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.

 

 

 

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

 

"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.)

Willow's left side  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.

TV episode
TV episode
on air

 

remind me
On Air (ET):


 

 

 
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


Introduction

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

  1. Read lots about the breed. Many National breed clubs now have illustrated standards for their breed, and these can be very helpful
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Expect to sign a contract when buying a dog. Many breeders require these even for companion dogs.
  6. 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.
  7. Never stop asking questions, reading, learning. Knowing the breed is a life-long endeavor.
  8. 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)


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