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News about animal issues and concerns is reported regularly throughout the United States. Below is just a sampling of recent news.
Huffington Post: New Pennsylvania law putting puppy mills out of business June 11, 2010 by Michael Rubinkam Pennsylvania overhauled their dog law in 2008. Key provisions were included that required large-scale breeders to "double cage sizes, eliminate wire flooring, and provide unfettered access to the outdoors. The new law also banned cage stacking, instituted twice-a-year vet checks, and mandated new ventilation and cleanliness standards." The result? "Many breeders have closed voluntarily rather than comply. The number of commercial kennels in Pennsylvania plummeted from 303 at the beginning of 2009 to 111 today - a reduction of almost two-thirds - although a few of them are expected to reopen after making renovations, while other kennels got rid of enough dogs so that they are no longer classified as commercial operations." For full article go to: New PA law putting puppy mills out of business
The New York Times: The Animal-Cruelty Syndrome June 7, 2010 by Charles Seibert "On a late May afternoon last year in southwest Baltimore, a 2-year-old female pit bull terrier was doused in gasoline and set alight....The dog, subsequently named Phoenix, survived for four days with burns over 95 percent of her body, but soon began to succumb to kidney failure and had to be euthanized." And so begins the article. We've all heard or seen stories like this before. What's interesting about this article is the explanation of how crime-scene investigations for animals is becoming more acceptable. Traditional investigators are being trained in topics such as forensic entomology; bloodstain-pattern and bite-mark analysis; buried remains excavations; and forensic osteology. Article also raises questions about why people hurt animals, including a discussion of the neurophysiology of empathy (i.e. for those who abuse animals, there is no or limited activity in regions of the brain involved with moral reasoning and self-regulation). The question asked: Can empathy be taught or restored? Read more: The Animal-Cruelty Syndrome
United States: USDA fails to crack down on puppy mills May 25, 2010
An internal government report says that "dogs are dying and living in horrific conditions due to lax government enforcement of large kennels known as puppy mills. Investigators say the Department of Agriculture agency in charge of enforcing the Animal Welfare Act often ignores repeat violations, waives penalties and doesn't adequately document inhumane treatment of dogs." (Quote by the Associated Press; see link below.) The audit was conducted by the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) between 2006 and 2008; the report was released in May 2010. The audit included visits to 50 breeders and 18 dealers in 8 states. Ten USDA-licensed facilities in Minnesota were visited. The enforcement agency, known as Animal Care (AC), part of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS), has been audited in previous years, including 1992, 1995 and 2005. In the report (link below), the OIG gives multiple examples of lax enforcement (including photos), along with assessment and recommendations. They identified the following major deficiencies with APHIS' administration of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA):
Audit reports and further information can be found through links below.
Minnesota: Controversial Dog-Breeding Business Closes Gary McDuffee, owner of a large dog-breeding kennel in Little Falls, Minnesota, canceled his U.S. Department of Agriculture license on March 16 and has apparently gone out of business. Three years ago, this breeder was granted a conditional use permit from Morrison County to operate a 500-dog breeding facility. This action prompted lawsuits and protests. Last fall, McDuffee sold hundreds of his dogs at a Missouri auction — an indication that he was going out of business. From reports by neighbors, his kennels are now quiet and dogs are not being seen trucked in and out of the facility. His ex-wife, Wanda Kretzman, continues to operate Clearwater Kennels, one of the largest breeding kennels in Minnesota. McDuffee's sister, Mary Anne Susalski, also owns and operates a large breeding kennel in Morrison County, known as www.cuddlemepuppies.com. For St. Cloud Times article: Controversial Llittle Falls dog-breeding business closes
Missouri: Better Business Bureau releases Study of Puppy Industry in Missouri The Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Missouri recently conducted an investigation and study of the puppy industry in Missouri. This study included a review of the buyers, sellers, breeders and enforcement of laws pertaining to the puppy industry. One of the responsibilities of the BBB is to monitor the marketplace, rooting out questionable activities affecting consumers. Based on this study, the BBB's recommendations:
Further details
Minnesota: Animals Rescued from Commercial Breeder January 2010
On January 14, 2010, a team from the Animal Humane Society rescued 51 dogs housed from a breeding facility in rural Minnesota. The animals have been treated and cared for at the Golden Valley AHS shelter. AHS worked with Animal Allies in Duluth, Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, and local rescue groups, A Rotta Love and Pet Haven, to provide special treatment for the dogs most affected by their conditions. The call to AHS came after local authorities responded to three different calls about the operation. At this facility, a high number of dogs of various breeds were found living in deplorable conditions. They were not provided exercise and experienced little to no human contact. The owner surrendered the animals into the care of AHS. For further information and video go to:
Wisconsin On October 27, 2009, the Wisconsin Assembly approved the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill by a unanimous vote (96 to 0). (Note: The Wisconsin 'Assembly' is similar to the House of Representatives in Minnesota.) On November 5, 2009, the Wisconsin Senate, also by unanimous vote (32 to 0), approved the bill. On December 1, 2009, Wisconsin Governor Doyle signed the bill (AB250) into law. Now that Wisconsin has taken action, there is a high risk of irresponsible breeders moving across the border and setting up business in "unregulated" Minnesota. To read more:
Minnesota In October 2009, Minneapolis Animal Control seized 30 shih tzu's from a Minneapolis breeder (Tiny Paws Tzus) who was operating out of her home. One dog's tongue was permanently hanging out due to the fact that the dog's jaw was broken. Other dogs seized suffered from similar conditions, including dental and eye problems, severe skin conditions, embedded feces and urine in their hair, and emotional trauma such as shaking uncontrollably with fright. This breeder has been charged with animal cruelty and legal obstruction. Arraignment was December 10, 2009.
This is not a story of hoarding; it's an example of an unregulated business. The State of Minnesota has no state laws to license, inspect or regulate dog and cat breeders; as a result, people choose to "get into" the business of breeding to make money, yet often have no animal husbandry skills and do not operate as legitimate businesses. This particular breeder was actively selling through her own website as well as online breeder directories, such as PupCity.com, Breedersweb.com, Puppysites.com and others. For more information, go to:
ADDITIONAL NEWS For a comprehensive list of news articles, go to: Pet Stores and Puppy Mills in the News
Arkansas KARK 4 News: 350 Dogs Rescued from Arkansas Puppy Mill March 23, 2009 "Most people don't realize that this is the cruel reality behind those cute puppies for sale in pet stores and online."
California npr: Grim Puppy Mill Shipment Makes L.A. Take Notice December 30, 2008 "So-called puppy mill dogs are showing up sick and dehydrated at major airports around the country."
Maine Kennebec Journal: Problem breeders a moving target December 29, 2008 "Unlicensed animal breeders and puppy-mill operators are using the Internet and some time-honored tricks to stay ahead of state and federal officials.."
Minnesota For news about the Kathy Jo Bauck (MN dog breeder) trial and case, go to News: Bauck For older articles about some Minnesota breeders and rescues, go to news: archives. For undercover investigations and videos about some Minnesota breeders, go to videos.
Missouri AP: 92 Suspected Puppy Mill Dogs Found, Maybe 100 More Missing April 3, 2009 "The dogs are from the same home where a police fofficer shot and killed an aggresive chimp earlier this week." WITN: 200 Rescued From Puppy Mill, Fire Turned Over To State February 28, 2009 "Owner is an unlicensed breeder who alledgedly set fire to his property, injuring some of the animals."
North Carolina Eyewitness News: Authorities shut down Wayne County puppy mill February 6, 2009 "300 dogs were confiscated from Thorton's Kennels...Wayne County Animal Control and the Humane Society say all 300 were neglected and mistreated."
Pennsylvania Lancasteronline: Teaching young dogs old tricks December 28, 2008 "Rescued from puppy mills, these puppies need to readjust to people."
Tennessee Newsweek: A (Designer's) Dog's Life April 04, 2009 "If the Obamas choose a hybrid, unethical breeders will try to cash in — and puppies are likely to suffer." Herald-Citizen: Over 200 dogs seized in puppy mill raid "...... someone who visited the property to buy a dog notified the White County Humane Society of alleged "horrible conditions" at the business."
Virginia WVEC.com: Virginia puppy mill law holds breeders, sellers accountable "The new year brought newer and tougher laws to protect animals. Breeders and sellers are accountable for the animals in their care." HSUS: Virginia: The Next Puppy Mill State? (older article, before legislation passed) November 1, 2007: "A five-month, undercover investigation by The HSUS revealed a substantial Virgina puppy mill industry that is largely unregulated and often in violation of state and federal laws."
Washington KOMO News: Who's to blame in elleged puppy mill case? February 24, 2009 "Investigators are digging deeper into the alleged puppy mill operations ... trying to find out exactly who's to blame for the hundreds of dogs found living in deplorable situations." KOMO News: Rescued dogs pregnant with 1,500 puppies January 26, 2009 "Rescuers who have saved hundreds of dogs from stinking, filth-choked puppy mills over the past few days have made an eye-popping discovery - most of the animals are pregnant and due to give bith to roughly 1,500 puppies."
Wisconsin March 06, 2009 "Lack of regulation has made Wisconsin a magnet for unscrupulous dog breeders looking to turn a quick profit." Milwaukee Magazine: Puppy Hell December 12, 2008 "Lax regulations have made Wisconsin a haven for Amish and Mennonite puppy mill breeders who turn out deformed dogs."
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