From BanOhioDogAuctions.com:
“While there are no plans to re-open the auction…it is not prudent for the Ohio Professional Dog Breeders Association to say they will never re-open the Ohio Dog Auction."
Polly Britton, Lobbyist for Ohio Association of Animal Owners (OAAO), in a January 5, 2012 Media Release
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A. 118,115 CERTIFIED SIGNATURES – WE DID IT!
On behalf of the Committee for the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions (CBODA), I want to extend a HUGE THANKS to the over 1,000 volunteer petition circulators who helped raise awareness of our citizens-initiated statute - Ohio Dog Auctions Act - by helping to collect 160,494 signatures from across all 88 Ohio counties!
On January 27, 2012, the Secretary of State, John Husted, certified 118,115 signatures (74% of all signatures collected; a total of 115,570 was needed), permitting CBODA to move forward with our 2012 ballot campaign.
We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of these dedicated animal advocates, many of whom work full-time jobs, are raising families as single parents and/or contribute time and energy to various humane organizations and causes across the state!
B. THE PLAN FOR 2012 – NEXT STEPS!
The Ohio General Assembly has until April 2 to pass the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.
If the Ohio General Assembly fails to pass the Ohio Dog Auctions Act, CBODA will move forward with plans to present our initiated statute to voters during the November General Election!
More details concerning our “Go Forward” strategy by which we will present the Ohio Dog Auctions Act to Ohio Voters in 2012 will be mailed under separate cover the week of March 5.
C. GET INVOLVED – HELP PASS THE OHIO DOG AUCTIONS ACT!
Donate! The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions (CBODA) is an Ohio citizen-driven, community-based, bipartisan coalition that has come together to address Ohio dog auctions through the 2012 ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act).
What has contributed to our incredible success is the fact that our Coalition is 100% volunteer driven with funding to sustain our campaign provided through the generosity of many Ohio citizens and their immediate and extended families.
Click here to contribute $10 towards helping to end dog auctions in Ohio!
Raise Awareness! Businesses and groups from all over Central Ohio have been showing their support by writing letters, organizing and making their views known. But we need to turn up the volume. Our elected officials need to know without a doubt that this issue matters.
1. Write (or fax) a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper asking them to support a ban on Ohio dog auctions. Emphasize that you will not be spending any dollars in counties that support dog auctions and puppy mills!
Click here for a Media Directory of Ohio's Major News Sources.
2. Ask the same from all your friends, family, co-workers and state elected officials (download attached Endorsement Letter)!
Click here to locate your state legislators.
D. REACHING THIS INCREDIBLE MILESTONE – OUR VOLUNTEERS ROCK!
Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of over 1,000 volunteer petitioners (and counting!), we are receiving widespread media coverage on reaching this critical step in our 2012 ballot campaign.
Click here to read all media releases on our 2012 ballot initiative.
E. STAYING STRONG AND FOCUSED – THE ANIMALS NEED US!
In addition to our 2012 ballot initiative, seven bills relating to the welfare of companion animals are still pending in the 129th Ohio General Assembly. Click here to view the status of all Ohio companion animal bills pending in the 129th Ohio General Assembly.
The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions remains steadfast in their commitment to send a strong message to state legislators that dog auctions serve as a major distribution channel for buyers and sellers from 15 states, many of whom have long standing repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty.
As Ohio voters and taxpayers, we are committed to supporting a 2012 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!
Thanks everyone for your continued passion and dedication to raising awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act! This incredible accomplishment couldn’t have happened without you!
P.S. We invite you to join the over 1,160 voices who have become members of our Face Book group, Ohio Voters against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions!
Membership is FREE, and our portal serves as a great vehicle in which to receive timely updates on issues and campaigns addressing Ohio dog auctions, puppy mills and the entities that support and keep them in business.
ACTION NEEDED! For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.com
http://www.boccibeefs.blogspot.com
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/
Showing posts with label Ohio Dog Auctions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ohio Dog Auctions. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Efforts to Address Ohio Dog Auctions and Puppy Mills
An update on the Ohio Dog Auctions and Puppy Mills initiative from Mary O'Conner-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs:
Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~
It's been a couple of weeks since I last "spoke" to you regarding efforts to address Ohio dog auctions and puppy mills, so just wanted to share with you a few of the many recent developments that have taken place:
1. Initiated Statute (Ballot Initiative). On July 30, Don McTigue (our legal eagle) presented more than DOUBLE the required 1,000 signatures from registered voters to the Ohio Attorney General's office in support of our Amended Petition! Based on preliminary discussions, it appears this filing (which is Part 1 of a three part process) stands an excellent chance of being certified by the OAG and approved by the Ohio Ballot Board within the next seven business days! Should this be the case, we will be well-positioned to move forward with Part 2.
A HUGE thanks to voters from across 27 Ohio counties who helped us reach this significant milestone in our campaign! Plans are currently underway in the design and execution of this next critical signature drive for Part 2, and I will continue to keep you abreast of all "next steps" relating to this initiative.
Because so many people across Ohio feel passionately in supporting a ban on dog auctions, we continue to have the good fortune in connecting with many humane advocacy groups and individuals across the country who are committed to helping us succeed with our ballot initiative. To view all the voices who support a ban on Ohio dog auctions, click here.
2. 2009 Homeless Animals' Day (Billboard Campaign). To commemorate Homeless Animals' Day 2009, the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions has partnered with International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), Athens County Humane Society and Nauman Outdoor Advertising Company on the design and placement of a billboard along Route 33 in Athens County, as visitors are entering Nelsonville, Ohio.
The goal of this public education opportunity is to inform Ohio voters of an American tragedy that overwhelms our state's animal shelters each year, while promoting campaigns, programs and ideas which effectively address the pet overpopulation epidemic. To view our billboard message, click here.
A HUGE thanks to supporter Janice Kobi of Fairfield County CARES in helping to facilitate this project!
3. Pike County Rescue. This past Saturday, I had the privilege to participate in an emergency rescue transport of two incredibly sweet, terrier-mix girls (Mighty and Minnie) from Pike County Dog Pound to St. Francis Animal Sanctuary in Vermillion, Ohio. Both companions had open wounds (Minnie's wounds included maggots), urine burns, and poor Mighty was missing one of her front legs as a result of (what appeared to be) a botched amputation.
To read more about these two puppy mill survivors, click here.
Because St. Francis's founder, Deborah Parker, has been such a huge supporter of our campaign to address puppy mills and dog auctions in Ohio, we are making a special appeal for your assistance in helping these two girls and all the wonderful "special needs" companions who reside at St. Francis. Please note that St. Francis is dedicated to all the animals abused, starving and neglected, and they rely 100% on the generosity of private donations. Any gift you are able to give, no matter what the amount, is always very much welcomed and appreciated.
To make a donation through PayPal, click here.
A HUGE thanks to Transport Coordinator, Carolyn Brickner, and all the dedicated volunteers who helped with this very special rescue!
4. CHA Dog Jog. For more information on how you can support our efforts to address dog auctions and puppy mills in Ohio, we invite you to visit our booth during the 19th annual CHA Dog Jog on Saturday, August 22. The event is a 5K, which you can Run or Walk, and all proceeds will benefit the Citizens for Humane Action (CHA) Animal Shelter located in Westerville, Ohio.
For more information on this fun-filled event, click here.
Thanks everyone for continuing to serve as a strong voice for the animals!
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
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/
Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~
It's been a couple of weeks since I last "spoke" to you regarding efforts to address Ohio dog auctions and puppy mills, so just wanted to share with you a few of the many recent developments that have taken place:
1. Initiated Statute (Ballot Initiative). On July 30, Don McTigue (our legal eagle) presented more than DOUBLE the required 1,000 signatures from registered voters to the Ohio Attorney General's office in support of our Amended Petition! Based on preliminary discussions, it appears this filing (which is Part 1 of a three part process) stands an excellent chance of being certified by the OAG and approved by the Ohio Ballot Board within the next seven business days! Should this be the case, we will be well-positioned to move forward with Part 2.
A HUGE thanks to voters from across 27 Ohio counties who helped us reach this significant milestone in our campaign! Plans are currently underway in the design and execution of this next critical signature drive for Part 2, and I will continue to keep you abreast of all "next steps" relating to this initiative.
Because so many people across Ohio feel passionately in supporting a ban on dog auctions, we continue to have the good fortune in connecting with many humane advocacy groups and individuals across the country who are committed to helping us succeed with our ballot initiative. To view all the voices who support a ban on Ohio dog auctions, click here.
2. 2009 Homeless Animals' Day (Billboard Campaign). To commemorate Homeless Animals' Day 2009, the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions has partnered with International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), Athens County Humane Society and Nauman Outdoor Advertising Company on the design and placement of a billboard along Route 33 in Athens County, as visitors are entering Nelsonville, Ohio.
The goal of this public education opportunity is to inform Ohio voters of an American tragedy that overwhelms our state's animal shelters each year, while promoting campaigns, programs and ideas which effectively address the pet overpopulation epidemic. To view our billboard message, click here.
A HUGE thanks to supporter Janice Kobi of Fairfield County CARES in helping to facilitate this project!
3. Pike County Rescue. This past Saturday, I had the privilege to participate in an emergency rescue transport of two incredibly sweet, terrier-mix girls (Mighty and Minnie) from Pike County Dog Pound to St. Francis Animal Sanctuary in Vermillion, Ohio. Both companions had open wounds (Minnie's wounds included maggots), urine burns, and poor Mighty was missing one of her front legs as a result of (what appeared to be) a botched amputation.
To read more about these two puppy mill survivors, click here.
Because St. Francis's founder, Deborah Parker, has been such a huge supporter of our campaign to address puppy mills and dog auctions in Ohio, we are making a special appeal for your assistance in helping these two girls and all the wonderful "special needs" companions who reside at St. Francis. Please note that St. Francis is dedicated to all the animals abused, starving and neglected, and they rely 100% on the generosity of private donations. Any gift you are able to give, no matter what the amount, is always very much welcomed and appreciated.
To make a donation through PayPal, click here.
A HUGE thanks to Transport Coordinator, Carolyn Brickner, and all the dedicated volunteers who helped with this very special rescue!
4. CHA Dog Jog. For more information on how you can support our efforts to address dog auctions and puppy mills in Ohio, we invite you to visit our booth during the 19th annual CHA Dog Jog on Saturday, August 22. The event is a 5K, which you can Run or Walk, and all proceeds will benefit the Citizens for Humane Action (CHA) Animal Shelter located in Westerville, Ohio.
For more information on this fun-filled event, click here.
Thanks everyone for continuing to serve as a strong voice for the animals!
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
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/
Monday, July 13, 2009
Update from Ban Ohio Dog Auctions
Here is a recent update from Mary O'Conner-Shaver from Columbus Tops Dogs & Ban Ohio Dog Auctions:
Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for playing a critical role in our campaign to ban Ohio dog auctions. Your dedication to the animals is so important in helping us raise awareness of this event and its relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness. I also want to share with you where we are in the process and ask for your continued assistance as we move forward in reaching our goal in presenting this proposed law to Ohio voters.
Here's where we are right now.
Unfortunately, our initial written Petition, which was signed by over 1,500 Ohio citizens, was not certified and approved by the Ohio Attorney General (OAG) and Ohio Ballot Board. The primary reason was information we did not capture correctly during the first signature drive.
But when one door closes, another one opens.
Although we were very disappointed to receive this news, thankfully we have allies (which include several animal loving attorneys!) in the right places who are providing guidance on corrective steps that need to be taken to ensure our amended Petition is approved and certified as part of a second filing. We have also connected with many new groups and individuals who are committed to helping us succeed in this campaign! One of those individuals is Don J. McTigue of McTigue and McGinnis, LLC.
In case Don's name may not be familiar to you, he is the former Chief Elections Counsel to the Ohio Secretary of State. Don has been in private law practice since 1991, representing and advising ballot issue groups across Ohio. He has also represented his clients in numerous election-related cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Elections Commission, and he is an Adjunct Professor at Capital University Law School, where he teaches election law.
In addition to helping us draft our amended Petition, Don's team has also coordinated the necessary legal paperwork to ensure our affiliate - Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions - can operate as a 501(c)(4) tax exempt, nonprofit organization.
We're getting ready to submit our amended Petition within the next week!
As was the case with our initial written Petition, the amended Petition will need to be signed by a minimum of 1,000 Ohio registered voters. Because so many animal lovers across the state feel passionately in supporting a ban on Ohio dog auctions, we have once again partnered with teams of dedicated animal advocates, which includes many volunteers from Stark County Coalition for Animal Concerns, who will be taking a lead role in helping us secure the required signatures (as with the initial filing, we will be striving to secure at least 20% above the 1,000 minimum requirement). As an additional show of support, efforts to secure signatures will also be taking place during the July 18 Citizens for Humane Action (CHA) Animal Shelter's 'Picnic with the Pups' fundraiser.
Again, I sincerely appreciate all your passion and commitment to helping us move towards a statewide ban on Ohio dog auctions!
For the dogs,
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com
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/
Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for playing a critical role in our campaign to ban Ohio dog auctions. Your dedication to the animals is so important in helping us raise awareness of this event and its relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness. I also want to share with you where we are in the process and ask for your continued assistance as we move forward in reaching our goal in presenting this proposed law to Ohio voters.
Here's where we are right now.
Unfortunately, our initial written Petition, which was signed by over 1,500 Ohio citizens, was not certified and approved by the Ohio Attorney General (OAG) and Ohio Ballot Board. The primary reason was information we did not capture correctly during the first signature drive.
But when one door closes, another one opens.
Although we were very disappointed to receive this news, thankfully we have allies (which include several animal loving attorneys!) in the right places who are providing guidance on corrective steps that need to be taken to ensure our amended Petition is approved and certified as part of a second filing. We have also connected with many new groups and individuals who are committed to helping us succeed in this campaign! One of those individuals is Don J. McTigue of McTigue and McGinnis, LLC.
In case Don's name may not be familiar to you, he is the former Chief Elections Counsel to the Ohio Secretary of State. Don has been in private law practice since 1991, representing and advising ballot issue groups across Ohio. He has also represented his clients in numerous election-related cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Elections Commission, and he is an Adjunct Professor at Capital University Law School, where he teaches election law.
In addition to helping us draft our amended Petition, Don's team has also coordinated the necessary legal paperwork to ensure our affiliate - Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions - can operate as a 501(c)(4) tax exempt, nonprofit organization.
We're getting ready to submit our amended Petition within the next week!
As was the case with our initial written Petition, the amended Petition will need to be signed by a minimum of 1,000 Ohio registered voters. Because so many animal lovers across the state feel passionately in supporting a ban on Ohio dog auctions, we have once again partnered with teams of dedicated animal advocates, which includes many volunteers from Stark County Coalition for Animal Concerns, who will be taking a lead role in helping us secure the required signatures (as with the initial filing, we will be striving to secure at least 20% above the 1,000 minimum requirement). As an additional show of support, efforts to secure signatures will also be taking place during the July 18 Citizens for Humane Action (CHA) Animal Shelter's 'Picnic with the Pups' fundraiser.
Again, I sincerely appreciate all your passion and commitment to helping us move towards a statewide ban on Ohio dog auctions!
For the dogs,
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com
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/
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Holmes County Ohio Exposed
The website www.holmescountyexposed.com recently launched to expose the puppy mill industry in Holmes County, Ohio.
The purpose for this site is to heighten public awareness of the activities in Holmes County, Ohio pertaining to the mistreatment of dogs and companion animals and their sale through "Dog Auctions".
Claims have been made by the puppy mill profliferators that the puppy business is a 9 Million Dollar per year industry for Holmes County. Yet when you look at the county statistics, this isn't reflected in published reports. Why? Not only are these "Millers" mistreating their animals... they are making a reported 9 Million Dollars per year at the dogs expense.
It's a booming business in Holmes County, Ohio and it's PUPPY MILL COUNTRY!
To learn more, visit www.holmescountyexposed.com.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Great News in the Fight Against Dog Auctions & Puppy Mills
Update 3/23/09 from Mary O'Conner-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs on the fight against dog auctions and puppy mills:
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.
A special thanks to supporter Lisa Anderson, volunteer with Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC), who led a very successful peaceful rally against the March 21 Buckeye Dog Auction! This rally was of particular importance given that many of the dogs placed on the auction block were from Kathy Bauck's kennel, Pick of the Litter. Kathy is a convicted puppy mill breeder who is currently on trial facing six criminal charges for abusing and neglecting animals. We also received confirmation that one of the "significant" buyers at this sale was another well-known puppy mill breeder, Junior Horton from Virginia. The Humane society called the removal of 700 dogs from "Horton's Pups" back in November 2008 as one of its largest animal rescue operations ever. Although Junior was found guilty on 14 counts of animal cruelty and 25 counts of neglect, among others, he served no jail time and the judge suspended most of his fines.
1. 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:
* Limit the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain
* Mandate annual veterinary exams
* Prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license
2. CONNECTICUT. Lawmakers this year will decide whether pet owners should get double their money back from stores that sell them puppies, kittens and other animals with chronic disease or disabilities. 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. They want to be able to claim back twice the purchase price of defective animals. 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".
3. 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".
4. ILLINOIS. On January 19, announcement of a Puppy Mill bill, sponsored by state Senators John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and Dan Kotowski (D-Mt. Prospect), was introduced into the Illinois state legislature. Named after a sole survivor of a puppy mill in Downstate Macon County, Chloe's Bill (H.B. 198) would have a positive impact on ending puppy mills in Illinois. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:
* Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered dogs.
* Prohibit individuals from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
* Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
* 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.
* Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.
5. INDIANA. H.B. 1468 passed the Indiana House on February 18, and has now been assigned to the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters (hearing to be announced). The proposed legislation is hitting some significant barriers from stakeholders tied to the commercial breeding industry. They are recommending:
* Either changing the number of unaltered dogs that a breeder can have from 30 to 50 or completely eliminating the cap altogether
* Removing the sections on requiring a breeding dog to be retired from breeding at eight years of age and limiting the number of litters a dog can produce to one per year.
* Removing the exercise requirement.
* Remove the requirement for illumination.
If adopted, H.B. 1468 would:
* Define a commercial breeder as someone who whelps more than 10 litters of puppies in a 12 month period.
* Limit 30 breeding dogs per location. (A breeding dog is defined as an unaltered dog over one year of age.)
* Require commercial breeders to register with the state, and then renew their registration every four years.
* Require commercial breeders to maintain sanitary conditions.
* Require commercial breeders to have a method in place in which to dispose of animal waste.
* Require commercial breeders to protect animals from parasites and vermin.
* Require breeding facilities to have either artificial or natural light available in areas where dogs are kept and ventilation.
* Require commercial breeding dogs have access to an exercise area at least one hour per day.
* Require commercial breeders to hire employees that have not been convicted of animal fighting or variations of Indiana Codes pertaining to animal abuse, neglect and torture.
* Require commercial breeders to offer a "Guarantee" for each dog and puppy, which would include a 15 day guarantee against disease and a one year guarantee against genetic defects. The guarantee would require a veterinary certification; the opportunity for the dog to be returned or exchanged; and limits reimbursement for veterinary bills to the cost of the puppy.
* Require breeding dogs be between the ages of 18 months and eight years and be checked by a vet annually. The bill limits the number of litters a breeding female can whelp to one every 12 months.
* Prohibit cities and counties from passing laws less stringent than the state law.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "IN Lawmakers Crack Down on Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mills". The proposed bill - H.B. 1468 - can be read here.
6. IOWA. A proposed puppy mill bill, which will allow inspectors from the state Department of Agriculture into a USDA facility upon receipt of a complaint, is moving to a vote on the floors of both the House and Senate within the next two weeks! A HUGE thanks to BanOhioDogAuctions.comsupporter, Mary Lahay, for her tireless efforts to help draft this legislation! For more information on Mary's efforts, we invite you to view the article, "wants puppy mill bill changed".
The proposed House version - HF 30 - can be read here.
7. 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:
* 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)
* 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)
* 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.
8. 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" .
9. MARYLAND. The Maryland Legislature is currently considering two identical bills, S.B. 318 and H.B. 495, which would address the commercial dog breeding industry. If passed, the proposed legislation would cap the number of breeding dogs who can be kept at a single facility at 50 adult dogs.
10. 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.
Senator Ken Haar introduced LB 677, a bill that aims to strictly regulate commercial dog breeders in Nebraska by establishing ownership limits and dog breeding restrictions. If adopted, LB 677 would:
* 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.
* Limit the breeding of purebred dogs only to dogs between the ages of 18 months and eight years of age.
* 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".
11. NEW YORK. A new puppy mill bill is expected to be introduced in 2009.
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.
12. 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.
13. OHIO. Representatives Cheryl Grossman and Carlton Weddington will be introducing new legislation that will establish reasonable and enforceable shelter standards and veterinarian care for commercial breeding kennels in Ohio. Given that the new bill will rely on local enforcement with state oversight (requiring little to no additional fiscal resources from the state), it is expected the proposed legislation will please all interested stakeholders.
Also, Ohio's constitution does allow for ballot initiatives and as many of you are aware, Ohio voters and taxpayers aren't bashful about putting initiatives on the ballot. Since the passage of Proposition 2 in California, there has been a lot of speculation as to what state might be next, Ohio has been one of the states mentioned. It is our hope that a ballot initiative to ban dog auctions may be a very real possibility for 2009.
For more details concerning this initiative, we invite you to read the article, "Animal advocates may push for a ban on dog auctions".
14. 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. and will be voted on in the full House in the very near future.
The proposed legislation would mandate 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 details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "OK House to Vote on Puppy Mill Bill".
15. OREGON. The Oregon legislature is considering a bill, H. B. 2470, to provide protection for breeding dogs in commercial kennels. The first hearings on the bill were held February 23 by the House Committee on Consumer Protection.
In addition to mandating minimum living conditions, the bill restricts the size of commercial breeding kennels to a maximum of 25 unaltered dogs four months or older. It also protects consumers with a tracking system which give buyers of sick or deformed animals a way to recover damages if the seller did not disclose congenital defects at the time of purchase.
The proposed House version - H.B. 2470 - can be read here.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Oregon puppy mill hearing draws huge crowd".
16. PENNSYLVANIA. With a vote of 192 for and 0 against, House Bill 39, amending Pennsylvania's Crimes Code for animal cruelty and introduced by Representative Tom Caltagirone(D-Berks), passed in today's session. The proposed legislation will impose criminal penalties for specific medical procedures if not performed by a licensed veterinarian including debarking, c-section births and tail docking. The act of ear cropping by anyone other than a vet is already prohibited in Pennsylvania.The legislation now heads for the Senate.17. TENNESSEE. S.b. 258, sponsored by Sen. Doug Jackson (D-25) and H.B. 386, sponsored by Rep. Janis Baird Sontany (D-53) places breeding of purebred dogs under criminal animal cruelty statutes. The bills classify a Commercial breeder as any person who possesses or maintains twenty (20) or more adult female dogs in whole or in part for the purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. If even one litter of puppies is produced, a commercial breeder licensing would be required. Ownership of 75 is the absolute limit. Background checks will be required for applicants, and the state will determine if the applicant is of good moral character and deserving of the license.
For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Senator Hopes Legislation Ends Puppy Mills".
Also, H.B. 1433 (Sontany)/S.B. 1322 (Berke) would prohibit public animal sales (parking lots and roadside sales) and provide restrictions on companion animals sold at flea markets. The proposed legislation would also prohibit the use of any live animal as a prize in a contest, raffle, or promotion.
18. TEXAS. In response to the alarming number of unlicensed and unregulated large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities operating in Texas, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) has introduced H.B. 3180 which will require these operations, commonly known as puppy mills, to meet minimum standards of care and housing for their animals. "We just want to ensure that there is a guaranteed minimum standard of care and a level of humanness for all these animals," states Representative Thompson. The proposed legislation would define commercial breeder as anyone who possesses 11 or more adult intact females; breeder may not possess more than 50 at any time
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Puppy Mill Bill introduced in Texas by State Rep. Thompson".
19. WASHINGTON. In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs. A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide "humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices" by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Lawmakers Consider Bill Targeting Puppy Mills".
20. WISCONSIN. We invite you to read the following article, "Rescue Me", in the March 6, 2009 issue of The Isthmus regarding the growing problem of commercial breeding kennels in Wisconsin. Your feedback to the reporter is encouraged and welcomed!
Also, don't forget that the next scheduled Buckeye Dog Auction is expected to take place on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Additional details regarding this event (as they become available) will be posted to the Home page of http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/.
Let's hope these small but important steps will help set the tone as a model for other states, causing a ripple effect of positive change benefiting companion animals.
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/
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.
A special thanks to supporter Lisa Anderson, volunteer with Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC), who led a very successful peaceful rally against the March 21 Buckeye Dog Auction! This rally was of particular importance given that many of the dogs placed on the auction block were from Kathy Bauck's kennel, Pick of the Litter. Kathy is a convicted puppy mill breeder who is currently on trial facing six criminal charges for abusing and neglecting animals. We also received confirmation that one of the "significant" buyers at this sale was another well-known puppy mill breeder, Junior Horton from Virginia. The Humane society called the removal of 700 dogs from "Horton's Pups" back in November 2008 as one of its largest animal rescue operations ever. Although Junior was found guilty on 14 counts of animal cruelty and 25 counts of neglect, among others, he served no jail time and the judge suspended most of his fines.
1. 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:
* Limit the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain
* Mandate annual veterinary exams
* Prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license
2. CONNECTICUT. Lawmakers this year will decide whether pet owners should get double their money back from stores that sell them puppies, kittens and other animals with chronic disease or disabilities. 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. They want to be able to claim back twice the purchase price of defective animals. 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".
3. 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".
4. ILLINOIS. On January 19, announcement of a Puppy Mill bill, sponsored by state Senators John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and Dan Kotowski (D-Mt. Prospect), was introduced into the Illinois state legislature. Named after a sole survivor of a puppy mill in Downstate Macon County, Chloe's Bill (H.B. 198) would have a positive impact on ending puppy mills in Illinois. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:
* Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered dogs.
* Prohibit individuals from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
* Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
* 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.
* Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.
5. INDIANA. H.B. 1468 passed the Indiana House on February 18, and has now been assigned to the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters (hearing to be announced). The proposed legislation is hitting some significant barriers from stakeholders tied to the commercial breeding industry. They are recommending:
* Either changing the number of unaltered dogs that a breeder can have from 30 to 50 or completely eliminating the cap altogether
* Removing the sections on requiring a breeding dog to be retired from breeding at eight years of age and limiting the number of litters a dog can produce to one per year.
* Removing the exercise requirement.
* Remove the requirement for illumination.
If adopted, H.B. 1468 would:
* Define a commercial breeder as someone who whelps more than 10 litters of puppies in a 12 month period.
* Limit 30 breeding dogs per location. (A breeding dog is defined as an unaltered dog over one year of age.)
* Require commercial breeders to register with the state, and then renew their registration every four years.
* Require commercial breeders to maintain sanitary conditions.
* Require commercial breeders to have a method in place in which to dispose of animal waste.
* Require commercial breeders to protect animals from parasites and vermin.
* Require breeding facilities to have either artificial or natural light available in areas where dogs are kept and ventilation.
* Require commercial breeding dogs have access to an exercise area at least one hour per day.
* Require commercial breeders to hire employees that have not been convicted of animal fighting or variations of Indiana Codes pertaining to animal abuse, neglect and torture.
* Require commercial breeders to offer a "Guarantee" for each dog and puppy, which would include a 15 day guarantee against disease and a one year guarantee against genetic defects. The guarantee would require a veterinary certification; the opportunity for the dog to be returned or exchanged; and limits reimbursement for veterinary bills to the cost of the puppy.
* Require breeding dogs be between the ages of 18 months and eight years and be checked by a vet annually. The bill limits the number of litters a breeding female can whelp to one every 12 months.
* Prohibit cities and counties from passing laws less stringent than the state law.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "IN Lawmakers Crack Down on Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mills". The proposed bill - H.B. 1468 - can be read here.
6. IOWA. A proposed puppy mill bill, which will allow inspectors from the state Department of Agriculture into a USDA facility upon receipt of a complaint, is moving to a vote on the floors of both the House and Senate within the next two weeks! A HUGE thanks to BanOhioDogAuctions.comsupporter, Mary Lahay, for her tireless efforts to help draft this legislation! For more information on Mary's efforts, we invite you to view the article, "wants puppy mill bill changed".
The proposed House version - HF 30 - can be read here.
7. 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:
* 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)
* 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)
* 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.
8. 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" .
9. MARYLAND. The Maryland Legislature is currently considering two identical bills, S.B. 318 and H.B. 495, which would address the commercial dog breeding industry. If passed, the proposed legislation would cap the number of breeding dogs who can be kept at a single facility at 50 adult dogs.
10. 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.
Senator Ken Haar introduced LB 677, a bill that aims to strictly regulate commercial dog breeders in Nebraska by establishing ownership limits and dog breeding restrictions. If adopted, LB 677 would:
* 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.
* Limit the breeding of purebred dogs only to dogs between the ages of 18 months and eight years of age.
* 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".
11. NEW YORK. A new puppy mill bill is expected to be introduced in 2009.
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.
12. 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.
13. OHIO. Representatives Cheryl Grossman and Carlton Weddington will be introducing new legislation that will establish reasonable and enforceable shelter standards and veterinarian care for commercial breeding kennels in Ohio. Given that the new bill will rely on local enforcement with state oversight (requiring little to no additional fiscal resources from the state), it is expected the proposed legislation will please all interested stakeholders.
Also, Ohio's constitution does allow for ballot initiatives and as many of you are aware, Ohio voters and taxpayers aren't bashful about putting initiatives on the ballot. Since the passage of Proposition 2 in California, there has been a lot of speculation as to what state might be next, Ohio has been one of the states mentioned. It is our hope that a ballot initiative to ban dog auctions may be a very real possibility for 2009.
For more details concerning this initiative, we invite you to read the article, "Animal advocates may push for a ban on dog auctions".
14. 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. and will be voted on in the full House in the very near future.
The proposed legislation would mandate 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 details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "OK House to Vote on Puppy Mill Bill".
15. OREGON. The Oregon legislature is considering a bill, H. B. 2470, to provide protection for breeding dogs in commercial kennels. The first hearings on the bill were held February 23 by the House Committee on Consumer Protection.
In addition to mandating minimum living conditions, the bill restricts the size of commercial breeding kennels to a maximum of 25 unaltered dogs four months or older. It also protects consumers with a tracking system which give buyers of sick or deformed animals a way to recover damages if the seller did not disclose congenital defects at the time of purchase.
The proposed House version - H.B. 2470 - can be read here.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Oregon puppy mill hearing draws huge crowd".
16. PENNSYLVANIA. With a vote of 192 for and 0 against, House Bill 39, amending Pennsylvania's Crimes Code for animal cruelty and introduced by Representative Tom Caltagirone(D-Berks), passed in today's session. The proposed legislation will impose criminal penalties for specific medical procedures if not performed by a licensed veterinarian including debarking, c-section births and tail docking. The act of ear cropping by anyone other than a vet is already prohibited in Pennsylvania.The legislation now heads for the Senate.17. TENNESSEE. S.b. 258, sponsored by Sen. Doug Jackson (D-25) and H.B. 386, sponsored by Rep. Janis Baird Sontany (D-53) places breeding of purebred dogs under criminal animal cruelty statutes. The bills classify a Commercial breeder as any person who possesses or maintains twenty (20) or more adult female dogs in whole or in part for the purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. If even one litter of puppies is produced, a commercial breeder licensing would be required. Ownership of 75 is the absolute limit. Background checks will be required for applicants, and the state will determine if the applicant is of good moral character and deserving of the license.
For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Senator Hopes Legislation Ends Puppy Mills".
Also, H.B. 1433 (Sontany)/S.B. 1322 (Berke) would prohibit public animal sales (parking lots and roadside sales) and provide restrictions on companion animals sold at flea markets. The proposed legislation would also prohibit the use of any live animal as a prize in a contest, raffle, or promotion.
18. TEXAS. In response to the alarming number of unlicensed and unregulated large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities operating in Texas, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) has introduced H.B. 3180 which will require these operations, commonly known as puppy mills, to meet minimum standards of care and housing for their animals. "We just want to ensure that there is a guaranteed minimum standard of care and a level of humanness for all these animals," states Representative Thompson. The proposed legislation would define commercial breeder as anyone who possesses 11 or more adult intact females; breeder may not possess more than 50 at any time
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Puppy Mill Bill introduced in Texas by State Rep. Thompson".
19. WASHINGTON. In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs. A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide "humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices" by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Lawmakers Consider Bill Targeting Puppy Mills".
20. WISCONSIN. We invite you to read the following article, "Rescue Me", in the March 6, 2009 issue of The Isthmus regarding the growing problem of commercial breeding kennels in Wisconsin. Your feedback to the reporter is encouraged and welcomed!
Also, don't forget that the next scheduled Buckeye Dog Auction is expected to take place on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Additional details regarding this event (as they become available) will be posted to the Home page of http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/.
Let's hope these small but important steps will help set the tone as a model for other states, causing a ripple effect of positive change benefiting companion animals.
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Great News in the Fight Against Puppy Bills & Dog Auctions
An update from Mary O'Conner-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs:
March 9, 2009
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. Also, we invite you to join supporters of the WI Puppy Mill Project in their peaceful protest of the Thorp Dog Auction on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Thorp Wisconsin.
* General information on the WI Puppy Mill Project - http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/thorp-protest-alert.html
* Times and Directions - http://petshelter.bizland.com/nodogauctions/index.html
* The Auction Catalog - http://petshelter.bizland.com/nodogauctions/index.html
From the desk of Eilene Ribbens, Founder of the WI Puppy Mill Project:
"Dog auctions are a tragic embarrassment to Wisconsin and it's humane-minded citizens. We have been asked if people should "buy" or rescue" these dogs. We are asking for an all-out boycott of this event. We have studied the numbers from past auctions and believe that the dogs being offered at this auction are not mill cast-offs but were, in many cases, purposely bred to supply AUCTION BUYERS, including rescue groups."
"Buying at the auction will simply mean that it will be profitable. If it is profitable it will continue and MORE dogs will be bred for sale at future Thorp Dog Auctions. That said, we do understand compassion for the dogs being sold on March 11, 2009 and know that there will be some who will buy. We understand both sides of the situation, and hope that in the long run, not buying will produce the best outcome to end these auctions altogether."
1. 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:
* Limit the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain
* Mandate annual veterinary exams
* Prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license
2. CONNECTICUT. Lawmakers this year will decide whether pet owners should get double their money back from stores that sell them puppies, kittens and other animals with chronic disease or disabilities. 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. They want to be able to claim back twice the purchase price of defective animals. 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" - > http://www.connpost.com/ci_11707072.
3. 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" - > http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=9861033.
4. ILLINOIS. On January 19, announcement of a Puppy Mill bill, sponsored by state Senators John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and Dan Kotowski (D-Mt. Prospect), was introduced into the Illinois state legislature. Named after a sole survivor of a puppy mill in Downstate Macon County, Chloe's Bill (H.B. 198) would have a positive impact on ending puppy mills in Illinois. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:
* Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered dogs.
* Prohibit individuals from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
* Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
* 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.
* Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.
5. INDIANA. H.B. 1468 passed the Indiana House on February 18, and has now been assigned to the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters (hearing to be announced). The proposed legislation is hitting some significant barriers from stakeholders tied to the commercial breeding industry. They are recommending:
* Either changing the number of unaltered dogs that a breeder can have from 30 to 50 or completely eliminating the cap altogether
* Removing the sections on requiring a breeding dog to be retired from breeding at eight years of age and limiting the number of litters a dog can produce to one per year.
* Removing the exercise requirement.
* Remove the requirement for illumination.
If adopted, H.B. 1468 would:
* Define a commercial breeder as someone who whelps more than 10 litters of puppies in a 12 month period.
* Limit 30 breeding dogs per location. (A breeding dog is defined as an unaltered dog over one year of age.)
* Require commercial breeders to register with the state, and then renew their registration every four years.
* Require commercial breeders to maintain sanitary conditions.
* Require commercial breeders to have a method in place in which to dispose of animal waste.
* Require commercial breeders to protect animals from parasites and vermin.
* Require breeding facilities to have either artificial or natural light available in areas where dogs are kept and ventilation.
* Require commercial breeding dogs have access to an exercise area at least one hour per day.
* Require commercial breeders to hire employees that have not been convicted of animal fighting or variations of Indiana Codes pertaining to animal abuse, neglect and torture.
* Require commercial breeders to offer a "Guarantee" for each dog and puppy, which would include a 15 day guarantee against disease and a one year guarantee against genetic defects. The guarantee would require a veterinary certification; the opportunity for the dog to be returned or exchanged; and limits reimbursement for veterinary bills to the cost of the puppy.
* Require breeding dogs be between the ages of 18 months and eight years and be checked by a vet annually. The bill limits the number of litters a breeding female can whelp to one every 12 months.
* Prohibit cities and counties from passing laws less stringent than the state law.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "IN Lawmakers Crack Down on Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mills" - > http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=57361. The proposed bill can be read here - > http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2009/HB/HB1468.2.html
6. IOWA. A proposed puppy mill bill, which will allow inspectors from the state Department of Agriculture into a USDA facility upon receipt of a complaint, is moving to a vote on the floors of both the House and Senate within the next two weeks! A HUGE thanks to BanOhioDogAuctions.com supporter, Mary Lahay, for her tireless efforts to help draft this legislation!
Click here to view a copy of the House version - > http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=BillInfo&Service=Billbook&ga=83&menu=text&hbill=HF30.
For more information on Mary's efforts, we invite you to view the article, "wants puppy mill bill changed" - http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513194.html?nav=5010.
7. 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" - > http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/02/16/news/local/18-proposed.txt.
8. MARYLAND. The Maryland Legislature is currently considering two identical bills, S.B. 318 and H.B. 495, which would address the commercial dog breeding industry. If passed, the proposed legislation would cap the number of breeding dogs who can be kept at a single facility at 50 adult dogs.
Click here to view a copy of the bills - > http://www.mlis.state.md.us/PDF-documents/2000rs/bills/sb/sb0318f.pdf.
9. 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.
Senator Ken Haar introduced LB 677, a bill that aims to strictly regulate commercial dog breeders in Nebraska by establishing ownership limits and dog breeding restrictions. If adopted, LB 677 would:
* 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.
* Limit the breeding of purebred dogs only to dogs between the ages of 18 months and eight years of age.
* 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" - http://journalstar.com/articles/2009/02/21/news/politics/doc499c98ab9fd84027587156.txt#blogcomments.
10. NEW YORK. A new puppy mill bill is expected to be introduced in 2009.
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. To learn more about this event, we invite you to visit the website - > http://www.barkaroundtheworld.com/.
11. OHIO. A new puppy mill bill is expected to be introduced by Rep. Cheryl Grossman this week which would be similar to legislation currently being introduced in Indiana (see above). The bill, which is being supported by HSUS, will focus on capping the number of breeding dogs (unaltered dogs over the age of four months) allowed at a facility and shelter standards - flooring, kennel size, exercise provisions, feeding, cleaning and veterinarian care.
Also, Ohio's constitution does allow for ballot initiatives and as many of you are aware, Ohio voters and taxpayers aren't bashful about putting initiatives on the ballot. Since the passage of Proposition 2 in California, there has been a lot of speculation as to what state might be next, Ohio has been one of the states mentioned. It is our hope that a ballot initiative to ban dog auctions may be a very real possibility for 2009.
For more details concerning this initiative, we invite you to read the article, "Animal advocates may push for a ban on dog auctions" - http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/02/28/new_puppy.html?sid=101.
12. 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. and will be voted on in the full House in the very near future.
The proposed legislation would mandate USDA standards as a minimum for all facilities
selling, trading or adopting out over 25 dogs, cats, kittens or puppies in a year. This means that if your dogs are housed in cages instead of your home, the cages must be at least six inches longer than the dog and must have six inches of headroom.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "OK House to Vote on Puppy Mill Bill" - > http://newsok.com/house-to-vote-on-puppy-mill-bill/article/3344976.
13. OREGON. The Oregon legislature is considering a bill, H. B. 2470, to provide protection for breeding dogs in commercial kennels. The first hearings on the bill were held February 23 by the House Committee on Consumer Protection.
In addition to mandating minimum living conditions, the bill restricts the size of commercial breeding kennels to a maximum of 25 unaltered dogs four months or older. It also protects consumers with a tracking system which give buyers of sick or deformed animals a way to recover damages if the seller did not disclose congenital defects at the time of purchase.
Click here to view a link to the bill - > http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measures/hb2400.dir/hb2470.intro.html.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Oregon puppy mill hearing draws huge crowd" - > http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/401220_puppymill25.html.
14. PENNSYLVANIA. With a vote of 192 for and 0 against, House Bill 39, amending Pennsylvania's Crimes Code for animal cruelty and introduced by Representative Tom Caltagirone(D-Berks), passed in today's session. The proposed legislation will impose criminal penalties for specific medical procedures if not performed by a licensed veterinarian including debarking, c-section births and tail docking. The act of ear cropping by anyone other than a vet is already prohibited in Pennsylvania.The legislation now heads for the Senate.15. TENNESSEE. State lawmakers are trying diligently to curb bad breeding operations by regulating breeders and creating an inspection process. H.B. 386 (Sontany & Maggart)/S.B. 258 (Jackson) are bills intended to put an end to what many call puppy mills. The proposed legislation would require any breeder with more than 20 animals to pay a $500 licensing fee to the state. If you have more than 40, it goes up to $1,000. Commercial breeders would be required to comply with a mandatory inspection and licensing program administered by the Dept of Agriculture and meet a minimum standard of care and housing.
For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Senator Hopes Legislation Ends Puppy Mills" - > http://www.wsmv.com/video/18661052/index.html.
Also, H.B. 1433 (Sontany)/S.B. 1322 (Berke) would prohibit public animal sales (parking lots and roadside sales) and provide restrictions on companion animals sold at flea markets. The proposed legislation would also prohibit the use of any live animal as a prize in a contest, raffle, or promotion.
16. WASHINGTON. In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs. A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide "humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices" by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Lawmakers Consider Bill Targeting Puppy Mills - > http://www.komonews.com/news/39342082.html.
17. WISCONSIN. We invite you to read the following article in this past weekend's issue of The Isthmus regarding the growing problem of commercial breeding kennels in Wisconsin - http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=25284. Your feedback to the reporter - http://www.isthmus.com/utility/emailAuthor.php?author=41 - is encouraged and welcomed!
Also, don't forget that the next scheduled Buckeye Dog Auction is expected to take place on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Additional details regarding this event (as they become available) will be posted to the Home page of www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.
Let's hope these small but important steps will help set the tone as a model for other states, causing a ripple effect of positive change benefiting companion animals.
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/
March 9, 2009
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. Also, we invite you to join supporters of the WI Puppy Mill Project in their peaceful protest of the Thorp Dog Auction on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Thorp Wisconsin.
* General information on the WI Puppy Mill Project - http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/thorp-protest-alert.html
* Times and Directions - http://petshelter.bizland.com/nodogauctions/index.html
* The Auction Catalog - http://petshelter.bizland.com/nodogauctions/index.html
From the desk of Eilene Ribbens, Founder of the WI Puppy Mill Project:
"Dog auctions are a tragic embarrassment to Wisconsin and it's humane-minded citizens. We have been asked if people should "buy" or rescue" these dogs. We are asking for an all-out boycott of this event. We have studied the numbers from past auctions and believe that the dogs being offered at this auction are not mill cast-offs but were, in many cases, purposely bred to supply AUCTION BUYERS, including rescue groups."
"Buying at the auction will simply mean that it will be profitable. If it is profitable it will continue and MORE dogs will be bred for sale at future Thorp Dog Auctions. That said, we do understand compassion for the dogs being sold on March 11, 2009 and know that there will be some who will buy. We understand both sides of the situation, and hope that in the long run, not buying will produce the best outcome to end these auctions altogether."
1. 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:
* Limit the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain
* Mandate annual veterinary exams
* Prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license
2. CONNECTICUT. Lawmakers this year will decide whether pet owners should get double their money back from stores that sell them puppies, kittens and other animals with chronic disease or disabilities. 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. They want to be able to claim back twice the purchase price of defective animals. 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" - > http://www.connpost.com/ci_11707072.
3. 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" - > http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=9861033.
4. ILLINOIS. On January 19, announcement of a Puppy Mill bill, sponsored by state Senators John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and Dan Kotowski (D-Mt. Prospect), was introduced into the Illinois state legislature. Named after a sole survivor of a puppy mill in Downstate Macon County, Chloe's Bill (H.B. 198) would have a positive impact on ending puppy mills in Illinois. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:
* Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered dogs.
* Prohibit individuals from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
* Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
* 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.
* Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.
5. INDIANA. H.B. 1468 passed the Indiana House on February 18, and has now been assigned to the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters (hearing to be announced). The proposed legislation is hitting some significant barriers from stakeholders tied to the commercial breeding industry. They are recommending:
* Either changing the number of unaltered dogs that a breeder can have from 30 to 50 or completely eliminating the cap altogether
* Removing the sections on requiring a breeding dog to be retired from breeding at eight years of age and limiting the number of litters a dog can produce to one per year.
* Removing the exercise requirement.
* Remove the requirement for illumination.
If adopted, H.B. 1468 would:
* Define a commercial breeder as someone who whelps more than 10 litters of puppies in a 12 month period.
* Limit 30 breeding dogs per location. (A breeding dog is defined as an unaltered dog over one year of age.)
* Require commercial breeders to register with the state, and then renew their registration every four years.
* Require commercial breeders to maintain sanitary conditions.
* Require commercial breeders to have a method in place in which to dispose of animal waste.
* Require commercial breeders to protect animals from parasites and vermin.
* Require breeding facilities to have either artificial or natural light available in areas where dogs are kept and ventilation.
* Require commercial breeding dogs have access to an exercise area at least one hour per day.
* Require commercial breeders to hire employees that have not been convicted of animal fighting or variations of Indiana Codes pertaining to animal abuse, neglect and torture.
* Require commercial breeders to offer a "Guarantee" for each dog and puppy, which would include a 15 day guarantee against disease and a one year guarantee against genetic defects. The guarantee would require a veterinary certification; the opportunity for the dog to be returned or exchanged; and limits reimbursement for veterinary bills to the cost of the puppy.
* Require breeding dogs be between the ages of 18 months and eight years and be checked by a vet annually. The bill limits the number of litters a breeding female can whelp to one every 12 months.
* Prohibit cities and counties from passing laws less stringent than the state law.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "IN Lawmakers Crack Down on Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mills" - > http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=57361. The proposed bill can be read here - > http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2009/HB/HB1468.2.html
6. IOWA. A proposed puppy mill bill, which will allow inspectors from the state Department of Agriculture into a USDA facility upon receipt of a complaint, is moving to a vote on the floors of both the House and Senate within the next two weeks! A HUGE thanks to BanOhioDogAuctions.com supporter, Mary Lahay, for her tireless efforts to help draft this legislation!
Click here to view a copy of the House version - > http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=BillInfo&Service=Billbook&ga=83&menu=text&hbill=HF30.
For more information on Mary's efforts, we invite you to view the article, "wants puppy mill bill changed" - http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513194.html?nav=5010.
7. 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" - > http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/02/16/news/local/18-proposed.txt.
8. MARYLAND. The Maryland Legislature is currently considering two identical bills, S.B. 318 and H.B. 495, which would address the commercial dog breeding industry. If passed, the proposed legislation would cap the number of breeding dogs who can be kept at a single facility at 50 adult dogs.
Click here to view a copy of the bills - > http://www.mlis.state.md.us/PDF-documents/2000rs/bills/sb/sb0318f.pdf.
9. 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.
Senator Ken Haar introduced LB 677, a bill that aims to strictly regulate commercial dog breeders in Nebraska by establishing ownership limits and dog breeding restrictions. If adopted, LB 677 would:
* 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.
* Limit the breeding of purebred dogs only to dogs between the ages of 18 months and eight years of age.
* 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" - http://journalstar.com/articles/2009/02/21/news/politics/doc499c98ab9fd84027587156.txt#blogcomments.
10. NEW YORK. A new puppy mill bill is expected to be introduced in 2009.
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. To learn more about this event, we invite you to visit the website - > http://www.barkaroundtheworld.com/.
11. OHIO. A new puppy mill bill is expected to be introduced by Rep. Cheryl Grossman this week which would be similar to legislation currently being introduced in Indiana (see above). The bill, which is being supported by HSUS, will focus on capping the number of breeding dogs (unaltered dogs over the age of four months) allowed at a facility and shelter standards - flooring, kennel size, exercise provisions, feeding, cleaning and veterinarian care.
Also, Ohio's constitution does allow for ballot initiatives and as many of you are aware, Ohio voters and taxpayers aren't bashful about putting initiatives on the ballot. Since the passage of Proposition 2 in California, there has been a lot of speculation as to what state might be next, Ohio has been one of the states mentioned. It is our hope that a ballot initiative to ban dog auctions may be a very real possibility for 2009.
For more details concerning this initiative, we invite you to read the article, "Animal advocates may push for a ban on dog auctions" - http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/02/28/new_puppy.html?sid=101.
12. 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. and will be voted on in the full House in the very near future.
The proposed legislation would mandate USDA standards as a minimum for all facilities
selling, trading or adopting out over 25 dogs, cats, kittens or puppies in a year. This means that if your dogs are housed in cages instead of your home, the cages must be at least six inches longer than the dog and must have six inches of headroom.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "OK House to Vote on Puppy Mill Bill" - > http://newsok.com/house-to-vote-on-puppy-mill-bill/article/3344976.
13. OREGON. The Oregon legislature is considering a bill, H. B. 2470, to provide protection for breeding dogs in commercial kennels. The first hearings on the bill were held February 23 by the House Committee on Consumer Protection.
In addition to mandating minimum living conditions, the bill restricts the size of commercial breeding kennels to a maximum of 25 unaltered dogs four months or older. It also protects consumers with a tracking system which give buyers of sick or deformed animals a way to recover damages if the seller did not disclose congenital defects at the time of purchase.
Click here to view a link to the bill - > http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measures/hb2400.dir/hb2470.intro.html.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Oregon puppy mill hearing draws huge crowd" - > http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/401220_puppymill25.html.
14. PENNSYLVANIA. With a vote of 192 for and 0 against, House Bill 39, amending Pennsylvania's Crimes Code for animal cruelty and introduced by Representative Tom Caltagirone(D-Berks), passed in today's session. The proposed legislation will impose criminal penalties for specific medical procedures if not performed by a licensed veterinarian including debarking, c-section births and tail docking. The act of ear cropping by anyone other than a vet is already prohibited in Pennsylvania.The legislation now heads for the Senate.15. TENNESSEE. State lawmakers are trying diligently to curb bad breeding operations by regulating breeders and creating an inspection process. H.B. 386 (Sontany & Maggart)/S.B. 258 (Jackson) are bills intended to put an end to what many call puppy mills. The proposed legislation would require any breeder with more than 20 animals to pay a $500 licensing fee to the state. If you have more than 40, it goes up to $1,000. Commercial breeders would be required to comply with a mandatory inspection and licensing program administered by the Dept of Agriculture and meet a minimum standard of care and housing.
For more information, we invite you to view the article, "Senator Hopes Legislation Ends Puppy Mills" - > http://www.wsmv.com/video/18661052/index.html.
Also, H.B. 1433 (Sontany)/S.B. 1322 (Berke) would prohibit public animal sales (parking lots and roadside sales) and provide restrictions on companion animals sold at flea markets. The proposed legislation would also prohibit the use of any live animal as a prize in a contest, raffle, or promotion.
16. WASHINGTON. In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs. A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide "humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices" by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.
For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, "Lawmakers Consider Bill Targeting Puppy Mills - > http://www.komonews.com/news/39342082.html.
17. WISCONSIN. We invite you to read the following article in this past weekend's issue of The Isthmus regarding the growing problem of commercial breeding kennels in Wisconsin - http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=25284. Your feedback to the reporter - http://www.isthmus.com/utility/emailAuthor.php?author=41 - is encouraged and welcomed!
Also, don't forget that the next scheduled Buckeye Dog Auction is expected to take place on Saturday, March 21, 2009. Additional details regarding this event (as they become available) will be posted to the Home page of www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.
Let's hope these small but important steps will help set the tone as a model for other states, causing a ripple effect of positive change benefiting companion animals.
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/
Ohio Statewide Ban on Dog Auctions
Below is an update from Mary O'Conner-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs on the efforts to raise awareness of Ohio dog auctions and puppy mills:
March 6, 2009
Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~
I wanted to share with you some important updates on our efforts to raise awareness of Ohio dog auctions, puppy mills, pet stores and the entities that support and keep them in business:
Update on Statewide Ban on Dog Auctions. The amount of positive feedback we have received as a result of The Columbus Dispatch article, ("Animal Advocates may push for ban on dog auctions" - http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/02/28/new_puppy.html?sid=101) has been OVERWHELMING, to say the least. So much so that the "kingpin" of the Ohio Amish commercial breeding community, Ervin Raber, has expressed strong interest in meeting with supporters from BanOhioDogAuctions.com ASAP.
(Just so you're aware, I also had the good fortune to work closely with this reporter, Holly Zachariah, as she gathered data for this excellent article on Ohio puppy mills and dog auctions published in 2007- > http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/04/22/AMISHDOG.ART_ART_04-22-07_C1_US6F8H9.html.)
March 21 Buckeye Dog Auction. Ironically, March 21, is also the date of the 'Amish Country Quilt Show' sponsored by the Holmes County Expo Center - http://www.amishcountryquiltshow.com/. (As might be expected, a tour of commercial dog breeding kennels is not expected to be a part of this event!).
Since the publishing of Holly's article last Sunday, many people have expressed strong interest in holding a peaceful rally against the next auction at the entranceway to the Expo Center (this was actually the location of the Buckeye Dog Auctions prior to moving to their new location in Farmerstown). It has been confirmed that the Sheriff directs traffic for all the large events (of which the Quilt Show is one), and route 39 is quite wide in that area, so rally attendees would be able to pull off to the side of the road to park.
We recognize this may be a very busy weekend for everyone, so to ensure this rally would be planned strategically and efficiently as possible, please RSVP by 5 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2009 if you (or members of your group) would be interested in attending this rally! Ideally, for this event to be truely effective, we would like to have a MINIMUM of 24 attendees.
Thanks again for all your dedication to serving as a strong voice for the animals!
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/
LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
March 6, 2009
Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~
I wanted to share with you some important updates on our efforts to raise awareness of Ohio dog auctions, puppy mills, pet stores and the entities that support and keep them in business:
Update on Statewide Ban on Dog Auctions. The amount of positive feedback we have received as a result of The Columbus Dispatch article, ("Animal Advocates may push for ban on dog auctions" - http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/02/28/new_puppy.html?sid=101) has been OVERWHELMING, to say the least. So much so that the "kingpin" of the Ohio Amish commercial breeding community, Ervin Raber, has expressed strong interest in meeting with supporters from BanOhioDogAuctions.com ASAP.
(Just so you're aware, I also had the good fortune to work closely with this reporter, Holly Zachariah, as she gathered data for this excellent article on Ohio puppy mills and dog auctions published in 2007- > http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2007/04/22/AMISHDOG.ART_ART_04-22-07_C1_US6F8H9.html.)
March 21 Buckeye Dog Auction. Ironically, March 21, is also the date of the 'Amish Country Quilt Show' sponsored by the Holmes County Expo Center - http://www.amishcountryquiltshow.com/. (As might be expected, a tour of commercial dog breeding kennels is not expected to be a part of this event!).
Since the publishing of Holly's article last Sunday, many people have expressed strong interest in holding a peaceful rally against the next auction at the entranceway to the Expo Center (this was actually the location of the Buckeye Dog Auctions prior to moving to their new location in Farmerstown). It has been confirmed that the Sheriff directs traffic for all the large events (of which the Quilt Show is one), and route 39 is quite wide in that area, so rally attendees would be able to pull off to the side of the road to park.
We recognize this may be a very busy weekend for everyone, so to ensure this rally would be planned strategically and efficiently as possible, please RSVP by 5 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2009 if you (or members of your group) would be interested in attending this rally! Ideally, for this event to be truely effective, we would like to have a MINIMUM of 24 attendees.
Thanks again for all your dedication to serving as a strong voice for the animals!
Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/
http://thoughtsfurpaws.com/
LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbustopdogs.com/
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