shops and boarding kennels for the purpose of licensing, regulation and inspection. (5a) "Commercial breeder" means any person who, during any 12-month period, maintains 15 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. (5b) "Commercial breeding operation" means the physical location or facility at which a commercial breeder breeds or maintains adult female dogs and their offspring." The proposed legislation would mandate standards for care at commercial breeding operations, including requirements for exercise, veterinary care and record keeping to be written by the NC Department of Agriculture at a later date and adds annual veterinary exam and certification for females before breeding.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Puppy mill bill gaining momentum". Also, we invite you to read the articles, "Wilson County shortens leash on pet breeders" , which contains a video highlighting breeders who welcome the new regulations, and "Special Report: Operation Rescue", which highlights the recent hoarding case on Barbara Key Woodley's property.

16. OHIO. A puppy mill bill (S.B. 95) was introduced in April by Senators Jim Hughes and Gary Cates.

Representative Cheryl Grossman has completed her meetings with key stakeholders to introduce a commercial breeding bill that will (among many provisions to address breeding kennels in Ohio) establish reasonable and enforceable shelter standards and veterinarian care. Their intentions are to craft language which is very similar to S.B. 5651 recently passed in the state of Washington and H.B. 1468 recently passed in the state of Indiana. Given that this proposed legislation will rely on local enforcement with state oversight (requiring little to no additional fiscal resources from the state), we are confident the proposed legislation will please all interested parties.

OHIO DOG AUCTIONS. As expected, the Pet Expo 2009 in Akron and the 2009 Alum Creek Dog Park Pup-A-Palooza were a HUGE success (kudos to all those volunteers)! As with the PetPromise Rescue Run, the response to our Petition Initiative drive during these fundraisers was extremely positive, and we are excited to report that we have surpassed our goal of securing the necessary 1,000 signatures to be submitted to the Ohio Attorney General! Although we had a goal of June 6 to collect 1,200 signatures, we won't officially present the Petition to the Ohio Attorney General until June 15, so we will continue accepting additional signed Petitions up through June 13. Thanks to your support, reporter Kathy Gray with The Columbus Dispatch will be publishing a follow-up article to reporter Holly Zachariah's story,"Animal advocates may push for a ban on dog auctions", in tomorrow's edition!

Click here for more information on the process by which we are required to submit this ballot initiative to the Ohio voters.

17. OKLAHOMA. The Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act, H.B. 1332, passed the House committee vote on March 4 with a wide margin of 74 to 26 in favor of the bill, as well as the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 21 by a margin of 30 to 16, but the title is off the bill (bill will not go directly to the Governor to be signed). Unfortunately, opposition from stakeholders tied to the breeding community prevented H.B. 1332 from getting the signatures needed on May 18 to move the bill to a vote in the appropriations conference committee, and the bill is dead for 2009 (despite being passed overwhelmingly by both houses earlier this session).

The proposed legislation would have mandated USDA standards as a minimum for all facilities selling, trading or adopting out over 25 dogs, cats, kittens or puppies in a year.

For more information concerning the defeat of this bill, we invite you to read the editorial, "Behind the scenes: Why did lawmakers balk at protecting puppies?".

18. OREGON. LEGISLATION PASSED! On June 2, the Oregon puppy mill bill, H.B. 2470, passed the Oregon Senate by a vote of 18-10. The bill is now awaiting Governor Ted Kulongoski's signature.

HB 2470 specifies conditions under which pet dealers must provide refunds, replacement, or reimbursement if a dog is found to suffer from certain diseases or birth defects. This will offer recourse to purchasers who learn that their puppy has serious emotional or health problems. The bill also limits breeders to owning no more that 50 sexually intact dogs two years or older. Besides limiting the number of dogs, the bill spells out exercise, space and cleaning requirements for pups. They can't be kept in stacked cages, and breeders must maintain health records for each dog, including the date of birth and size of litters. Pet stores must disclose information about the dog's breeder. The maximum punishment for violating the provisions is six months in jail, a $2,500 fine or both. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

H.B. 2470 - can be read here. For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the articles, "Oregon puppy mill hearing draws huge crowd" and "Scamps Pet Center Closed

19. PENNSYLVANIA. With a vote of 192 for and 0 against,

(US) Texas veterinary group opposes bill aimed at puppy mills

(US) Texas veterinary group opposes bill aimed at puppy mills; animal
advocates seek voter support


The Texas Veterinary Medical Association's has announced opposition to
Texas House Bill 3180, which would license and regulate large-scale
commercial breeding facilities, or “puppy mills.”

According to information on the TVMA Web site, “TVMA members encourage
people to seek out pets that best fit their families' needs and
lifestyles. This may mean acquiring a pet from a shelter, rescue
group, or a responsible breeder. TVMA members also support responsible
pet ownership and animal breeding. Setting arbitrary numerical limits
for the number of intact animals a breeder may possess does not
address the underlying issues of responsible pet ownership and proper
animal care.”

In response, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN), a nonprofit
organization that advocates for laws to protect animals from cruelty,
responded with a news release that quotes the group’s president, Cile
Holloway, saying, “The TVMA's decision to put the commercial interest
of breeders over the welfare of thousands of animals suffering in
puppy mills is appalling."

--
full story:
http://www.examiner.com/x-2245-Dallas-Pet-News-Examiner~y2009m5d24-Texas-veterinary-group-opposes-bill-aimed-at-puppy-mills-animal-advocates-seek-voter-support

MOJAVE HOARDING-LAST CHANCE FOR ANIMALS NEEDS HELP!

Last Chance for Animals needs your help! We rescued sixty seven so far, there are at least two hundred more to go.
If you are able to foster dogs, vet dogs, donate food, supplies or transport, we welcome the help!
Please contact:kimsill123@gmail.com
For donations:www.lcanimal.org

USA MABANK,TX-CALLING ALL RESCUE GROUPS!URGENT!

MABANK, TX: Waay Past Critical
CALLING ALL RESCUE GROUPS .... if you can help take even one or 2 dogs,puleeze let Pam Silva know ASAP. (xylona2003@yahoo. com)
If you're not arescue but animal lover, please continue cross posting so this can be readby as many rescue groups as possible.
Val Laughtonvlaughton@tx. rr.com
www.SmilingDogFarms .org
Support The Dogs, Become A Partner!
The Sheriff's dept for Henderson county called me this morning. He
has a really horrible situation over in mabank, across the lake from me. It was one Judy and I had been monitoring, and so had Eric, the deputy incharge of animals safety here. They have a lot of dogs in the yard, and Imean a lot. Not enough food or water, they breed indiscrimanently, the adults kill the puppies, and they kill each other over food and water. No shelter except under the house. It's horrible. They have no human interaction. I say the people don't live there, he says they do. Anyway,Eric has had enough. The SPCA in Dallas told him they will not service our county anymore. (Thanks.) He wants me to take them asap. I told him, rescues are full, and way underfunded now, and I will have to get one of the local shelters to help me. but they , too, will pts any that are bad off or not adoptable. He said , he worries about the ones that are manged , etc. ANd ,he has a right to be. If I can even get two or three places, maybe I can save at least some of them.
Pamela Silva

HORSE SLAUGHTER :NOT THE ANSWER TO OVERBREEDING!

Horse Slaughter:
Not the Answer to Overbreeding


February 3, 2009 -- Loxahatchee, FL -- It hasn't even been two weeks since the inauguration of President Obama, and it seems as if some of our elected representatives have missed the forward movement of transparency and accountability regarding lobbyists and ethics. Maybe that is where the rub is: it's not a lobbyist who is attempting to steer taxpayers' dollars for a personal agenda, it is a state representative who touts an elected seat.

North Dakota State Representative Rod Froelich and State Senator Joe Miller have introduced a bill to the state's legislative assembly proposing to spend $100,000 on a study to determine the feasibility of a horse slaughter house in North Dakota. There are some startling coincidences worthy of mention. Representative Froelich's family are longtime quarterhorse breeders, and according to their website at www.froelichranch. com they specialize in breeding horses of outstanding color and disposition.

Quote from the site: "Welcome to our 38th annual production sale. The five Froelich brothers, along with our mother, Barbara, and our nephew, Lance, are excited to again bring you a consistent group of foals with 'disposition, color, & conformation ranch-raised in big country'."

Whether Representative Froelich has sent horses to slaughter is a question only he can answer. Unfortunately, in our country, breeders send horses to slaughter because of their color; yes, this does exist. For example, two QH babies named Abercrombie and Fitch arrived at Pure Thoughts Horse & Foal Rescue. They came with AQHA papers so we called the previous owner, a breeder in Minnesota who selects for color: "palomino to be exact." According to the breeder, the two babies were sold to Simon Horse Company in Minnesota owned by Joe and Ryon Simon who are known killbuyers for horse slaughter. Both horses were sold because they were red in color, and Fitch's mother was sent to slaughter because that was her third red baby. This almost takes us back many years ago to a situation which was referred to as "cleansing."

How many times are we going to look into the pro-slaughter bowl of cherries and see that the pit is usually someone who stands to gain personally or financially, whether on the sale of horsemeat or the act of slaughter itself?

Here is an idea for Rep. Froelich: rather than ask the taxpayers to pay for a study on the feasibility of opening a slaughterhouse in North Dakota (creating a dumping ground for quarterhorses that do not have the most perfect conformation, sought after color or greatest disposition) , ask the AQHA to designate funds for genetic studies and education. Even the horse novice understands the homozygous genes and the possibilities of perfecting color choices. Another thought would be to take that $100,000 and donate it to a rescue that saves slaughter-bound horses, and we will take all your not-so-perfect babies and mares that do not produce foals of the "right" color and place them in loving homes. It is so redundant to have yet another attempt at promoting horse slaughter stem from the AQHA arena.

How unfortunate that the AQHA is one of the wealthiest equine organizations in the US and yet continues to support horse slaughter. Even while the thoroughbred associations are stepping up to develop solutions to help our equine athletes retire safely and with dignity, the AQHA (with four times the annual foal registration of the TB industry) refuses to present and incorporate a plan for their horses. In addition, the AQHA allows for artificial insemination, embryo transplant and cloning (their latest endeavor) while the thoroughbred industry requires live cover. As stated earlier, a major consideration should be researching methods of successfully producing the most sought-after foals.

Consider these numbers related to the AQHA (2007 US data):

Quarter horse population: 2,859,851 (Estimated 2007 all-breed population: 9.2 million)
AQHA new foals/registrations : 117,830
AQHA membership: 305,000
Total owners: 902,453
AQHA total assets: $111,154,925
Revenues from registrations, transfers, membership, breeding fees: $19,288,000
AQHA 2008 new foals/registrations : 140,000 (this should be 140,000, right?)

These revenues and assets are not comparable with any other breed association, The AQHA charges owners for foal registrations and annual dues. The majority of QH owners do register their horses as it adds market value to the horse, and it's required in order to enter the horse in AQHA-sanctioned racing, shows and events. More foals equal more revenue for the AQHA.

These figures show that annual breeding means huge financial gain for the AQHA. Excess stock would negatively impact market values, so unsalable quarter horses go to slaughter to make room on farms for next year's foals. The AQHA also contributed $9,000 to Senator Larry Craig, who filed a notice of intent to object on a federal bill aimed towards ending horse slaughter; subsequently, the bill saw no action in the Senate.

No other breed of horse is sent more frequently to slaughter than the American Quarterhorse, the real victims of greed in the American horse industry.

If we trace the historical path of this issue in the political arena, the continuation of horse slaughter has always stemmed from personal agendas or personal gain. This year, let's try to have humanity as the agenda, do what is right, and represent the voice of the people.

Author
Pure Thoughts Inc.
National Horse Welfare Organization
Jennifer Swanson
Cheryl Hanna
www.PTHR.org


# # #

Phelps Media Group, Inc. (PMG), based in Wellington, Florida, is a public relations firm primarily focused on promoting events and people in the equestrian world.

The objective of Phelps Media Group, Inc.'s customized promotional plan for each client is to gain coverage in print, broadcast and televised media outlets. By delivering consistent international media attention to the people and events it represents, PMG creates public awareness of the client's message as well as a positive and recognizable image for the client. PMG's ultimate mission is to assure success for its clients' endeavors with the public.