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/