Making a Difference for Ohio Puppy Mill Dogs

PRESS RELEASE
April 4, 2009

BARK TIL DARK DOG PARK HOSTING PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

On March 17, 2009, members of The Humane Society of the United States and other consumers filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Petland, Inc. and the Hunte Corporation are conspiring to sell unhealthy puppy mill puppies to unsuspecting consumers in numerous states. The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Phoenix, alleges that Petland and Hunte violated federal law and numerous state consumer protection laws by misleading thousands of consumers across the country into believing that the puppies sold in Petland stores are healthy and come from high-quality breeders.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Chillicothe, Ohio, Petland, Inc. currently has 140 stores in the United States and 63 in foreign markets. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Goodman, Missouri, Hunte Corporation buys and sells purebred puppies for markets in 30 states that include Ohio, Illinois and Florida.

According to Dean Vickers, HSUS State Coordinator for Ohio, “The class action lawsuit is the result of many months of investigative and legal research, and comes after an eight-month investigation into Petland stores by The HSUS that demonstrated a direct link between multiple Petland stores and unscrupulous puppy mills. Numerous other reports have also surfaced of Petland's allegedly deceptive sales practices, including the marketing and sale of puppies with life-threatening genetic defects and highly contagious parasitic and viral infections. “

In response to findings revealed during the HSUS investigation, Bark Til Dark Dog Park will be hosting a “Hope. Change. Making a Difference for Ohio Puppy Mill Dogs” party on Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Bark Til Dark Dog Park in Delaware, Ohio. The entrance fee is $10 per family to enter the park.

Guests will have an opportunity to meet Dean Vickers, HSUS State Director for Ohio, and learn more about the new Ohio Puppy Mill Bill soon to be introduced by Representatives Cheryl Grossman and Carlton Weddington. Food will be provided by Massey's Pizza and all guests can enter a raffle to win a $50 American Express Gift Card, courtesy of Columbus Top Dogs. All proceeds will benefit the HSUS Legislative Fund.

Bark Til Dark Dog Park, based in Delaware, Ohio, is a private, off-leash dog park with six fenced acres and an acre pond. The park is open seven days a week, year round, and is host to monthly “Mingle with Your Mutts” adoption events. Owners must provide their dog's up-to-date vaccination records, including proof of spay/neuter. Children must be 12 years or older to enter the park.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs.

For More Information:
Missi Hamilton
Bark Til Dark Dog Park
(740) 369-9170
http://www.barktildarkdogpark.com/