EVER HEARD OF "PUPPY
MILLS?"
If you don't know that you should not buy a
puppy from a pet shop,
please come watch:
undercover footage shot at Nielsen Farms.
Film star Charlize Theron narrates PETA’s undercover
investigation of a puppy mill—the exposé that premiered on Dateline.
click
here:
http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/video.asp?video=charlize-theron-pupply-mill&Player=wm&speed=_med
Please
contact your senators
and ask them to cosponsor Senate Resolution 451, the “Pet Safety and
Protection Act.” This bill, introduced by Sen. Daniel Akaka, would
amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit research facilities from
buying dogs and cats from Class B dealers.
Class B animal dealers, also known as “random
source dealers,” often acquire animals through theft and deception
and are known to sell lost and stolen cats and dogs to researchers.
The abuse of dogs and cats by Class B dealers is a serious problem
and was documented in the recent HBO documentary,
Dealing Dogs.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service has noted that although many research facilities grossly
misreport the number of animals they use, there are at least 93,000
cats and dogs in research facilities. While most laboratories buy
cats and dogs from a variety of licensed Class A dealers (breeders,
other research facilities, municipal pounds, and shelters), some
laboratories continue to buy cats and dogs from Class B dealers. It
is generally accepted that animals from Class B dealers should not
be used for most medical experiments because their health histories
and genetic backgrounds are unknown.
The Pet Safety and Protection Act is an
urgently needed legislative initiative that would end the support of
fraudulent practices by Class B dealers, alleviate suffering of
countless animals across the country, and safeguard America’s cats
and dogs.
Thank you for caring
enough to
take action.
If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at
kash@pcrm.org.
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I have personally worked with the poor animals that have come from puppy
mills. These dogs live a life no animal should have to endure. Imagine living
in a crate your entire life --
filthy and neglected. One crate stacked on top of another, these animals
urinate and defecate on each on each other. They get infections and suffer
unimaginable torment.
Some never have had their feet touch grass.
Most have teeth that are rotten because of poor diets. They don't get
affection or attention.
They get out of their cages to be force bred again and go back into their
eternal jail.
This "industry" should be outlawed. It costs the taxpayers money because
so many of these dogs end up in shelters that the public pays for. If people
want dogs, the shelters are full of them. Specific breed rescues can find you
any kind of dog that you want. Look on
http://www.petfinder.com
or search on the web for name of the breed you want + rescue.
Remember to think rescue -- don't create a market for this kind of abuse.
Ann Katcef ( my fellow rescue friend in MD)
The Pet Shop Lobby (PJAC) has vowed to kill AB 2862,
the Pet Shop-Pet Protection Bill, authored by Los Angeles' own Assemblyman Mark
Ridley-Thomas. Please do the right humane thing and don't let the Pet Shop Pet
Protection Bill be killed! Puppymillers in rural agricultural areas keep dogs in
cages so small on top of each other, outdoors in extreme conditions, with
medical care, just to get sick puppies that Brokers drive to Pet Shops with most
of them dying from this horrible way they raise them and as 60 puppies on the
way to a Pet Shop died in a fire, they suffer and might live or not after being
sold in the pet shops. This cruel, and very fraudulent practice must be
controlled if not stopped please.
This bill will increase the space, nutrition,
exercise opportunites and vet care for animals caught in the the evils of the
pet sales trade, but not unless we can get the votes from the legislators in the
Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday Aug. 17th.
Animal
Legislative Action Network
Legislative Alert
How do you feel about Pet Shops?
You have 48 hours to prove it!
The Pet Shop Lobby (PJAC) has vowed to kill AB 2862, the Pet
Shop-Pet Protection Bill, authored by Los Angeles' own Assemblyman Mark
Ridley-Thomas.
This bill will increase the space, nutrition, exercise
opportunites and vet care for animals caught in the the evils of the pet sales
trade, but not unless we can get the votes from the legislators in the Senate
Appropriations Committee on Thursday. You have 48 hours to deluge their offices
with pleas for their support by e-mail, fax, and phone.
Below you will find the Senators on the
committee and their contact information. You can call, fax or e-mail as many
times as you want. The pet fanciers are in full pursuit to kill this bill.
They outnumbered us at the last committee hearing. Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas,
who admits that animals are not his main issue turned to me and said "where are
all the animal people"
Please show Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas, that
after he has personally spent hours trying to get this bill passed that we are
not going to abandon him and his noble efforts.
If you have limited time or resources, concentrate your
efforts on Murray, Flores, Alarcon, Alquist, Escutia, Flores, Ortiz and Romero.
- Senator Kevin Murray (Chair)
- 916-651-4026
916-445-8899 fax
- Senator Samuel Aanestad (Vice-Chair)
- 916-445-3353
-
senator.aanestad@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Richard Alarcón
- 916-651-4020
- 916-324-6645 fax
- Senator Elaine Alquist
- 916-651-4013
- 916-324-0283 fax
-
senator.alquist@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Roy Ashburn
- 916-651-4018
- 916-322-3304 fax
-
Senator.ashburn@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Jim Battin
- 916-651-4037
- 916-327-2187 fax
-
Jim.battin@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Robert Dutton
- 916-651-4031
- 916-327-2272 fax
-
Senator.Dutton@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Martha Escutia
- 916-651-4030
- 916-327-8755 fax
-
Senator.Escutia@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Dean Florez
- 916-651-4016
- 916-327-5989 fax
- Senator Deborah Ortiz
- 916-651-4006
- 916-323-2263 fax
- Senator Charles Poochigian
- 916-651-4014
-
Senator.Poochigian@sen.ca.gov
- Senator Gloria Romero
- 916-651-4024
- 916-445-0485 fax
- Senator Tom Torlakson
- 916-651-4007
- 916-445-2527 fax
To read the bill, go to
www.sen.ca.gov
and click on legislation
in the left hand column and then type in
AB 2862 in the bill number box and
Ridley-Thomas in the author box
|
The Cleveland Plain
Dealer ran a story about the big business of "dog farms" in Amish
country and other parts of Ohio and the growing demand for purebred
dogs. The article specifically names Hunte Corp. - a Missouri-based
company that distributes the dogs to dealers across the nation.
Sen. Gary Cates of West
Chester, Ohio and Rep. Jim Hughes of Columbus want to establish minimum
standards of care for commercial kennels and an agency to monitor the
industry.
Please write a letter
to the editor of the Plain Dealer about the sad environments of
puppy "farms" where innocent dogs are warehoused in cages and "bred to
be bred." Support legislation that demands an increase in
accountability for the breeders. Remind readers of the thousands of
wonderful, adoptable dogs in every animal shelter throughout Ohio who
desperately need homes before they meet their "deadline."
Send letters to the
Cleveland Plain Dealer at
Letters@plaind.com.
Read
"Holmes County breeders, activists battle over kennels" online.
THE PLAIN DEALER
Holmes County breeders, activists battle over kennels
Sunday, August 13, 2006 John Horton, Plain Dealer Reporter
Millersburg - The Holmes County dog warden ambles along the line
of cages, his eyes dancing all around the small kennel. Joe
Patterson is looking for telltale signs of neglect. He's not finding
them.
No piles of feces. No gag-inducing odors. No scrawny or unkempt
animals.
Forty breeding dogs and a few dozen puppies call the kennel home.
Purebred Boston terriers, schnauzers, Pomeranians, bichons - they
all rise in unison as Patterson approaches. Barks ring out in the
Berlin Township building; paws press up against caging. Patterson
bends down and peers into a pair of dark eyes.
"Hey, guy," he asks quietly. "How you doing?"
It's a question many want answered.
In these rolling hills of Ohio's Amish country, puppies are a
growing - and controversial - cash crop. How big a business has it
become? Dog farms now outnumber dairy farms in Holmes, one of the
state's leading milk producers.
The high volume - as well as a regular dog auction - makes Holmes
ground zero in a raging debate.
Animal advocates deride the operations as little more than "puppy
mills," with breeder dogs cooped up in cages for the sole purpose of
delivering lucrative litters for their owners. Critics say the
county traffics in cruelty; they describe kennel life as harsh and
inhumane.
Breeders scoff at the notion. They describe their animals as
healthy, with ample supplies of food and water. They say the
industry is unfairly maligned by activists.
Two sides. Two emotional viewpoints. No middle ground.
"These groups will never see eye to eye," said Michael Glass, a
regional representative from America's Pet Registry, which maintains
records on purebred dogs and cats. "And they'll never trust each
other, either."
Little oversight for kennels now
Legally, there's minimal oversight on kennels. Breeders who sell
dogs to wholesalers are required to get federal permits and undergo
annual inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Five
agents circulate in Ohio, covering 161 kennels. (The majority
operate in Holmes County.)
Ohio law provides even less regulation, asking only that kennels
register annually in their home counties.
"They're operating unchecked," said Kellie DiFrischia,
co-director of the Columbus Dog Connection, a rescue organization.
That may change, however: A pair of state legislators - Sen. Gary
Cates of West Chester and Rep. Jim Hughes of Columbus, both
Republicans - want to establish minimum standards of care for
commercial kennels and an agency to monitor the industry.
The proposal, introduced at the Statehouse earlier this summer,
seeks to ensure the humane treatment of breeder dogs and their
offspring. The goal is to improve the quality of life for kennel
dogs, Hughes said.
"We're going after the bad breeders," Hughes said.
Some say that's virtually all of them. Holmes County is home to
some of the worst kennels in the country, said Deborah Howard,
president of the Colorado-based Companion Animal Protection Society.
She said her organization found deplorable conditions during
undercover investigations in the community.
The kennel operations are morally and ethically wrong, said Dori
Villalon, executive director of the Cleveland Animal Protective
League. The businesses exploit animals and, she said, represent
factory farming at its worst. She described the dogs as starved for
human contact and social interaction.
"I'm opposed to anybody who's mass breeding animals simply for
the money," she said. "The animals are the losers in these
situations. They always are."
Shocking stories, but are they true?
Horror tales of filthy conditions and mistreated animals in
Holmes kennels float freely across the Internet. One widely
circulated e-mail details a kennel with wire cages stacked eight
high, allowing urine and feces to drop onto lower-level occupants.
There's only one problem, Holmes officials said: They can't find
these places.
Late last year, the county commissioners - concerned about the
dog-abuse stories and threats of tourism boycotts - asked the dog
warden and his staff to scrutinize every county-registered kennel.
As of last month, they've visited 317; a review of the inspection
reports shows only a handful of minor problems.
"Is there a kennel out there neglecting dogs?" asked Jim Whitman,
the county's assistant dog warden, who has done most of the checks.
"Possibly . . . but I haven't found it."
The Plain Dealer visited a handful of kennels and attended the
June 3 Buckeye Dog Auction in Walnut Creek, where 376 dogs exchanged
hands. The animals appeared active and healthy; all had access to
food and fresh water. The facilities looked clean.
A veterinarian hired to work the auction looked over each animal
during the sale. She found few problems. Medically, "they take care
of their dogs," said Teresa Hoxworth of the East Holmes Veterinary
Clinic in Berlin.
But is that enough? Patterson, the dog warden, said he struggles
at times with the reality of the situation, with the notion that
thousands of dogs spend much of their lives in cages as breeding
stock. He said there is little the law allows him to do as long as
the animals receive food, water and shelter.
"I don't like going in and seeing row after row of dogs in
cages," Patterson said. "But they're not breaking any rules. I can't
just say that's it's not right."
Breeders say dogs are livestock, not their pets
Mose Hershberger tends about 50 dogs at his kennel in the
countryside of Clark Township. He started the business more than a
decade ago, after hog farming turned unprofitable. He keeps the
canines confined inside his farm's old hog barn.
"If you see anything wrong, tell me," Hershberger said as he
moves past poodles, pugs and other breeds.
Conditions are stark, at best. There's nothing warm and
comforting about the industrial environment. The dogs just sit
inside rows of cages and pens, doing their job by making puppies.
The reality is they'll remain in these small confines for years,
rarely - if ever - setting foot on grass.
It's a sad existence. Hershberger offers no apologies.
"Dogs are livestock," he said. "Not people."
Other breeders expressed the same sentiment. They care for their
dogs as investments, not household pets. They say they keep them
healthy to ensure regular and full litters of puppies, which they
can turn around and sell for hundreds - or even thousands - of
dollars.
Neglectful breeders lured into the business by the notion of
turning a quick buck disappear quickly, said Ervin Raber, a kennel
operator and co-founder of the auction. The market sorts them out,
he said. "If you don't offer good dogs," Raber said, "you won't be
in business."
Some breeders contract with pet stores or agencies like Hunte
Corp., a Missouri-based company which distributes dogs to dealers
across the nation.
Others sell directly to consumers, placing ads in newspapers and
signs along roadways to bring in customers.
The industry is thriving, Raber said, and it's all driven by
demand for purebred dogs.
"They're a commodity," Raber said.
"We're giving people what they want."
|
You'll find useful information at
www.idausa.org/campaigns/puppy/puppymills.html and
www.guardiancampaign.com to help you write your letter.
Letters should be less than 200 words. Please do not send attachments
and please remember to include your full name, address, and phone number
(for verification purposes--street names and phone numbers will not be
published). |
|
COME SEE BREEDER AUCTIONS: (click the pic
below)
~ Gracie ~
Gracie was probably
the runt of her litter, a petite black-and-tan beauty with a
mighty spirit, which made her all the more attractive to the puppy
miller who used her tiny body over and over, litter after litter,
to produce smaller, more "appealing" miniature dachshunds to be
sold in pet stores. The puppy mill did not consider Gracie's life,
health, or well-being EVER. Because puppy mills never do. Puppy
mill dogs like Gracie are considered only "vessels," "stock,"
"property," or "paydays," not the living, breathing, feeling,
loving creatures they are.
When this beautiful little dachshund had "an accident" last
January and became paralyzed, the puppy mill got rid of her
immediately. After all, they didn't need her "services" any longer
since she was "down" and unable to make them any more money for
them. The people the millers gave her to also denied her any vet
care whatsoever for five more months. Finally, Gracie's Almost
Home foster mom was able to convince them to release Gracie to
rescue.
Gracie
Rene came to Almost Home not only paralyzed, but emaciated and
with terrible skin sores (from lying in her own urine and not
being moved around enough when she could not move herself), rotten
teeth, and without any bladder or bowel control. She was,
naturally, very withdrawn and timid. She had been paralyzed, in
pain and terrible discomfort, and without medical care for many
months. Gracie was taken immediately to the vet, and it was
revealed that she probably would have recovered completely from
back surgery, and would be walking and running again today, had
she received medical treatment when she first went down.
Gracie's foster mom got her a much-needed dental and her
vaccinations and then set out to work with Gracie physically,
providing daily physical therapy and skin care, and emotionally,
by patiently teaching Gracie to trust again (maybe for the first
time ever in her little life).
Within two months, Gracie not only had regained most of her
bladder and bowel control, she was surprising everyone by picking
those little back legs up and shooting through the house and yard
in a wobbly gait that brought tears of joy to her foster mom's
eyes. For Gracie, whose entire life was spent in a puppy mill cage
before she was paralyzed, nothing felt better than running free!
Gracie's foster mom also bought her a cart to increase her access
and mobility...but Gracie preferred to hop and wobble and give
running on her own power her best shot!
Gracie Rene had learned to be a safe and happy girl, snuggle at
bedtime, watch you with complete interest at all times, and show
her unyielding will to survive and live a complete
life...regardless of the hand life initially dealt her! But
recently Gracie had a major setback. Another disc herniated,
causing spinal cord compression, severe pain, and new paralysis.
This time, however, she was not a piece of property in a mill. She
was a beloved companion in a rescue foster home, and her foster
mom got her immediate care. Gracie is now recovering from surgery,
and is now back to square one with her paralysis. But the little
"mouse that roars" cannot be stopped. Soon she will start her
physical therapy again, and with your help, we can pay off her vet
bills so that her medical care can continue uninterrupted, until
little Gracie is able once again to take a flying run to freedom!
Gracie's medical costs have been extreme, and they are continuing.
Her foster mom has done, and will continue to do, everything
possible to restore her to complete health. Can you help Gracie
with a donation? We are grateful for all contributions, no matter
how small. You can donate via PayPal by using the link below, or
send a check, made out to AHDRS, to:
Heather Martin
Gracie Fund
36 Lincoln Laurel Road
Blairstown NJ 07825
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"Many people remain unaware of the staggering
number of unwanted cats and dogs, including kittens and puppies, who are put to
death each year in our animal shelters in addition to the millions who also die
of exposure, starvation, and injury. By adopting an early-age sterilization
policy, veterinarians in private practice and animal shelter personnel can take
a leadership role in curbing companion animal overpopulation by ensuring that
the animals under their care do not accidentally reproduce," said Laurie
Siperstein-Cook, DVM
"Early-age sterilization is safe and effective.
These surgeries have been performed in animal shelters for more than twenty
years, and current research studies show that many of the concerns about the
effects of performing surgery on young animals are unfounded. The university is
happy to facilitate the making of this video tape and encourages private
practitioners and shelters to adopt an early-age policy," said John R. Pascoe,
BVSc, Executive Associate Dean of Academic Programs for the School of Veterinary
Medicine.
The video tape runs 19 minutes and can be
ordered through the AVAR or through the university for $15, plus shipping and
handling.
Videos may be ordered from the UC Davis School
of Veterinary Medicine at 530-752-1324 or order
online. (Enter "Neutering" in the Search Words
area.)
Click on Willow's Picture and read how Puppymill dogs
are treated.
Does it even matter? click
here to find out the facts!
" 'We had
a baby."We're moving."The kid is allergic.' We hear that every day," said
Dorothy Wissler, director of the Bartow County Humane Society, which works with
the county animal control. "I've had unbelievable purebred dogs come in with
their papers and even a receipt showing they paid $700, $800, even $1,200 for
the dog they're dumping."
Gail Miller,
a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club, said people often want registered
dogs in order to have a better idea of size, temperament, length of coat and
other details. She said most purebreds that end up in shelters are dogs bought
on impulse from backyard breeders who sell in the newspaper, or from pet
shops.
But even if the dog has "papers," there's no guarantee it will
look like the dogs they see at AKC shows. "Registration doesn't equal
show-quality dogs," Miller cautioned.
"We estimate
that 25 [percent] to 30 percent of animals in shelters are purebreds," said
Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Humane Society of the United
States.
That's out of the estimated 6 million to 8 million animals that
land in shelters each year, about half of which get adopted. In metro Atlanta,
it's estimated that 100,000 animals a year are killed, simply because there
aren't enough homes.
In April
2000, a Dateline NBC traced the origin of a puppy named Bella who was purchased
at a Petland store and had serious health problems. She had been born in a
Missouri facility housing 200 dogs in cramped cages. At a Petland supplier in
Kansas, Dateline investigators found 500 dogs in cages. The dogs’ problems
included infected eyes, rotted teeth, mange, open sores, and neurotic
behavior--such as repetitive circling--associated with long periods of
confinement.
NY state
"Pet Dealer Consumer
Protection and Animal Care Standards Act." The law requires annual licensing and inspection for both
pet stores and breeders who sell dogs and cats to the public.
|
|
Pet Story
Trixie and Maxwell
Upon discovering the captive
lives of "puppy mill" dogs Jean Jones founded Puppymill Rescue Inc.
With the help of volunteers, Puppymill Rescue restores the health
and freedom to dogs that have been kept in small cages and forced to
constantly reproduce. |
COME AND SEE ALL THE RESCUED LITTLE PUPPY MILL DOGS: http://www.puppymillrescue.com/ |
Need more
examples
COME READ THE TRUTH;
THE SADDEST FIRST HAND STORY OF THE PUPPY MILLS
Humane Society Letter to
the Editor on Puppy Mills vs. getting a purebred from
shelters/rescues
Click on me and Please come
read the true story of 80% of America's Pets and their puppies!
>There are
an estimated 11,000 stray dogs in the
Bahamas, according to
>the
latest statistics available.
>Of the estiamted 73,000 owned dogs in the
Bahamas, it
is believed that
>more than 12,000 owners failed to
confine 29,000
dogs.
"Missouri: The Puppy Pipeline |
Listen to this series by Megan Lynch |
Missouri's dog
breeding industry is massive. An estimated third of the puppies sold in
the United States come from the state. Deplorable conditions in sectors of
the industry have led some to call it the "Puppy Mill Capitol of the
Nation". A 2001 state audit revealed lax oversight and conflicts of
interest within the agency charged with overseeing Missouri's massive dog
breeding industry. Through discussions with investigators, state
officials, veterinarians, activists, rescue groups, dog breeders and dog
brokers, KMOX News set out to answer the question of whether that audit
made any difference for thousands of suffering animals."
Part One
examines why dog breeding is such a controversial issue.
Part Two
looks at the issue of breeders who are skirting the law.
Part
Three delves into the battle for legal reform.
Part Four
is a tour inside the nation's largest dog broker.
Part
Five offers some guidelines for buying a puppy without supporting lax
breeders.
Listen to two web exclusives on the history and laws of the Missouri
Puppy Pipeline! History
Law COME READ ABOUT JACK, THE
PET SHOP PUPPY THAT DIED AFTER A YEAR OF GOING TO THE VETS.
|
SPECIAL
THANKS: DEAR ABBY CRACKS DOWN ON IRRESPONSIBLE PET
OWNERS Two paws up to Abigail Van Buren for
raising awareness about pet overpopulation in her April 1
column. The grande dame of good advice ran a letter from cat
rescuer Jacqueline Wood, who wrote in to remind people about
the importance of spaying and neutering their cats and
becoming involved in fostering shelter cats, rather than
allowing their cats to have one litter to "witness the
'miracle of birth.'" Responded Van Buren, "Parents who want
their children to witness the 'miracle of birth' and plan to
get rid of the cat and her litter should ask themselves what
kind of message they are sending. By adopting your idea, the
lesson would be conveyed that pets are more than expendable
commodities--their lives have value." Way to go, Abby--it's no
wonder they call you "dear!"
To read the column in its entirety, please visit Dear
Abby online. | | |
Contact: Dan Wadlington dan.wadlington@mail.house.gov 417-889-1800
Goodman, Missouri -- The Unites States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) has approved a $900,000 guaranteed rural development
loan to allow the Hunte Corporation, located in northern McDonald County,
to purchase equipment, restructure it’s debt and provide working capital
for expansion Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt has announced.
Hunte Corporation Chairman Andrew Hunte said, The loan will allow us to
expand business and increase employment in McDonald County. The company
received another loan for $3.5 million from the USDA last year. The dog
breeding industry has suffered a black eye in recent years, but we are out
to change that image by putting animals first and ensuring they get the
best humane professional treatment, Hunte said. We deal with breeders in
several Midwest states who can meet our standards of quality care. One of
our goals is to help breeders improve their operations. Hunte explained,
We get the puppies at 8 weeks old and they undergo a week of quality care
to make sure they are healthy before they are shipped to upscale pet
stores around the country.
The Hunte Corporation operations near Goodman include more than
150 employees under the direction of six veterinarians. The dogs are
housed in a 30,000 square foot building that is climate and odor
controlled. The operation is federally and state inspected.
Hunte said, We added 18 employees this year and we hope to keep
expanding. We want to be the educators of the industry. We are committed
to excellence. The federal guaranteed loan will allow us to continue to
move in that direction. Ten years ago, Hunte Corporation consisted of
seven employees and a million dollars in sales. Hunte says sales this year
will exceed $26 million.
Hunte Corporation is the largest distributor-wholesaler of
puppies in the United States. The company also exports young dogs
overseas.
|
Saugus pet store worker under quarantine By Chris Stevens Wednesday, April
28, 2004
SAUGUS -- The dogs at Woof and Company are still under
quarantine - and so is one of the company's employees.
Health Agent
Sharon McCabe said test results came back indicating one employee at the upscale
pet store had tested positive for giardia, a parasite that can cause intestinal
tract illness in people. The employee contracted the ailment from sick puppies
sold by the shop.
Woof and Company, located in the Square One Mall, was
temporarily banned from selling puppies last week after it was discovered
several of the dogs it sold suffered from giardiasis.
McCabe said the
employee would not be allowed to return to work until she tests negative for the
ailment.
While not life threatening, giardia is in adults is
uncomfortable.
Symptoms can include, nausea, fatigue, gas, weakness,
weight loss and abdominal cramps, and can linger for weeks if the parasite is
not treated.
McCabe said the employee would be put on antibiotics, but
often the best route is to "wait until your system flushes it out."
In
small dogs, giardiasis can be crippling. In at least one dog sold from the North
Shore store, it was reported the dog suffered from a fever, a kidney infection
and severe anemia.
Both local and state health authorities stepped in
last week when it was discovered Woof and Company was selling the sick puppies.
McCabe tested employees while state officials quarantined the dogs on
site.
McCabe said the state's quarantine on the dogs is still in effect,
and so is her quarantine on the store.
"They'll remain quarantined until
they test negative," she explained. "We haven't heard from the state, so our
quarantine stands."
Woof and Company refused to comment on the problems
with the Saugus store but said they would be issuing a written statement.
Read how Puppy MIll
Breeders get off easy and continue to commit animal
cruelty
Here is
California - MayHaus Breeds (i.e. Puppy Mill) breeds
some of the worst West Highland Whites and Cairn
Terriers. I have two - I didn't buy - I rescued, but
the owners had their original paperwork - both dogs
came from the same place, both not "good enough" to
show - which is why they were in need of rescue. How
sad!
Florida is the one of the worst states for puppy
mills.
California has an over population of Pitbulls right
now - and several hundred puppies and females are
located here at the Hayward Animal Control Center. It
is awful!
We are unable to convince people not to breed - and
not to breed for the purposes they are breeding! For
Pit Fights. There is nothing more heartbreaking than
to find a pitbull puppy that has been used for
training. I have a deep love for these dogs - they
are loyal companions, and will fight for their owners
safety without ever being "trained to fight".
I do not know how to reach people when it comes to
"breeding". IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. I wish I
could tell you the stories I listened to in Bahamas
and here in the Bay Area.
Maybe states should legislate laws about dog breeding,
and maybe there should be state/federal inspectors
controlling the population and licensing of such
"farms".
WE AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY APRIL!
[Dog Owner's Guide BRT: Want
(www.canismajor.com/dog/how2show.html)]
This is a good resource site to find out info:
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/topic1.html
So you want to breed and show dogs?
It’s a cakewalk, right? WRONG!
A dog breeder's round table
Actually, dog breeding is like a lot of other life pursuits – some lucky
people do it without either skill or experience and make it look easy, and
others spend virtually all of their spare time learning about their breed,
training their dogs, planning litters to improve what they have, and devoting
their attention to eradicating serious genetic problems in their lines. The
former folks consider themselves fortunate to make a few dollars selling pups to
friends and neighbors and through classified ads; the latter consider themselves
fortunate if they don’t lose a boatload of money in the process.
Still want to join the dog show fancy? Here are some tips from our breeder’s
panel.
Gale Snoddy; Borzoi breeder; Milford, Ohio
- Read lots about the breed. Many National breed clubs now have
illustrated standards for their breed, and these can be very helpful
- Attend lots of dog shows where you can observe several specimens of the
breed and meet many exhibitors and breeders. Specialties are especially
helpful. Ask handlers if you may examine the dogs and for their comments about
the dogs. Ask lots of questions, but keep in mind that not all people will be
willing to be open and candid.
- Visit as many kennels as you can. Again, ask to examine dogs and
see dogs move, and ask the breeders to discuss their views about the breed and
their own dogs.
Taking the plunge:
- If a novice has done his research well, he will know what kennel he
would like to get a dog from and what breeders he can trust. They are not
always the same.
- A novice should not expect a breeder to sell him a fabulous dog unless
there are lots of strings attached. The average number of years most
newcomers stay in the fancy is appallingly short. With that in mind, it is
understandable that a breeder would not sell one of his better dogs to someone
with an unproven track record.
- Expect to make mistakes. Don’t automatically blame the breeder for
selling you a poor quality dog. Genetics is just one of the many things that
go into making a good show dog. Expect to spend time conditioning your dog,
grooming him, socializing him, training him. If you are handling the dog
yourself, you will have a great deal to learn about showing your dog to its
best advantage. If you are going to send your dog out with a handler, you will
need to spend time selecting the best one for your dog. If you do have a poor
quality dog, it means you really didn’t learn what you needed to about the
breed, and you were unable to recognize the poor quality when you selected
your pup.
- Don’t be in a rush to get your dog out right away. Many people,
even experienced breeders, often make the mistake of showing a dog before it
is ready. This can give you lots of experience, which can be valuable, but it
can be an expensive and frustrating experience. This is part of the reason so
many people give up. The best thing for you and your dog is to attend puppy
matches, handling classes, etc. These are valuable training grounds and will
help novices decide if they even want to continue in the sport.
- Expect to sign a contract when buying a dog. Many breeders require
these even for companion dogs.
- Don’t be in a rush to breed a litter. Breeding is a huge
responsibility – you are creating lives. Whelping can present many problems,
be costly and time-consuming, and can even threaten the life of your bitch.
You must know what you are doing. Also, it takes many years to learn about a
breed. When you breed a litter, you not only have to have a good understanding
of the process, but also know the general health and characteristics of the
generations behind your bitch and the stud dog, have a basic understanding of
genetics, and so on. Trying to learn all this in a short time is daunting.
Always seek the help of others in a position to have information you can use,
and take the time to do it right. As a breeder, your puppy owners will count
on you for help and guidance. Be sure you plan to stay in the breed and sport
before you make this long-term commitment.
- Never stop asking questions, reading, learning. Knowing the breed
is a life-long endeavor.
- Good luck, but remember, showing and breeding isn’t for everyone.
A note about mentors:
Breed mentors are very helpful to newcomers. Mentors should be open minded,
willing to share information, willing to see those they help surpass them.
Mentors should advise people, not dictate to them. They should NOT
imprint their opinions on the people they are mentoring. They SHOULD
encourage the novice to learn as much as possible about the breed, and ask the
novice to express their views. The mentor should encourage the novice to speak
to as many breeders as possible, and to formulate his own understanding of the
breed standard. The goal is an individual who is knowledgeable, well-rounded,
open-minded, and who can contribute to the sport and breed.
Melody Greba; German Shepherd Dog breeder; Verona, Kentucky
Mentoring good potential contributors for any breed is difficult.
Many people will show casual interest in German Shepherds, but most can not
make it their life’s primary interest. The German Shepherd Dog is a
multi-functional breed that should be preserved through selective breeding for
function as well as form. It should remain a large dog (not giant breed) with a
sound body and the proper temperament and vitality to be useful in different
tasks. This is no small task for a casual puppy producer, and the lack of
selective breeding is evident.
Based on pedigree knowledge and long based knowledge of
working/service/sporting German Shepherds, we make a serious effort to place the
high drive puppies from high energy, high drive parents into the homes of people
currently involved (or newcomers with detailed and realistic goals) in
performance activities or service work.
Buyers interested in showing in conformation are presented with the
difference between the AKC conformation ring and German-style conformation
showing. Puppies with the attributes for succeeding in these rings are placed
into the appropriate homes to maximize their owner’s success.
We utilize limited AKC registration for people who lack history of
involvement in any dog oriented activity. We can later change the limited
registration status to full registration if all certifications and titles are
obtained. It is a common occurrence for well intentioned buyers to realize their
limitations and not be able to fulfill their goals.
Dog shows and performance events are addictive. Pet people are normally
impressed by the beauty or the trainability of the German Shepherd Dog. They
realize that a good shepherd is predictable around the whole family, including
children. And soon, the curiosity manifests itself into wanting to own and train
a dog like the one that so impressed them.
Buyers must not be sold on a performance or activity at the time of sale of
the puppy. People who involve themselves naturally in dogs are the most likely
to stay with the breed and become great ambassadors of the German Shepherd Dog.
Natural progression into dog activities will occur if it truly exists in the
heart of the person. The door to enter into the larger World of Dogs, is always
open.
Tracy Leonard DVM; Basenji breeder; Dayton, Ohio
To get started in a breed, one needs to find a good breeder to help. A
contract is the best way to be sure that all parties understand what is expected
of them. I sell every puppy, show or pet, with a contract so that everyone knows
what is expected of them. As for finding a good breeder, a person needs to find
one who is dedicated to the breed and not his wallet.
A long time friend (who currently does not even own a dog) told me he had a
quick and easy way to find out if a person is a reputable breeder: ask him if he
makes money breeding dogs. If he says yes, he is not a good breeder! If he
laughs and says “I wish,” he is probably a trustworthy person who is in it for
the love of the breed and not financial rewards.
Those who are dedicated to a breed are going to be very picky about who gets
one of their puppies. They are also going to do the required health testing.
They should be members of the national parent club for their breed. If a
newcomer comes to me about breeding stock, I will thoroughly check him out
before selling, even with a co-ownership.
In my opinion, an individual should have a couple of years under his belt
before having puppies unless he is working in conjunction with an experienced
breeder.
I feel it is my responsibility to mentor and train the future responsible
breeders.
(DBRT)
Choosing the right dog (28)
>
- Airedale
Terrier: The Airedale Terrier reigns as the King of Hearts
- Afghan: Ultimate
in canine elegance
- Akita: Loyal friend
from the Land of the Rising Sun
- American
Staffordshire Terrier: Inherently vicious? Definitely not! Loyal,
courageous and tough? You bet!
- American Eskimo:
A bright white companion, well-suited for winter
- American Pit Bull
Terrier: A gentle and courageous pet; a victim of bad press
- Australian
Shepherds: Born to herd sheep and cattle in rugged western terrain
- Australian Cattle
Dog: A working man’s dog from the land down under
- Basenji: Ancient
African breed rediscovered
- Basset Hound: Long
and low with lilting voice, the Basset Hound is a dog of distinction
- Beagle: The Beagle
sings a merry tune as he follows his nose through life
- Belgian sheep-herding
dogs: Versatile, enthusiastic, hard-working, and lovely to look at
- Bernese Mountain
Dog: Stunning to look at, easy to own
- Bichon Frisé:
Energy and affection in a powder-puff package
- Border Collie:
The workaholic dog with a strong desire to please man
- Boston’s terrier is a
jaunty gentleman: As American as apple pie and the Fourth of July
- Borzoi: The gentle
Borzoi is strong, swift and supremely graceful
- Boxer: Sleek and
muscular, the Boxer is a loyal family companion with a streak of joy
- Briard: A strong
and gentle heart wrapped in fur
- Brittany: A
happy-go-lucky hunting companion and family pet
- Bulldog: Bulldogs
look gruff but are really sweet and gentle
- Canaan Dog:
Israel's natural breed; loyal, protective, and talented
- Chesapeake Bay
Retriever: An American original
- Chihuahua: A
pint-sized canine with a macho streak
- Chow Chow: An
Oriental masterpiece charms American families
- Cocker Spaniel: A
popular pet with a merry disposition
- Collie: Bright and
brainy with a gentle demeanor
- Curly Coated
Retrievers are fetching dogs: Charming and versatile dogs little known in
US
- Dachshund:
Delightful, dynamic and droll; a family dog
- Dalmatian: Spotted,
dotted clown
- Doberman: Agile
Dobermans were born to work
- English Springer
Spaniel: A versatile hunter and pet; a happy-go-luck charmer
- English Setter: A
gentle aristocrat at home and in the field
- Fox Terrier:
Happy go lucky dogs with a talent for mischief
- German Shepherd:
Versatility on four feet
- Golden Retriever:
Lives and breathes to love his family
- Great Pyrenees: A
shepherd's dog and a family companion
- Great Dane: A
regal, gentle guardian in giant's clothing
- Greyhound: Swift,
sweet, and graceful at home and in the field
- Havanese: The
happy-go-lucky Havanese is a delightful companion
- Siberian Husky:
"On, King! On, you Huskies!"
- Jack Russell
Terrier: Legendary fox hunter is vigorous, scrappy, and bold
- Keeshond: Pert
and smiley with a stubborn streak
- Kerry Blue Terrier:
A bit of blarney inhabits Ireland's National Dog
- Labrador
Retriever: A good family dog for an active household
- Leonberger: The
gentle giant from Germany
- Livestock guard
dogs: They pursue ancient work as shepherds' aides
- Alaskan
Malamute: Durable, faithful, intelligent working companion
- Miniature
Pinscher: King of Toys or court jester, this tiny might needs a firm hand
and a sense of humor
- Mixed breed: The
Heinz 57 is the dog for me
- Newfoundland:
Adaptable, gentle giants
- Nova Scotia Duck
Tolling Retriever: Tollers win hearts and influence people
- Papillon: The
bright butterfly dog from the courts of Europe
- Much ado about
poo: Are Cock-a-poo's, Peke-a-poo's and the other poo dogs real breeds?
- Poodle: Oodles of
poodles touch the hearts of countless thousands of dog owners
- Pug: Playful,
charming, and dignified--- A lot of dog in a little package
- Rare breeds:
Canine rarities
- Rhodesian
Ridgeback: Africa’s big tough lion dog
- Rottweiler: A
tough, dependable companion with a heart of gold
- Elegance, thy name is
Saluki: The Saluki is a dog of form, function, and unsurpassed grace in
the field
- Samoyed: Beauty
and brains in a white fur coat
- Schipperke: "The
little captain" guards his home against vermin and intruders
- Miniature
Schnauzer: Salt and pepper mischief-maker is delightful family pet
- Scottish Terrier:
Independent and self-reliant; a spirited companion
- Shar-Pei: A
companion and guardian wrapped in whiskery wrinkles
- Shetland
Sheepdog: Bright, happy-go-lucky herding dogs are devoted companions
- The Shiba Inu looks
small, thinks big: Spunk in a 20-pound package
- Shih Tzu: Royal
dignity and loving affection
- Spaniels:
Happy-go-lucky hunters and companions, spaniels have something for every dog
lover
- St. Bernard: The
heart and soul of a gentle giant
- Weimaraner: The
gray ghost of field and family room
- Welsh Corgi: Small
dogs with big dog hearts
- Welsh Terrier:
Britain's oldest breed
- Wheaten Terrier:
Irish legends come alive for modern owners
- The Whippet: Once
a rabbit hunter, today’s Whippet is at home on the couch and in the coursing
field
- Yorkies, Silkies, and
Aussies: A tale of three terriers
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