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Did you catch the headline the other day that the Humane Society of the United States has proof that Petland uses puppy mills as their supply source? After years of denying this fact, Petland will finally have to answer to litigation. Happy Holidays!
The special that Oprah had with Lisa Ling reporting on puppy mill practices has really helped remind everyone that this cruelty needs to stop. I know from 11 years experience in the animal community that bringing this practice to the national stage in a significant way—and getting an hour on Oprah and more on a follow up was just that—was a major priority of many. The real meaning of buying pets from pet stores was made clear: many pets suffer and die for choosing to buy a pet rather than adopting from a shelter.
It’s good news that HSUS and ASPCA’s partnership (September 2008) in this effort has resulted in a multi-pronged approach of investigation, video proof made public, law enforcement, prosecution, and lobbying for humane legislation issues that is netting real results.
Find out more at http://stoppuppymills.org a special topics page in the HSUS site.
We all pick and choose our concerns and level of involvement with organizations working effectively toward making change. Sometimes all we can do is donate a few dollars and other times we can only pay attention and pass it on. The more people hear about this topic, the more a constituency will grow, so passing it on is no small thing!
HSUS’s and ASPCA’s recent successes closing down some major mills after the in-depth reporting of Lisa Ling makes me think about how these issues are brought to the fore: it all starts with the power of one voice and can reverberate through a population to change what needs changing. It is always time consuming, but is well worth the effort.
What’s your take on this?
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According to HSUS every one is a puppy mill. A AKC judge with 2 dogs, no pups no dirt no filth was shut down. I hope you like communism because thats where the Animal rights movement is taking you. You wont be able to own any property, no house, no land, no car, no food. You will be told where to live and where to work.
Thanks for commenting and I understand the frustration. There will always be instances of abuse or an injustice that stands out when law is being applied, and we just have to keep shining a light on them. There are over reactions by people passionate about protecting animals, just as in every other area of concern. Yet that does not mean the law is bad, just imperfectly applied.
Wonderful article Mary and wonderful news about Petland, the proof, and litigation pursuing Petland. Do you know someone that deals with the pet psychology concerning puppy mill dogs? I have found that I can break dogs into three categories: abused Dogs, puppy mill Dogs, and normal dogs. Abused and normal dogs are the easiest to rehabilitate, train, and integrate into families. Puppy mill dogs though have a really distorted psychology I just can’t seem to reach into to help them. Thanks again for the good news. JNT
Thanks Jeff. I haven’t met a trainer who specializes in puppy mill dog psychology, but since trust is the beginning of everything with dogs I understand where years and years of neglect and abuse could make that beginning seem impossible. Long ago I had taken from a vet an abandoned Afghan who was very distrusting and at the ready to defend himself. Even with consistency and kindness in all things, it was always a toss up as to whether he would allow you to stroke him. All that could be done was provide for him until he died. It sounds like you work with dogs. What’s been your experience with the puppy mill dogs, if you care to share? And thanks for visiting!
I just found that “Dog Town”, a special re Best Friends Utah Sanctuary and their work with the Michael Vick dogs is airing tonight, Dec 28 at 8pm Central Time on the National Geographic channel. See http://news.bestfriends.org/index.cfm?page=news&mode=entry&entry=65D0ECCF-19B9-B9D5-9DA9F977BAB05E9D. Also the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project is doing work with the psychology of these dogs, likening their psychological condition to that of PTSD in humans. You can find them here: http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/mill-survivors.html