Ohio Federation of Dog Clubs

Peaceful Rally Against the Ohio Dog Auctions in Farmerstown, OH!

2010-08-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

GET READY TO SERVE AS A STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS ON AUGUST 21!

Following our very successful May 22 peaceful rally in Millersburg, we're ready to stand united against the Ohio Dog Auctions in Holmes county!

DATE:
Sat., August 21, 2010

TIME:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

LOCATION:
Holmes County Fairgrounds - 8381 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654
Click here for directions

(Per the instructions of the Holmes County Sheriff's Department, we need to ensure we stand approximately six feet of the roadside and do not block any cars from entering the Fairgrounds.)

ATTIRE:
Since August 21 could bring rain and/or hot temperatures, be sure to dress accordingly!

SIGNS:
PLEASE BRING SIGNS!

Please remember that many farmers and dog fanciers - hobby and show breeders - are supporting the Ohio Dog Auctions Act, and they will be present at this county fair. Our focus is the Ohio Dog Auctions and their relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness, so please ensure your signs reflect this message!

Feel free to use any of the pictures on the www.BanOhioDogActions.com website. Signs with the text, "Support the Ohio Dog Auctions Act" and "Ban Ohio Dog Auctions" enlarged to 13" X 17" on a home photo printer, or as large as you can get them without being blurry, are very effective for this peaceful rally!

RIDERS WILL BE JOINING US!
Over 100 riders from across Ohio are scheduled to join us in support of our efforts to raise awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act! The route will include a visit past the Holmes County Fairgrounds (ground zero for the peaceful rally) along Route 39 and the Livestock Auction Barn (where the Ohio Dog Auctions take place) along Route 557.

If interested in being a part of this passionate crew of animal advocates, please contact Julie with Operation Warm and Cozy at 330-364-7190.

(We invite you to read Frankie's story, Julie's rescued companion from the Ohio Dog Auction, by clicking here - > http://www.timesreporter.com/features/x148963733/One-dog-s-incredible-journey)

MEDIA COVERAGE:
Media coverage of the Ohio Dog Auctions and their relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness has been extensive, and as with the May 22 rally in Millersburg, many of our protesting rescuers are committed to initiating humane reform at county pounds and shelters. They are ready to assist the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions in initiating positive change through our 2011 ballot campaign (Ohio Dog Auctions Act).

07/29/10 - The Vindicator - Group vows a fight with bite to ban dog auctions - > http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/jul/29/group-vows-a-fight-with-bite-to-ban-dog-/

07/02/10 - Statehouse News Bureau - Activists working against puppy mills concerned that deal on humane ballot issue won't help - > http://www.statenews.org/story_page.cfm?ID=14171&year=2010&month=7

06/24/10 - Pet Views and News - What's Up with Ohio? - > http://petnewsandviews.com/2010/06/whats-up-with-ohio/

06/08/10 - Times-Reporter - One dog's incredible journey, Frankie wandered out of wooded area - > http://www.timesreporter.com/features/x148963733/One-dog-s-incredible-journey

05/27/10 - Philly Dawg - Part 2: TV report exposes conditions at Ohio dog auction - > http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/PAR_2_TV_report_exposes_conditions_at_Ohio_dog_auction.html?text=lg&c=y

05/27/10 - Philly Dawg - TV report exposes conditions at Ohio dog auction - > http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/TV_report_exposes_conditions_at_Ohio_dog_auction.html

Thanks everyone for continuing to serve as a strong voice for the dogs! We look forward to seeing everyone on August 21!

MID YEAR UPDATE - PART 2! Ohio Dog Auctions Act (2011 Ballot Initiative)

2010-07-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is spearheading a citizens-backed, ballot initiative - Ohio Dog Auctions Act - to help improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Ohio. The measure would make it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

We need your help to end a major distribution channel serving buyers and sellers from 15 states, many of whom have repeated, long standing violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty. The proposed Amended Senate Bill 95 (legislation for dog breeding kennels) DOES NOT contain language which addresses any aspect of Ohio dog auctions! Click here to read more.

Given that volunteer petitioners played a major role in the Ohioans for Humane Farms (OHF) campaign by collecting 160,000 signatures in four months, we are confident this same milestone can be achieved for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act!

1. Signatures as of July 1 - Just 153 Days Remaining!

As of July 1, a total of 19,538 signatures have been collected of the MINIMUM 120,700 signatures required by December 1, 2010. 326 volunteer Petition Circulators have raised awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 74 counties!

* For a view of our "Stoplight" report as of July 1, please scroll down this page!

2. Download a Petition, Attend a Townhall Meeting, Participate in a Signature Gathering!

Pledge to collect a minimum of 123 signatures (three full petitions) from Ohio registered voters between now and December 1! That's less than two signatures per day!

A. Campaign Kit! Our campaign kit can help you hit the ground running in collecting signatures from Ohio registered voters! .

To download the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), Instructions for Collecting Signatures, Best Strategies on Collecting Signatures and other informational materials, please click here.

B. Town Hall Meetings! Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by participating in a Coalition Meeting for your county!

Upcoming meetings for July include:

> Butler (July 10)
> Montgomery (July 24)
> Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull (July 28)

To view dates, times and locations of all Town Hall Meetings (as they become confirmed), please click here.

C. Signature Gatherings! Participate in some great events where you can meet and talk with Ohio voters!

County fairs, car shows and community festivals are taking place all across the state from now until December 1, and many are extending FREE booth space to the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions!

To view dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings, please click here. (Scroll down the page, past Town Hall Meetings!)

C. Supporters! We applaud the many individuals and groups who are helping to raise awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act! Click here to view the latest Action Alert issued by the ASPCA.

Our growing list of supporters include local humane societies, pet vendors and animal welfare organizations!

To view all those who support a ban on Ohio dog auctions, please click here.

3. Join our Facebook group, Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions!

We invite you to join the over 2,150 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

* STOPLIGHT REPORT AS OF JULY 1, 2010

GREEN LIGHT! Volunteer petitioners have met or exceeded the signature goal for these counties! A special CONGRATULATIONS to Team Hopper (representing three Petition Circulators) who exceeded their signature goal for Coshocton and Amy B./Anne R./Chris H. /Jill N./Kathryn B./Kay K./Keri K./Melissa S./Sherri M./Vikki K. who exceeded their signature goal for Hocking!

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 07/01/10 Percent of Goal
Hocking 9,860 296 337 113.85%
Coshocton 13,408 402 421 104.73%

YELLOW LIGHT! Volunteer petitioners have met between 50% - 99% of their signature goal for these counties! We need to continue this pace to reach these voters by December 1!

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 07/01/10 Percent of Goal

Jackson 10,423 313 231 73.80%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 7,073 51.92%
Richland 45,799 1,374 713 51.89%

RED LIGHT! Volunteer petitioners have met between 0% - 49% of their signature goal for these counties! We need to accelerate our pace to reach these voters by December 1, particularly those counties in red!

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 07/01/10 Percent of Goal

Tuscarawas 31,585 948 433 45.68%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 485 41.31%
Stark 139,414 4,182 1,578 37.73%
Hancock 25,675 770 253 32.86%
Pickaway 17,960 539 175 32.47%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 844 27.96%
Lake 88,006 2,640 620 23.48%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 2,351 20.99%
Athens 19,840 595 118 19.83%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 316 16.26%
Medina 65,511 1,965 295 15.01%
Monroe 6,066 182 26 14.29%
Summit 197,747 5,932 792 13.35%
Madison 13,441 403 53 13.15%
Morrow 12,575 377 49 13.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 16 12.03%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 127 10.99%
Union 16,877 506 55 10.87%
Portage 54,970 1,649 161 9.76%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 140 8.64%
Morgan 5,516 165 14 8.48%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 158 8.10%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 610 7.07%
Licking 59,051 1,772 120 6.77%
Adams 8,685 261 17 6.51%
Logan 16,080 482 31 6.43%
Holmes 8,108 243 15 6.17%
Meigs 7,707 231 14 6.06%
Crawford 16,744 502 28 5.58%
Hardin 9,723 292 16 5.48%
Ashland 19,355 581 30 5.16%
Knox 20,780 623 30 4.82%
Butler 115,895 3,477 159 4.57%
Marion 21,691 651 27 4.15%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 44 4.05%
Perry 11,291 339 10 2.95%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 161 2.84%
Miami 37,054 1,112 26 2.34%
Huron 18,917 568 13 2.29%
Muskingum 28,719 862 19 2.20%
Guernsey 13,375 401 8 2.00%
Ross 23,839 715 14 1.96%
Warren 68,091 2,043 40 1.96%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 80 1.87%
Erie 30,106 903 15 1.66%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 47 1.64%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Brown 14,044 421 6 1.43%
Clinton 12,646 379 5 1.32%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 30 1.23%
Fayette 8,402 252 3 1.19%
Wood 45,616 1,368 16 1.17%
Champaign 14,264 428 5 1.17%
Clark 49,056 1,472 15 1.02%
Ottawa 17,207 516 5 0.97%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 7 0.69%
Gallia 10,165 305 2 0.66%
Preble 15,553 467 3 0.64%
Auglaize 16,907 507 3 0.59%
Highland 13,158 395 2 0.51%
Greene 59,113 1,773 8 0.45%
Sandusky 22,736 682 3 0.44%
Washington 22,788 684 3 0.44%
Mercer 15,646 469 2 0.43%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%
Allen 36,229 1,087 3 0.28%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%

MID YEAR UPDATE - PART 1! Ohio Dog Auctions Act (2011 Ballot Initiative)

2010-07-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is spearheading a citizens-backed, ballot initiative - Ohio Dog Auctions Act - to help improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Ohio. The measure would make it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

We need your help to end a major distribution channel serving buyers and sellers from 15 states, many of whom have repeated, long standing violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty!

Given that volunteer petitioners played a major role in the OHF campaign by collecting 160,000 signatures in four months, we are confident this same milestone can be achieved for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act!

1. Signatures as of July 1 - Just 153 Days Remaining!

As of July 1, a total of 19,538 signatures have been collected of the MINIMUM 120,700 signatures required by December 1, 2010. 326 volunteer Petition Circulators have raised awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 74 counties!

For a breakdown of our county goals against actuals as of July 1, please scroll down this page!

2. Download a Petition, Attend a Townhall Meeting, Participate in a Signature Gathering!

Pledge to collect a minimum of 123 signatures (three full petitions) from Ohio registered voters between now and December 1! That's less than two signatures per day!

A. Campaign Kit! Our campaign kit can help you hit the ground running in collecting signatures from Ohio registered voters! .

To download the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), Instructions for Collecting Signatures and other informational materials, please click here.

B. Town Hall Meetings! Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by participating in a Coalition Meeting for your county!

Upcoming meetings for July include:

> Butler (July 10)
> Montgomery (July 24)
> Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull (July 28)

For dates, times and locations of all Town Hall Meetings (as they become confirmed), please click here.

C. Signature Gatherings! Participate in some great events where you can meet and talk with Ohio voters!

For dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings please click here. (Scroll down the page, past Town Hall Meetings!)

3. Join our Facebook group, Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions!

We invite you to join the over 2,150 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

Thanks everyone for continuing to serve as a strong voice for ALL animals!
County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 07/01/10 Percent of Goal
Adams 8,685 261 17 6.51%
Allen 36,229 1,087 3 0.28%
Ashland 19,355 581 30 5.16%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 7 0.69%
Athens 19,840 595 118 19.83%
Auglaize 16,907 507 3 0.59%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Brown 14,044 421 6 1.43%
Butler 115,895 3,477 159 4.57%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Champaign 14,264 428 5 1.17%
Clark 49,056 1,472 15 1.02%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 158 8.10%
Clinton 12,646 379 5 1.32%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 44 4.05%
Coshocton 13,408 402 421 104.73%
Crawford 16,744 502 28 5.58%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 7,073 51.92%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 316 16.26%
Erie 30,106 903 15 1.66%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 140 8.64%
Fayette 8,402 252 3 1.19%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 2,351 20.99%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Gallia 10,165 305 2 0.66%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 485 41.31%
Greene 59,113 1,773 8 0.45%
Guernsey 13,375 401 8 2.00%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 610 7.07%
Hancock 25,675 770 253 32.86%
Hardin 9,723 292 16 5.48%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Highland 13,158 395 2 0.51%
Hocking 9,860 296 337 113.85%
Holmes 8,108 243 15 6.17%
Huron 18,917 568 13 2.29%
Jackson 10,423 313 231 73.80%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Knox 20,780 623 30 4.82%
Lake 88,006 2,640 620 23.48%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Licking 59,051 1,772 120 6.77%
Logan 16,080 482 31 6.43%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 844 27.96%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 80 1.87%
Madison 13,441 403 53 13.15%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 47 1.64%
Marion 21,691 651 27 4.15%
Medina 65,511 1,965 295 15.01%
Meigs 7,707 231 14 6.06%
Mercer 15,646 469 2 0.43%
Miami 37,054 1,112 26 2.34%
Monroe 6,066 182 26 14.29%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 161 2.84%
Morgan 5,516 165 14 8.48%
Morrow 12,575 377 49 13.00%
Muskingum 28,719 862 19 2.20%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Ottawa 17,207 516 5 0.97%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Perry 11,291 339 10 2.95%
Pickaway 17,960 539 175 32.47%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Portage 54,970 1,649 161 9.76%
Preble 15,553 467 3 0.64%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Richland 45,799 1,374 713 51.89%
Ross 23,839 715 14 1.96%
Sandusky 22,736 682 3 0.44%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Stark 139,414 4,182 1,578 37.73%
Summit 197,747 5,932 792 13.35%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 30 1.23%
Tuscarawas 31,585 948 433 45.68%
Union 16,877 506 55 10.87%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 16 12.03%
Warren 68,091 2,043 40 1.96%
Washington 22,788 684 3 0.44%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 127 10.99%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%
Wood 45,616 1,368 16 1.17%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%
All Counties 4,022,754 120,682 19,538

MID YEAR UPDATE - PART 1! Ohio Dog Auctions Act (2011 Ballot Initiative)

2010-07-08T03:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is spearheading a citizens-backed, ballot initiative - Ohio Dog Auctions Act - to help improve the lives of dogs in commercial breeding operations in Ohio. The measure would make it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

We need your help to end a major distribution channel serving buyers and sellers from 15 states, many of whom have repeated, long standing violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty!

Given that volunteer petitioners played a major role in the OHF campaign by collecting 160,000 signatures in four months, we are confident this same milestone can be achieved for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act!

1. Signatures as of July 1 - Just 153 Days Remaining!

As of July 1, a total of 19,538 signatures have been collected of the MINIMUM 120,700 signatures required by December 1, 2010. 326 volunteer Petition Circulators have raised awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 74 counties!

For a breakdown of our county goals against actuals as of July 1, please scroll down this page!

2. Download a Petition, Attend a Townhall Meeting, Participate in a Signature Gathering!

Pledge to collect a minimum of 123 signatures (three full petitions) from Ohio registered voters between now and December 1! That's less than two signatures per day!

A. Campaign Kit! Our campaign kit can help you hit the ground running in collecting signatures from Ohio registered voters! .

To download the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), Instructions for Collecting Signatures and other informational materials, please click here.

B. Town Hall Meetings! Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by participating in a Coalition Meeting for your county!

Upcoming meetings for July include:

> Butler (July 10)
> Montgomery (July 24)
> Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull (July 28)

For dates, times and locations of all Town Hall Meetings (as they become confirmed), please click here.

C. Signature Gatherings! Participate in some great events where you can meet and talk with Ohio voters!

For dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings please click here. (Scroll down the page, past Town Hall Meetings!)

3. Join our Facebook group, Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions!

We invite you to join the over 2,150 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

Thanks everyone for continuing to serve as a strong voice for ALL animals!
County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 07/01/10 Percent of Goal
Adams 8,685 261 17 6.51%
Allen 36,229 1,087 3 0.28%
Ashland 19,355 581 30 5.16%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 7 0.69%
Athens 19,840 595 118 19.83%
Auglaize 16,907 507 3 0.59%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Brown 14,044 421 6 1.43%
Butler 115,895 3,477 159 4.57%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Champaign 14,264 428 5 1.17%
Clark 49,056 1,472 15 1.02%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 158 8.10%
Clinton 12,646 379 5 1.32%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 44 4.05%
Coshocton 13,408 402 421 104.73%
Crawford 16,744 502 28 5.58%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 7,073 51.92%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 316 16.26%
Erie 30,106 903 15 1.66%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 140 8.64%
Fayette 8,402 252 3 1.19%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 2,351 20.99%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Gallia 10,165 305 2 0.66%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 485 41.31%
Greene 59,113 1,773 8 0.45%
Guernsey 13,375 401 8 2.00%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 610 7.07%
Hancock 25,675 770 253 32.86%
Hardin 9,723 292 16 5.48%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Highland 13,158 395 2 0.51%
Hocking 9,860 296 337 113.85%
Holmes 8,108 243 15 6.17%
Huron 18,917 568 13 2.29%
Jackson 10,423 313 231 73.80%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Knox 20,780 623 30 4.82%
Lake 88,006 2,640 620 23.48%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Licking 59,051 1,772 120 6.77%
Logan 16,080 482 31 6.43%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 844 27.96%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 80 1.87%
Madison 13,441 403 53 13.15%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 47 1.64%
Marion 21,691 651 27 4.15%
Medina 65,511 1,965 295 15.01%
Meigs 7,707 231 14 6.06%
Mercer 15,646 469 2 0.43%
Miami 37,054 1,112 26 2.34%
Monroe 6,066 182 26 14.29%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 161 2.84%
Morgan 5,516 165 14 8.48%
Morrow 12,575 377 49 13.00%
Muskingum 28,719 862 19 2.20%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Ottawa 17,207 516 5 0.97%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Perry 11,291 339 10 2.95%
Pickaway 17,960 539 175 32.47%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Portage 54,970 1,649 161 9.76%
Preble 15,553 467 3 0.64%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Richland 45,799 1,374 713 51.89%
Ross 23,839 715 14 1.96%
Sandusky 22,736 682 3 0.44%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Stark 139,414 4,182 1,578 37.73%
Summit 197,747 5,932 792 13.35%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 30 1.23%
Tuscarawas 31,585 948 433 45.68%
Union 16,877 506 55 10.87%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 16 12.03%
Warren 68,091 2,043 40 1.96%
Washington 22,788 684 3 0.44%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 127 10.99%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%
Wood 45,616 1,368 16 1.17%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%
All Counties 4,022,754 120,682 19,538 16.19%

ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF DOG CLUBS AND OWNERS

2010-06-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Permission to cross post:

Attention:

It has happened here in Illinois. A Senior Investigator and her armed escort from the Illinois Department of Revenue Bureau of Criminal Investigations has shown up on the door steps of a person who holds a Kennel License in Illinois demanding to see their dog sales records and accusing them of criminal wrongdoing. The investigator knew exactly how many dogs this person had sold in the past 36 months. What they didn't know is that most of the dogs sold by this individual were sold to out of state clients, so no sales tax needed be collected on over 75% of their dog sales. This is not a puppy mill operation. This is a breeder of over 30 years who has quality dogs, shows dogs, and has a boarding kennel. They are just like you or I. The Investigator forced this individual to show up in Springfield, obtain a sales tax license for the sale of general merchandise and then proceeded to go thru their records from the Department of Agriculture for the past 3 years. By the end of the day, they had to pay all back sales taxes, fines and interest on their fines.

>We had heard last year that the Illinois Department of Revenue had requested a list of all individuals who were licensed as dog breeders in the state from the Department of Agriculture - I guess it is true. This person was made an example. They were told that they were being made an example and others would soon follow.

>A person at the Department of Revenue told this individual that they had been instructed to bleed anyone to get money as the state is so broke.

>What can you do? If someone knocks on your door and shows you a business card or a badge, have them wait outside and you should call your accountant and or your lawyer. Don't do anything without legal representation. Think about only selling your dogs out of state - so that no sales tax needs to be collected. Once they knock on your door, the statue of limitations is 3 years that they can request your records.

Steve Hayden
President, IFDCO

Subject: SIGNATURE GATHERINGS! Ohio Dog Auctions Act (2011 Ballot Initiative)

2010-06-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

July 1 is just around the corner, and this represents a critical turning point for our signature drive in support of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act!

Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens to gather a goal of a MINIMUM of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2011. As of June 1, we have collected 15,472 signatures from Ohio registered voters, representing 12.82% of our MINIMUM goal!

Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio -we have until December 1, 2010! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

1. Wednesay, June 23 - Sunday, June 27, 2010 - Medina Old Fashioned Days
Wednesday, June 23 - Friday, June 25 (5 PM - 11 PM)
Saturday, June 26 (1 PM - 11 PM)
Sunday, June 27 (2 PM - 9 PM)
Brunswick High School - 3553 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212
R.S.V.P. by Monday, June 21 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Old Fashioned Days (OFD) is the largest annual event held in the City of Brunswick and the second largest in Medina County. It takes place over 5 days and draws around 20,000 guests. OFD is a Not-For-Profit community organization. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

2. Friday, June 25 - Sunday, June 27, 2010 - 2010 Community Festival
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Goodale Park - 120 West Gooddale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, June 23 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Join hundreds of citizens to help prioritize voter registration, education and mobilization. Voting is the bedrock of participatory democracy, so nurturing smarter, more committed voters is a way of helping advance all progressive causes, including the Ohio Dog Auctions Act. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

3. Saturday, June 26, 2010 - Sunrise Animal Sanctuary For the Animals
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
16730 Martin Welch Rd - Marysville, OH 43040
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, June 10 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help support the wonderful work of Sunrise Animal Sanctuary! Silent auctions, rescue groups, live music and more!

THE COALITION WILL HAVE A BOOTH! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

4. Saturday, June 26 - Sunday, June 27, 2010 - The Pet Party
Saturday, June 26 (11 AM - 10 PM)
Sunday, June 27 (11 AM - 10 PM)
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds - 164 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017-2066
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, June 23 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Come join us for an exciting event for pet lovers of all ages! The Pet Party will be the premiere pet event of the year, showcasing pet suppliers and animal-related organizations, animal experts and the opportunity to adopt a new member of the family. Exciting attractions, contests, kids' activities, food and music are sure to attract a large crowd during two days of furry fun!

THE COALITION WILL HAVE A BOOTH! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

5. Saturday, June 26, 2010 - Cleveland Pride
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Voinovich Bicentennial Park - 800 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, June 24 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help promote equality through unity! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

5. Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 10, 2010 - Shelby SummerFEST
Friday, July 9 (4 PM - 10 PM)
Saturday, July 10 (12 PM - 9 PM)
Downtown Shelby - Mansfield, OH 44875
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, July 7 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Presented by Shelby Chamber of Commerce, the 19th Annual Shelby SummerFEST offers musical entertainment, delectable foods, a Kidddie Royalty Contest, a variety of local artists and a parade!

This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

6. Friday, July 16 - Sunday, July 18, 2010 - Akron Humane Society's Hudson Wine Festival
Friday, July 16 (6 PM - 10 PM)
Saturday, July 17 (1 PM - 9 PM)
Sunday, July 18 (1 PM - 6 PM)
First & Main Shopping District - 101 Village Way, Hudson, OH 44236
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, July 14 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Presented by Summit Charitable Events Foundation, the third annual Hudson Wine Festival will take place July 16 - 18, 2010 and will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Akron (HSGA). The festival will kick-off Friday night with a V.I.P. event where guests will be treated to mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres, along with premium wine tastings and a silent auction. The main festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday under tents along Village Way in the First & Main shopping district. Showcasing over 250 wines from local, national and international producers, guests will also enjoy musical entertainment, delectable foods, seminars, a variety of local artists and raffles throughout the weekend.

This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

7. Saturday, July 17, 2010 - Bark at the Blues- 5K Walk/Jog with your Dog
Races begin at 8 AM
Blues Creek Preserve - 9627 Fontanelle Road, Ostrander, OH 44022
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, July 15 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Enjoy a run, race walk, family fun run, and all sorts of agility obstacles for your canine loved ones! Proceeds benefit local animal rescue agencies and Preservation Parks of Delaware County. Socialized, leashed dogs welcome. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

8. Saturday, July 31, 2010 - Alum Creek Dog Park Pup-A-Palooza
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Alum Creek Dog Park - Lewis Center, OH, 43035
R.S.V.P. by Friday, June 4 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Silent auctions, rescue groups, live music and more!

THE COALITION WILL HAVE A BOOTH! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

A. JANUARY - DECEMBER, 2010 - POSITIVELY CLEVELAND 2010 MAJOR EVENTS (Northeast, OH)!

Click here for the 2010 schedule - > http://www.positivelycleveland.com/pdf/current_major_events.pdf.

These are great opportunities to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

B. MAY - NOVEMBER, 2010 - OHIO CAR SHOWS!
R.S.V.P. to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Click here for the 2010 schedule - > http://www.runwalkjog.com/carshowstoday/Ohio.htm.

In addition to loving their cars, attendees at these shows are very animal friendly voters. Some favorites include:

Saturdays - Laurel Square in Brunswick
Sundays - Quaker Steak off I-90 in Sheffield; also Cole Lake in Berea
Mondays - Nancy's Diner on Rt. 57 in Grafton
Tuesdays - IGA on Rt. 81 in Columbia Station; also Baker's Square at Southland
Wednesday - Carrie Cerino's in North Royalton
Fridays - Andy Sims dealership on Broadview

These are great opportunities to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

For a list of all Signature Gatherings! for our ballot initiative, please click here - > http://banohiodogauctions.com/Events_02UZ.html.

Mary O'Connor-Shaver

OFODC Members

2010-06-04T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hi All
The OFODC's website is up for renewal and we wanted to get opinion on if the members feel we should renew at $60 for the next year or let it drop.

We do have this blog we are currently using for free which is where we have been posting all of the updates.

If we do drop our website we will just need to get a new email address.. Please send your thoughts to info@ofodc.org so that we can get an idea on whether we need to renew the website.

Ohio Dog Auction Update

2010-06-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on September 25 and over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block. Now is the time to send a strong message to our state legislators that dog auctions are an embarrassment to Ohio and its humane minded citizens, and voters and taxpayers are committed to supporting a 2011 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

In the News!

If you haven't done so already, we invite you to read these latest articles highlighting our 2011 ballot initiative campaign:

05/27/10 - Philly Dawg - PAR 2: TV report exposes conditions at Ohio dog auction
05/27/10 - Philly Dawg - TV report exposes conditions at Ohio dog auction

05/25/10 - WHAS11 - I-Team Investigation: Inside the multi-million dollar business of dog auctions - Part 2

05/25/10 - WHAS 11 - I-Team Investigation: Inside the multi-million dollar business of dog auctions - Part 1

05/19/10 - Westlake/Bay Village Observer - Help end Ohio puppy mills: Ban Ohio Dog Auctions ballot initiative needs your help!
05/10/10 - The Times Reporter - Coalition against dog auctions finds ally
04/29/10 - The Lantern (Ohio State University) - Dog treatment a concern, but especially in Ohio

For a complete listing of media releases relating to our ballot initiative, please click here.

USDA Report!

An internal government report has confirmed 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.

The investigators visited 68 dog and dog brokers in eight states breeders (included 12 audit sites in Ohio, of which 58% were located in Holmes and Tuscarawas counties) that had been cited for at least one violation in the previous three years. On those visits, they found that first-time violators were rarely penalized, even for more serious violations, and repeat offenders were often let off the hook as well. The agency also gave some breeders a second chance to correct their actions even when they found animals dying or suffering, delaying confiscation of the animals.

To review the findings and a copy of the report, please click here.

August 21 Peaceful Rally against the Ohio Dog Auction!

GET READY TO SERVE AS A STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS!

Following our very successful peaceful rally in Millersburg on May 22, animal advocates are ready to stand united against the Ohio Dog Auction in Holmes County!

DATE:

Sat., August 21, 2010

TIME:

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

LOCATION:

Route 39 - Holmes County, OH (details of exact rally location will be mailed under separate cover)

Media coverage of the Ohio Dog Auctions and their relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness has been extensive, and any of our protesting rescuers are committed to initiating humane reform at county pounds and shelters, and they are ready to assist the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions in initiating positive change through their ballot campaign (Ohio Dog Auctions Act).

For details on the Rally (as they becomes confirmed), please click here.

Just 183 days remaining until December 1!

As of June 1, a total of 15,472 signatures have been collected of the minimum 120,700 signatures required. 296 volunteer Petition Circulators have raised awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 72 counties.

Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens and starting to gather a goal of a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2011.

Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio -we have until December 1, 2010! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

· Campaign Kits! Our campaign kit to help gather signatures contains a media release, an informational sheet on the top questions (with answers) everyone needs to know on Ohio dog auctions and an informational sheet on best strategies in helping to raise awareness and gather signatures from registered voters.

To download these and other informational materials, including a copy of the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), please click here.

· Town Hall Meetings! Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by participating in a Town Hall Meeting for your county!

For dates, times and locations (as they become confirmed), please click here.

· Signature Gathering! With over 120,700 signatures needed for the Initiative Petition to be placed on the 2011 ballot, much help is needed from volunteers!

For dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings (as they become confirmed), please click here.

Ohio Voters against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions!

If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 2,130 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

Sign the Care 2 Petition Letter to the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors!

Get motivated and get involved! We need many voices to serve as a strong voice against the Ohio Dog Auctions! Sign the Care 2 Petition Letter which will be presented to the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors following our USA Today article scheduled to be published in early June. Our goal is 3,000 signatures!

To sign the Care 2 Petition Letter, please click here.

Thanks everyone for continuing to serve as a strong voice for the animals! Don't forget to honor our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day!

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 06/01/10 Percent of Goal
Adams 8,685 261 17 6.51%
Allen 36,229 1,087 3 0.28%
Ashland 19,355 581 25 4.30%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 7 0.69%
Athens 19,840 595 118 19.83%
Auglaize 16,907 507 3 0.59%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Brown 14,044 421 6 1.43%
Butler 115,895 3,477 159 4.57%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Champaign 14,264 428 4 0.93%
Clark 49,056 1,472 9 0.61%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 148 7.59%
Clinton 12,646 379 4 1.06%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 3 0.28%
Coshocton 13,408 402 421 104.73%
Crawford 16,744 502 3 0.60%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 5,889 43.23%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 314 16.16%
Erie 30,106 903 15 1.66%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 138 8.52%
Fayette 8,402 252 3 1.19%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 2,305 20.58%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Gallia 10,165 305 2 0.66%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 485 41.31%
Greene 59,113 1,773 6 0.34%
Guernsey 13,375 401 8 2.00%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 535 6.20%
Hancock 25,675 770 253 32.86%
Hardin 9,723 292 16 5.48%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Highland 13,158 395 2 0.51%
Hocking 9,860 296 337 113.85%
Holmes 8,108 243 15 6.17%
Huron 18,917 568 4 0.70%
Jackson 10,423 313 231 73.80%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Knox 20,780 623 28 4.49%
Lake 88,006 2,640 537 20.34%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Licking 59,051 1,772 114 6.43%
Logan 16,080 482 7 1.45%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 736 24.38%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 80 1.87%
Madison 13,441 403 47 11.66%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 6 0.21%
Marion 21,691 651 27 4.15%
Medina 65,511 1,965 232 11.81%
Meigs 7,707 231 14 6.06%
Mercer 15,646 469 2 0.43%
Miami 37,054 1,112 26 2.34%
Monroe 6,066 182 2 1.10%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 117 2.06%
Morgan 5,516 165 14 8.48%
Morrow 12,575 377 18 4.77%
Muskingum 28,719 862 19 2.20%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Ottawa 17,207 516 0 0.00%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Perry 11,291 339 10 2.95%
Pickaway 17,960 539 173 32.10%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Portage 54,970 1,649 77 4.67%
Preble 15,553 467 3 0.64%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Richland 45,799 1,374 129 9.39%
Ross 23,839 715 14 1.96%
Sandusky 22,736 682 1 0.15%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Stark 139,414 4,182 764 18.27%
Summit 197,747 5,932 380 6.41%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 30 1.23%
Tuscarawas 31,585 948 126 13.29%
Union 16,877 506 49 9.68%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 16 12.03%
Warren 68,091 2,043 39 1.91%
Washington 22,788 684 3 0.44%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 119 10.29%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%
Wood 45,616 1,368 16 1.17%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%
All Counties 4,022,754 120,682 15,472 12.82%

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com

SAVE THIS DATE! May 22 Ohio Dog Auction (Farmerstown, OH) / Peaceful Rally

2010-05-20T03:50:00.001-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

Yesterday's undercover investigation of Petland on Animal Planet serves as a strong example of why we must continue to unite as a humane community in raising awareness of Ohio dog auctions and their relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness!

1. Sat., May 22, 2010 Ohio Dog Auction. Below is a summary of the 277 companions (138 males, 139 females, 1 possible add; includes a breeder from NC) expected to be placed on the auction block beginning this Saturday at approximately 10:00 AM:

PUPPIES DOGS FROM NC BREEDER OLDER DOGS ALL PUPPIES AND DOGS
BREED Males Females Males Female Males Females Males Females TOTAL
Bichon 0 4 0 4 4
Boston Terrier 1 4 1 4 5
Cairn Terrier 1 0 1 0 1
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 1 0 1 0 1
Chihuahua 3 1 2 5 5 6 11
Cocker Spaniel 1 4 1 4 5
Dachshund 0 1 17 4 0 5 17 10 27
French Bulldog 1 0 1 0 1
German Shorthaired Pointer 2 0 2 0 2
Havanese 1 0 0 1 1 1 2
Keeshond 0 1 0 1 1
Maltese 8 7 5 11 2 3 15 21 36
Miniature Dachshund 1 1 1 1 2
Miniature Pincher 0 1 0 1 1
Miniature Schnauzer 0 1 0 1 1
Mixed Breeds 0 5 6 3 0 4 6 12 18
Mountain Cur 1 1 1 1 2
Papillon 27 22 1 0 28 22 50
Pekingese 7 1 7 7 14 8 22
Pomeranian 6 1 1 0 7 1 8
Poodle (no classification) 2 2 2 2 4
Shih Tzu 7 4 1 6 8 10 18
Silky Terrier 0 2 0 2 2
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 1 4 0 2 1 6 7
West Highland White 0 1 0 1 1
Yorkshire Terrier 10 2 11 0 4 18 25 20 45
TOTAL 45 27 73 47 20 65 138 139 277

You may be interested to know that a 2009 report issued by the USDA has confirmed Ohio ranks seventh among the top 10 states with the largest number of USDA Class A licensed commercial breeders:

1. MO - 1,370

2. OK - 498

3. IA - 322

4. AR - 308 (ranked 5th in 2008)

5. KS - 291 (ranked 4th in 2008)

6. PA - 202
7. OH - 161 (a 400% increase in the number of Class A licensed "commercial" breeders just six years ago!)

8. NE - 142

9. SD - 102 (ranked 10th in 2008)

10. TX - 91 (ranked 9th in 2008)

*To view copies of USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Reports, click here.
**To view a summary of state puppy mill laws, click here.

2. Peaceful Rally Against the May 22 Ohio Dog Auction. Get ready to serve as a strong voice for the dogs on May 22!

Following our very successful regionwide rally at the Licking County Pound in Heath, Ohio - attended by 250 humane advocates - we're ready to stand united against the Ohio Dog Auction in Holmes county!

DATE:

Sat., May 22, 2010

TIME:

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

LOCATION:

Holmes County Fairgrounds - 8381 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654

Website: click here for directions

(Per the instructions of the Holmes County Sheriff's Department, we need to ensure we stand approximately six feet of the roadside and do not block any cars from entering the Fairgrounds.)

ATTIRE:

Since May 22 could bring rain and/or a dip in temperatures, be sure to dress accordingly!

SIGNS:

PLEASE BRING SIGNS! Signs with pictures of dogs from Ohio dog auctions (feel free to use any of the pictures on the www.BanOhioDogActions.com website) with the text, "Support the Ohio Dog Auctions Act" and "Ban Ohio Dog Auctions" enlarged to 13 X 17 on a home photo printer, or as large as you can get them without being blurry, are very effective for this peaceful rally.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

Media coverage of the Ohio Dog Auctions and their relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness has been extensive, and as with the rally in Heath, many of our protesting rescuers are committed to initiating humane reform at county pounds and shelters. We are ready to assist the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions in initiating positive change through their ballot campaign (Ohio Dog Auctions Act).

1. 03/31/10 - The Budget - Ban Ohio Dog Auction group met with opposition in Holmes county - > http://www.thebudgetnewspaper.com/Article.php?ArchiveID=1619

2. 04/06/10 - 19 Action News - Ohio Dog Auction Act - > http://www.woio.com/Global/story.asp?S=12263030

3. 04/16/10 - The Daily Record - Anti-auction dog group plans meeting, but can't find place to have it - > http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/4809831

4. 04/22/10 - The Times Reporter - SPECIAL REPORT: Dog auction ban sparks passion on both sides of issue. Pro: Coalition hoping to put an end to dog auctions, raffles - > http://www.timesreporter.com/newsnow/x932349674/SPECIAL-REPORT-Dog-auction-ban-sparks-passion-on-both-sides-of-issue

5. 04/22/10 - The Times Reporter - SPECIAL REPORT: Dog auction ban sparks passion on both sides of issue. Con: Breeders stepping forward to defend their practices - > http://www.timesreporter.com/newsnow/x57962980/Special-Report-Dog-auction-ban-sparks-passion-on-both-sides-of-issue

6. 04/28/10 - The Times Reporter - Coalition meeting cancelled - > http://www.timesreporter.com/topstories/x932359146/Coalition-meeting-cancelled

Please visit the Campaigns page of http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com for more information on this rally!

3. Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 2,000 voices who have become members of our FaceBook 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.

RESERVE THIS DATE! May 22 - Peaceful Rally Against the Ohio Dog Auction! (Holmes County, OH)]

2010-04-30T15:17:00.001-07:00

Our efforts to reschedule the Holmes County - Coalition Meeting on the Ohio Dog Auctions Act from its original date of March 27, has been met with a tremendous amount of resistance from business owners who have expressed concern of "backlash" from members of the Ohio Professional Dog Breeders Association and Ohio Association of Animal Owners, both groups who oppose the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.

Despite a growing level of support and publicity for our state-wide ballot initiative campaign from residents within Holmes and surrounding counties, many of these business owners have expressed concerns they will be threatened and harassed should they extend an opportunity for the Coalition to hold an informational meeting on their private property. As shared recently by one local resident:

"Holmes County has Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse issues, ESPECIALLY on the Eastern side. Anyone that wants to dispute that, Get your head out of the sand and read your Daily Record. These are the same "people" (Eastern Holmes County) that have the majority of puppy mills. I am so glad this issue has been exposed."

Because of this, we are more committed than ever to raising awareness of the animal cruelty, consumer fraud and corruption associated with the Ohio Dog Auctions, and we will continue to aggressively pursue all avenues to ensure passage of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com

LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Please visit our Home page for pending legislation impacting the welfare of OH animals - http://www.columbustopdogs.com/

The trouble with dog limits

2010-04-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Something for us all to think about, especially in these days of raids and
seizures. Permission to forward has been granted.

From: Walt Hutchens
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 11:51 AM
To: VA-Pet-Law@yahoogroups.com

Pet limit laws are the most common reason for hiding a breeding
program. While they're usually passed with the intent to prevent
nuisances, their real effect is probably the reverse and they cause
other problems as well.

You can't have a real program with a three or four-pet limit, so when
such a law passes or a breeder accidentally moves his ten-dog program
to a place that has a limit, his reaction may be "Well, I'll just keep
most of them inside most of the time. They won't make any trouble,
they don't bark, so who will care?"

Part of hiding, however, is not allowing the general public to visit
his home to select a puppy and meet that puppy's parents. Instead the
breeder takes one or more puppies to some public area and the purchase
is done there. That itself is illegal in an increasing number of
places..

Then the breeder doesn't have other breeders in his home. Maybe he
meets them out front to go to shows together or maybe it's at the
local Wal-Mart parking lot.

Neighbors, of course, are not invited in.

And what's the result? The breeder, especially if he or she lives alone,
no longer has feedback on the conditions in his home and kennel area.
"I need to clean that up NOW" may become "after lunch," then
"when the weather is warmer," and ultimately "one of these days."
Hey, it doesn't bother ME and it doesn't hurt the animals, so what's the
big deal? A faint odor builds to a stench but the workings of our noses
are such that a constant smell is no longer noticed.

THEN -- one more thing happens: A plumber comes to fix a leaking pipe,
a puppy buyer gets mad, or the downwind neighbor CAN smell your place,
and animal control is called. Our laws were originally written to
protect animals but they are now often applied to cases of 'aggravated
bad housekeeping.' No animals are in immediate danger but you are not
meeting the standard of 'adequate shelter, adequately cleaned,' as
interpreted by the young ACO, who 'just loves animals.' The court won't
make any distinction: Your animals -- and your entire breeding program
-- are gone, along with some multiple of $10,000 of your money, your
reputation, and (often) the legal right to sell an animal, perhaps
even to own one, ever again.

Current enforcement of current animal laws rarely allows room for any
imperfection. Seriously bad housekeeping (with no animals harmed) that
probably should be handled with "I'm going to be back in a few days
and if this isn't cleaned up then I'm going to start writing
citations" may very well make you a former dog owner and a criminal,
and hand you a lifetime punishment.

If you are filing your federal taxes on the basis of your dogs being a
business, you are at even greater risk because in many states,
that declaration will trickle down to your county or city
and you may be required to get a business license. If you have a
business license (or it can be proven that you SHOULD have one) you
probably have to obey an even stricter set of laws with even less
protection for animal ownership.

For example, in Virginia, if animal control doesn't like the way you are
keeping your pets and you are a hobby breeder or a pet owner, they can
seize only dogs that are in immediate danger -- io such bad shape that they
might actually die soon. If you are running a pet-related business, they can
seize
ALL your dogs whether there's anything wrong with them or not.
All they have to do is say that the conditions were unsatisfactory.

That pet-limit law was intended to head off animal
nuisances, but the way it interacts with humans and the human
situation -- very few of us can afford to move to a remote area during
our working lifetimes -- tends to promote not just a nuisance, but a
human (and often, animal) tragedy.

While the problem is clear enough, I don't have a complete answer. One
partial answer is that hiding from the law is a very slippery slope
indeed and if you do it, you need to stay focused on exactly WHAT you
are hiding. Once it gets beyond 'too many dogs,' you and your dogs are
seriously at risk and in today's environment it's closer to 'when are
you going to get zapped,' than 'will you ...'

Take a look around: What is the WORST anyone could say or think about
conditions in your home/kennel right now? That IS what they'll say in
front of the judge, and he will believe THEM, not you.

Food for thought ...

Walt Hutchens
Timbreblue Whippets
www.timbreblue.com
Virginia

ACTION ALERT! We Need Your "NO" Vote in the The Daily Record Poll!

2010-04-26T06:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

Your concerns regarding the Ohio dog auctions are being heard throughout Holmes County! Because of this, we are being flooded with letters and calls of support!

Please take a moment to vote NO in the latest poll being conducted by the newspaper, The Daily Record: "Should dog auctions be allowed to operate?"

A NO vote means you are AGAINST the Ohio dog auctions! The current poll reflects 88% of readers voting NO!

We need you to vote! Holmes county leaders are watching the results of this survey!

Here's the link in which to vote NO - > http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/index/1600
(You will need to scroll down this page until you see on the right hand side the box labled POLL. This box will be located under the Buehler's Fresh Foods advertsiement with the dancing pineapple).

Thanks so much for your support! Please crosspost this poll via Facebook, Twitter and email to all your family, friends and co-workers!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.LostPetUSA.net

AKC Legislative Alert- Ask the Ohio House of Representatives to Repeal BSL!

2010-04-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

Ask the Ohio House of Representatives to Repeal BSL!

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4095

[Thursday, April 15, 2010]

House Bill 79, sponsored by Representative Barbara Sears of Lucas County, removes the term "pit bull" from Ohio's statutory definition of dangerous dogs. All Ohio residents are encouraged to contact the Speaker of the House and their legislators to ask them to support this important measure and end 20 years of discrimination against responsible dog owners in Ohio.

Ohio is currently the only state to have enacted statewide breed-specific laws. The current law states that if a dog "belongs to a breed that is commonly known as a pit bull", then it is automatically considered vicious and dangerous. Owners of these dogs must submit reports to the board of health and county dog warden whenever there is a transfer of ownership.

Breed-specific language in state law has also enabled local Ohio municipalities to enact strict ordinances regarding ownership of "pit bulls" and has led to the ban and euthanasia of numerous dogs in communities throughout the state.

The American Kennel Club strongly supports House Bill 79 and recognizes that dangerous dogs should be defined by their deeds, not their breed. The AKC urges communities to establish a fair process by which specific dogs may be identified as "dangerous" based on stated, measurable actions, impose appropriate penalties on irresponsible owners, and establish a well-defined method for dealing with dogs proven to be dangerous.

The AKC strongly opposes any legislation that determines a dog to be "dangerous" based on its breed or type, and applauds the Ohio representatives who seek to remove this discriminatory language from state law. The AKC encourages Ohioans to contact their legislators and members of the House Agriculture committee and ask them to support this measure.

Read AKC talking points on breed-specific legislation.
Read AKC article "Why Breed-Specific Legislation Doesn't Work".

How You Can Help

· Contact the Ohio Speaker of the House, and respectfully ask that he allow the House of Representatives to consider House Bill 79. His contact information is as follows:

Speaker Armond Budish
77 S. High Street, 14th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 466-5441
Fax: (614) 719-0008
E-mail: district08@ohr.state.oh.us

Contact your state legislators and ask them to support House Bill 79 and request that leadership allow them to vote on this bill. Visit the Ohio General Assembly's web site to find the names and contact information for your legislators.
For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.

American Kennel Club Government Relations Department

8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100

Raleigh, North Carolina 27617

Phone: (919) 816-3720

Fax: (919) 816-4275

AKC Legislative Alert: ANOTHER MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCE INTRODUCED IN NEW ORLEANS

2010-04-16T04:22:00.000-07:00

To view a full copy of this alert, go to http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4094.)

In a purported effort to address three recent well-publicized dog bite incidents in New Orleans, a new mandatory spay/neuter ordinance proposal has been introduced in the New Orleans City Council. It seeks to require all dogs be sterilized by six months of age or require their owners to purchase a costly annual intact dog permit. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes the ordinance, and encourages all responsible dog owners in New Orleans to contact the City Council and respectfully yet strongly urge them to vote down this proposal.

Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, sponsor of the current proposal, introduced a similar mandatory spay/neuter ordinance last year to address funding inadequacies of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LaSPCA), which enforces the city's animal control laws. That proposal did not pass the Council.

If enacted, the new ordinance will impose many new unreasonable requirements on responsible dog owners in New Orleans, which include:

Requiring all dogs six months of age or older (with few exceptions) to be spayed or neutered or require owners to purchase an annual intact dog permit. Mandatory spay/neuter ordinances have not been effective anywhere they have been adopted. In fact, in many cases the euthanization rates in surrounding areas have declined faster than those areas with mandatory spay/neuter policies. Additionally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have both issued policy statements in the past year stating that mandatory spay/neuter policies are not effective. Enforcement of existing law, including leash and confinement laws, is a better alternative that does not discriminate against responsible, law-abiding dog owners.

Limiting female dogs from whelping more than one litter per year, or whelping a litter if the female is younger than 18-months of age. The AKC opposes any arbitrary limitation on the responsible breeding of purebred dogs, and believes health and reproduction decisions are best made by owners in consultation with their dogs' veterinarian.

Imposing significant fines for those who are found to be in violation of the ordinance, with the income from the fines to be used to further finance the LaSPCA's animal control efforts. The AKC believes that the cost of enforcement of the ordinance will be far greater than any revenues gained through fines or fees assessed. Further, New Orleans may experience a significant drop in licensing compliance rates and revenues similar to other cities where mandatory spay/neuter laws have been enacted. It could also lead owners to avoid proper veterinary care and vaccinations for their dogs in order to avoid detection.

The American Kennel Club opposes mandatory spay/neuter laws. Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously. Additionally, we strongly support and actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

The Government Relations Department has received word that the ordinance is likely to be voted on at its next meeting on Thursday, April 22. The AKC strongly encourages all responsible dog breeders and owners in New Orleans to contact the current members of the New Orleans City Council. Respectfully let them know that you oppose the mandatory spay/neuter proposal, and urge them to vote against it.

Council President Arnie Fielkow (At-Large)
City Hall, Room 2W40
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1060
Fax: (504) 658-1068
afielkow@cityofno.com

Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson (At-Large)
City Hall, Room 2W50
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1070
Fax: (504) 658-1077
jbclarkson@cityofno.com

Councilwoman Shelley Midura (District A)
City Hall, Room 2W80
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1010
Fax: (504) 658-1016
smidura@cityofno.com

Councilwoman Stacy Head (District B)
City Hall, Room 2W10
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1020
Fax: (504) 658-1025
shead@cityofno.com

Councilman James Carter (District C)
City Hall, Room 2W70
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1030
Fax: (504) 658-1037
jcarter@cityofno.com

Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) - ordinance sponsor
City Hall, Room 2W20
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1040
Fax: (504) 658-1048
chmorrell@cityofno.com

Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E)
City Hall, Room 2W60
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-1050
Fax: (504) 658-1058
cwlewis@cityofno.com

Coalition Meeting

2010-04-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

It is with deep regret that we must cancel our Holmes County - Coalition Meeting on the Ohio Dog Auctions Act scheduled for Saturday, April 17.

Our efforts to reschedule this meeting from its original date of March 27, has been met with a tremendous amount of resistance from business owners who have expressed concern of "backlash" from members of the Professional Dog Breeders Association and Ohio Association of Animal Owners, both groups who oppose the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.

(For a fair and balanced reporting of what took place during the canceled March 27 meeting, we invite you to read the article, Ban Ohio Dog Auction group met with opposition in Holmes county, published by Local Editor, Beverly Keller, of The Budget.)

Despite a growing level of support and publicity for our state-wide ballot initiative campaign from residents within Holmes and surrounding counties, many of these business owners have expressed concerns they will be threatened and harassed should they extend an opportunity for the Coalition to hold an informational meeting on their private property.

A very special "two paws up" to Committee Member, Veronica Dickey, who has worked diligently since the March 27 cancellation in attempting to secure a new meeting location. To gain a better appreciation for what she has faced, we invite you to read the following:

Ø March 29. Reservation for a meeting room is requested at the Hotel Millersburg. Though the co-owner expressed concern over "the minor incident that occurred at the public library", he agrees to host a breakfast meeting in a private room for 15, even suggesting the larger room which would be more accommodating. On April 5, an email is received canceling the reservation. In the email, the owner states concern over the Coalition advertising the event and his inability to accommodate what he suspects will be "too large a crowd for such a small establishment." Though Veronica reassures him everyone is required to RSVP and seating will be limited to 25 attendees, the co-owner continues to express that although he feels the Coalition is "a harmless, respectable group, it is the people who oppose you that I am concerned about. We are a small, local place in the middle of downtown Millersburg, and I am afraid your opposition will come and protest outside my hotel."

Ø April 5. Reservation for a meeting room is requested at the Berlin Hickory Smokehouse. The manager, Samantha Anderson, readily agrees to serve the Coalition a special breakfast (to include a vegetarian entrée), open up the restaurant earlier to accommodate the meeting time and allow attendees to enter through the back door, normally reserved for the employees. On April 13, a call is received canceling the reservation. Ms Anderson states she has learned about what happened at the Millersburg Library and "just doesn't feel comfortable." She continues to express "You would do the same thing if you owned this restaurant; we have to live here in this small town, and deal with the locals, what else do you expect us to do?"

Ø April 13. Reservation for a meeting room was requested at the Comfort Suites Berlin, a franchise of Choice Hotels International. Confirmation is received from the hotel reservations agent that a meeting room is confirmed for the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. On April 14, an email is received from hotel manager, Kent Miller, canceling the reservation: "Dear Veronica, I called and left a message also to inform you that we will be unable to host your group at the Comfort Suites Berlin. Your will not be able to meet here. Thank you" (actual text of e-mail). Following receipt of that message, no further explanation is given to any member of the Coalition or reporter Nick Sabo, who is writing a story on the state-wide campaign for publication in tomorrow's issue of The Daily Record.

Following this experience in Holmes County, it is our firm belief that those who live in Holmes County and are opposed to the Ohio Dog Auctions Act are running scared because the humane community is uniting as one voice for the dogs! Because of this, we are more committed than ever to raising awareness of the animal cruelty, consumer fraud and corruption associated with the Ohio Dog Auctions, and we will continue to aggressively pursue all avenues to ensure passage of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act!

As expressed recently by one of our favorite supporters:

"Animal advocates are not defeated. If anyone thinks that we are going to stop agitating, they had better think again. If anyone thinks that we are going to stop litigating, they had better close the courts. If anyone thinks that we are not going to demonstrate and protest, they had better roll up the sidewalks."

Get Political for Ohio's Animals in 2010! Holmes County leaders need to hear your voice! We encourage you to express your concerns and thoughts to all of these business establishments, as well as the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce! Below is important contact information for each which can be accessed by clicking on the links:

Hotel Millersburg

Berlin Hickory Smokehouse

Comfort Suites Berlin

Choice Hotels International

Holmes County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (It is of particular interest to note that Mr. Miller serves as Vice President and Tourism Liaison!)

************
SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear XXXXX:

As an Ohio resident and voter, I am appalled at the blatant discrimination exercised by your business to supporters of the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. Because of this, please be rest assured I will not visit nor purchase any products and services from your establishment, and I will be asking the same from all my friends, family and co-workers.

Sincereley,

(Name)
(Address)
(City, State and Zip)

************
As always, thanks in advance for your continued dedication and support of our campaign!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.LostPetUSA.net

Next Dog Auction

2010-04-06T05:24:00.001-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on May 22 (“Back to the Kennel”) and over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block. Now is the time to send a strong message to our state legislators that dog auctions are an embarrassment to Ohio and its humane minded citizens, and voters and taxpayers are committed to supporting a 2011 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

In the News!

If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to read these latest articles highlighting our 2011 ballot initiative campaign:

> 03/31/10 - * The Budget - Ban Ohio Dog Auction group met with opposition in Holmes county
> 03/30/10 - Fox 19 Morning News - Puppy Mill Petition
> 03/28/10 - Mansfield News-Journal - Opinion Shapers: Animal cruelty, in all its forms, needs to end
> 03/19/10 - Sun Sentinel - Ballot issue could help end puppy mill activities
> 03/10/10 - Animal Law Coalition - The Ballot Initiative to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions - Watch What Happens
> 03/07/10 - The Free Press - Support the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions
> 03/05/10 - Fairfield Town Crier - Local groups join signature drive to stop dog auctions in Ohio
> 03/04/10 - Best Friends Animal Society (Puppies Aren't Products) – Sending a Message to Ohio Legislators on Dog Auctions

> 02/24/10 - The Jackson County Telegram - Local meeting slated on banning of dog auctions

> 02/21/10 - The Athens News Letter to the Editor - Support petition effort to make dog auctions and raffles illegal in Ohio

* As a side note, we received some disturbing reports from the March 27 Ohio Dog Auction which included dogs purchased by a rescue that had high fevers, infected gums, inflamed hips and broken legs. The veterinarian's report has been requested from the rescue, and we will provide you additional details on that case as they are received by the Coalition.

For a complete listing of media releases relating to our ballot initiative, please click here.

2010 Columbus Pet Expo!

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s 2010 Columbus Pet Expo was a HUGE success, and we exceeded our goal of 200 approved applications for pet adoptions! As expressed by Expo organizers, Steve, Teresa and Mythanne, "Columbus Pet Expo is a much stronger community event because of you. Thanks for making a difference!"

This year's Show also provided an excellent forum to help educate the public on issues and pending legislation impacting Ohio's animals. We are pleased to share that the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions received an OVERWHELMING “two paws up” from Ohio animal lovers and humane organizations across 65 counties in support of our 2011 ballot initiative campaign!

For a complete listing of those who support a ban on Ohio dog auctions, please click here.

April 10, 2010 – A Day to Get Political for Ohio’s Animals!

Get motivated and get involved! We need many voices to serve as a strong voice for Ohio’s animals!

Ø Lorain County – Coalition Meeting on the Ohio Dog Auctions Act

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Avon Lake Public Library - 32649 Electric Boulevard, Avon Lake, OH 44012-1669

R.S.V.P. to Anne Neumann at anne.wssc@yahoo.com

Ø Licking County – Woofstock ‘Stop the Howlacaust’ Rally and Protest

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Licking County Animal Shelter – 544 Dog Leg Road, Heath, OH 43056

R.S.V.P. to Sherry Drescher at sherrydrescher@hotmail.com

Our limited edition of I'm Getting Political for Ohio's Animals in 2010! T-shirts were a BIG seller during the 2010 Columbus Pet Expo, and because of their popularity, we will be offering this gear during the April 9-11, 2010 Everything Pets Expo in Cincinnati!

Just 244 days remaining until December 1!

As of April 1, a total of 10,297 signatures have been collected of the minimum 120,700 signatures required. 259 volunteer Petition Circulators have raised awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 65 counties.

Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens and starting to gather a goal of a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2011. Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio —we have until December 1, 2010! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

Campaign Kits! Our campaign kit to help gather signatures contains a media release, an informational sheet on the top questions (with answers) everyone needs to know on Ohio dog auctions and an informational sheet on best strategies in helping to raise awareness and gather signatures from registered voters. To download these and other informational materials, including a copy of the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), please click here.
Town Hall Meetings! Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by participating in a Town Hall Meeting for your county! For dates, times and locations (as they become confirmed), please click here.
Signature Gathering! With over 120,700 signatures needed for the Initiative Petition to be placed on the 2011 ballot, much help is needed from volunteers! For dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings (as they become confirmed), please click here.
Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions.

If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 1,850 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

Campaign Gear.

If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost 'Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions' gear to help raise awareness of the Ohio dog auctions (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, etc.), please visit the 'Contact Us' page of our website, www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.

Thanks everyone for your continued dedication to serving as a strong voice for the dogs!

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 04/01/10 Percent of Goal
Adams 8,685 261 14 5.36%
Allen 36,229 1,087 0 0.00%
Ashland 19,355 581 14 2.41%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 5 0.49%
Athens 19,840 595 114 19.16%
Auglaize 16,907 507 0 0.00%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Brown 14,044 421 1 0.24%
Butler 115,895 3,477 65 1.87%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Champaign 14,264 428 2 0.47%
Clark 49,056 1,472 1 0.07%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 31 1.59%
Clinton 12,646 379 0 0.00%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 2 0.18%
Coshocton 13,408 402 419 104.23%
Crawford 16,744 502 0 0.00%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 3,214 23.59%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 245 12.61%
Erie 30,106 903 10 1.11%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 120 7.41%
Fayette 8,402 252 1 0.40%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 2,040 18.22%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Gallia 10,165 305 0 0.00%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 304 25.89%
Greene 59,113 1,773 0 0.00%
Guernsey 13,375 401 2 0.50%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 162 1.88%
Hancock 25,675 770 249 32.34%
Hardin 9,723 292 13 4.45%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Highland 13,158 395 0 0.00%
Hocking 9,860 296 330 111.49%
Holmes 8,108 243 12 4.94%
Huron 18,917 568 3 0.53%
Jackson 10,423 313 103 32.91%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Knox 20,780 623 13 2.09%
Lake 88,006 2,640 346 13.11%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Licking 59,051 1,772 69 3.89%
Logan 16,080 482 7 1.45%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 523 17.32%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 78 1.82%
Madison 13,441 403 47 11.66%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 6 0.21%
Marion 21,691 651 27 4.15%
Medina 65,511 1,965 153 7.79%
Meigs 7,707 231 13 5.63%
Mercer 15,646 469 2 0.43%
Miami 37,054 1,112 26 2.34%
Monroe 6,066 182 2 1.10%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 101 1.78%
Morgan 5,516 165 14 8.48%
Morrow 12,575 377 18 4.77%
Muskingum 28,719 862 19 2.20%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Ottawa 17,207 516 0 0.00%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Perry 11,291 339 10 2.95%
Pickaway 17,960 539 173 32.10%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Portage 54,970 1,649 72 4.37%
Preble 15,553 467 3 0.64%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Richland 45,799 1,374 88 6.40%
Ross 23,839 715 14 1.96%
Sandusky 22,736 682 1 0.15%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Stark 139,414 4,182 306 7.32%
Summit 197,747 5,932 314 5.29%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 28 1.15%
Tuscarawas 31,585 948 44 4.64%
Union 16,877 506 49 9.68%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 14 10.53%
Warren 68,091 2,043 24 1.17%
Washington 22,788 684 0 0.00%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 115 9.95%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%
Wood 45,616 1,368 15 1.10%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%
All Counties 4,022,754 120,682 10,219 8.47%

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com

http://petnewsandviews.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/

http://www.LostPetUSA.net

Ban Dog Auctions

2010-04-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens and starting to gather a goal of a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to place a measure on the November 2011 ballot. We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

Friday, April 9 - Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 2010 Everthing Pets Expo
Friday, April 9 (2 PM - 8 PM)
Saturday, April 10 (11 AM - 8 PM)
Sunday, April 11 (11 AM - 5 PM)
Duke Energy Convention Center - 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45208
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, April 8 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions will be at Booth 7 and 8, right next to one of our favorite supporters, Dachshund Delights!

Help educate the public with fun pet entertainment, pet competition shows and events, seminars and new product sales and demonstrations about the importance of responsible pet ownership! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Sunday, April 18, 2010 - EarthFest 2010
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 16 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Spend a day learning, inspiring leadership and encouraging action for a healthy environment! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Sunday, April 18, 2010 - RASCAL Clinic Hosted by Mid-Ohio Animal Welfare League
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Braintree - 201 East 5th Street, Mansfield, OH 44902
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 16 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Mid-Ohio Animal Welfare League (MAWL) is the Richland County area coordinators for the RASCAL low cost spay/neuter mobile unit. Appointments are still available for male cat neuters and can be made by calling 567-241-3244. Please remember MAWL accepts vouchers from the Richland Co Dog Shelter - that's $20 off the already discounted price! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Saturday, April 24, 2010 - North Coast Nature Festival
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rocky River Nature Center - 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, April 22 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Spend a day participating in two presentations by nationally-acclaimed nature photographer Rod Planck other nature talks, nature programs, demonstrations and exhibits by local nature organizations, artists and vendors! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Sunday, April 25, 2010 - Madeira Flea/Treasure Market
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Madeira High School Cafeteria - 7465 Loannes Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45243-1899
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 23 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help support Lexi Pet Therapy and dedicated animal advocates during this fun-filled flea/treasur market! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Sunday, May 2, 2010 - Buckeyes for Canines - Paws for a Purpose
1:00 PM - 5 PM
Ohio State University - South Oval - West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 30 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Join Buckeyes for Canines in their efforts to find forever homes for as many animals as possible while highlighting the great work of Central Ohio's animal rescues, shelters and humane societies! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Saturday, May 15, 2010 - Sixth Annual Paws 4 A Cause: Find Your Forever Friend
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field - Chagrin River Rd. and S. Woodland Rd, Moreland Hills, OH 44022
R.S.V.P. by Friday, May 14 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help support Paws 4 A Cause find forever homes for as many animals as possible while enjoying a day of great food, dog contests and raffles! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Saturday, May 29, 2010 - Pet Promise 5K Rescue Run & Walk
8:30 AM (Registration) - 2 PM
Arena District, McPherson Park - 218 West Street, Columbus, OH 43215
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, May 27 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help support Pet Promise find forever homes for as many animals as possible while enjoying a day of great food, dog contests and raffles! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.LostPetUSA.net

March/April Signature Gatherings - Ohio Dog Auctions Act (2011 Ballot Initiative)

2010-03-24T18:44:00.001-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

Learn More on How You Can Support the Campaign to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions!

Voters across the state have been communicating with their fellow citizens to gather a goal of a MINIMUM of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to place a measure (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) on the November 2011 ballot. Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio -we have until December 1, 2010! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

SIGNATURE GATHERINGS!

Friday, March 26, 2010 - Greater Cleveland Spring Job Fair
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cleveland I-X Center - One I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, OH 44135
VOLUNTEER PETITION CIRCULATORS SUCCESSFULLY RECRUITED FOR THIS EVENT!

Friday, March 26 - Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 2010 Columbus Pet Expo
Friday, March 26 (Noon - 9 PM)
Saturday, March 27 (10 AM - 8 PM)
Sunday, March 28 (11 AM - 6 PM)
Franklin County Veterans Memorial Stadium - 300 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215-2761
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, March 24 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions will be at Booth 801, right next to one of our favorite supporters, Colony Cats!

Help educate the public with fun pet entertainment, pet competition shows and events, seminars and new product sales and demonstrations about the importance of responsible pet ownership! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Monday, March 29, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Community Recreation Center - 701 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701
R.S.V.P. by Saturday, March 27 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Monday, March 29, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
LCNB Bank - 30 West Park Place, Oxford, OH 45056
R.S.V.P. by Saturday, March 27 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Carver Community Center - 165 West 4th Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601
R.S.V.P. by Sunday, March 28 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Kettering Moraine Branch Library - 3496 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH 45429
R.S.V.P. by Sunday, March 28 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Canton Main Library - 715 Market Avenue North, Canton, OH 44702
R.S.V.P. by Monday, March 29 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Meeting Place on Market - 220 West Market Street, Lima, OH 45801
R.S.V.P. by Monday, March 29 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Thursday, April 1, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mansfield Public Library, Main Branch (Community Room, 1st Floor) - 43 West Third Street, Mansfield, OH 44902
R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, March 30 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Thursday, April 1, 2010 - Ohio Humane Farms Volunteer Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
YMCA - 1150 Charles Lane, Marysville, OH 43040
R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, March 30 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Learn about the campaign to reduce the suffering of millions of farm animals in Ohio and prevent some of the most egregious forms of animal cruelty in our state! Ohio Humane Farms has extended supporters a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Saturday, April 3, 2010 - The Furry Nation's Spring Fling
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Furry Nation - 15800 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 2 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help support All Dog's Heaven while enjoying a visit from Q104's well known morning DJ, Rebecca Wilde, and getting the chance to bid on spectacular raffle prizes for stores and events all over the Cleveland area! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Sunday, April 18, 2010 - EarthFest 2010
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 16 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Spend a day learning, inspiring leadership and encouraging action for a healthy environment! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Saturday, April 24, 2010 - North Coast Nature Festival
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rocky River Nature Center - 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, April 22 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Spend a day participating in two presentations by nationally-acclaimed nature photographer Rod Planck other nature talks, nature programs, demonstrations and exhibits by local nature organizations, artists and vendors! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Sunday, April 25, 2010 - Madeira Flea/Treasure Market
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Madeira High School Cafeteria - 7465 Loannes Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45243-1899
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 23 to info@banohiodogauctions.com

Help support Lexi Pet Therapy and dedicated animal advocates during this fun-filled flea/treasure market! This is a great opportunity to volunteer as an individual, as a family, or as a group and help raise awareness and collect signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.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/

2010 Columbus Pet Expo - Countdown to the Show! (March 26-28)

2010-03-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

Just six days remaining until the start of the 2010 Columbus Pet Expo!
Friday, March 26 (Noon - 9 PM)
Saturday, March 27 (10 AM - 8 PM)
Sunday, March 28 (11 AM - 6 PM)
(To preview the Show Schedule, please click here.)

Since last Wednesday's announcement of Petland's withdrawal from the 2010 Columbus Pet Expo, Columbus Top Dogs has received a flood of e-mail and phone calls (including a $4,000 donation) in support of this year's show!

Working closely with the Expo's organizers, Mythanne, Teresa and Steve, we are confident we will exceed our goal of 200 approved applications for pet adoptions!

For this year's anticipated 20,000 visitors, The Columbus Pet Expo has created a Non Profit Rescue Charity Auction scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 28 at 1:00 PM, with 100% of the proceeds to be divided equally among all participating non-profit rescue groups, shelters and humane societies!

To help raise additional dollars for these groups, friends and supporters can purchase advance tickets online at http://www.columbuspetexpo.com/Pet_Expo_Site/Columbus_Pet_Expo_Tickets.html, print the receipt for their ticket(s) at home and write the name of their non-profit rescue group, shelter or humane society on the back of their receipt. Friends and supporters then present their receipt to the Will Call/Online window at the Expo, and their designated group will receive one dollar for every ticket purchased. It's that easy!

2010 is the year to get political for Ohio's animals!

This year's Columbus Pet Expo will provide an excellent forum to help educate the public on issues and pending legislation impacting Ohio's animals. Because this year's show takes place the same weekend as the March 27 Ohio Dog Auction in Farmerstown Ohio, supporters for the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions will be collecting signatures in support of the 2011 ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act). Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio - we have until December 1, 2010 in which to collect a MINIMUM of 121,00 signatures! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

A limited edition of I'm Getting Political for Ohio's Animals in 2010 and I'm Here Because Petland Isn't! t-shirts are available for $5 to any volunteer working this year's Expo on behalf of the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions or a participating non-profit rescue, shelter or humane society!

Supplies are limited for these 100% pre-shrunk, cotton t-shirts, so please submit your order via paypal to info@banohiodogauctions.com by Monday, March 22! When placing your order, please click on the "Add special instructions to seller" link and enter your shirt size (S, M, L, XL and XXL), name, shipping address and the name of your participating rescue group, shelter or humane society.

We need your voice to help promote and make this Expo the most successful ever!

Please share details of this year's Expo via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. to friends, family and co-workers, and encourage them to attend one of the largest pet-related events in the country! We also encourage everyone to join the Columbus Pet Expo Facebook group by clicking here.

Thanks everyone! We greatly appreciate everyone's dedication and commitment to serving as a strong voice for the animals!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.LostPetUSA.net

Protecting Your Animals in the Face of "Moral Panic"-Taking a Page from the Biker's Handbook

2010-03-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

Forwarded from the AkC-LL, in its entirety:

Protecting Your Animals in the Face of "Moral Panic"-Taking a Page from the Biker's Handbook

by

Margaret Anne Cleek, Ph.D.

A few months ago I attended a meeting in a local community to discuss issues of gang-related crime and attendant problems of graffiti and loitering. As the POP officer (Problem Oriented Policing, designed to be community-friendly and proactively address community concerns) went through his power point presentation, a few red flags went off for me. At one point the officer, who in fact is a smart fellow whom I respect, mentioned some of the actions and procedures being taken to address gang activity in the community. As a 30 year member of the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) I thought, "Whoa, what is wrong with this picture?" I asked the officer if it was in fact a violation of certain constitutional rights to take the actions he described to create an uncomfortable environment for the gangs in our community. The response was, yes, but the folks they are dealing with generally do not know this, and are easily intimidated. Subsequent comments clearly revealed that both the police and the public totally supported violation of the rights of "the bad guys".

The officer went on to comment that this tactic did not work with the outlaw biker gangs. Now these are the real bad folks into heavy-duty stuff like illegal weapon sales, but the officer said they cannot do much about them because they are "older, better organized, and know their rights". He went on to say that the biker gang members generally have audio and video taping devices always available, and access to contact with a lawyer, and unless they have them dead to rights there is no point in confronting them.

This should give us all pause. Laws are being increasingly made which allow government and law enforcement to invade the private affairs of citizens over trivial issues. Further, the perceptions that such laws are necessary often are based on distorted or erroneous data and cognitive biases created by "truisms" or media coverage. It is almost as if such laws are a way to deflect the public focus away from major problems and highlight minor problems which are more easily controlled, or to target a responsive and responsible population more likely to be intimidated or obey the law, while a more dangerous population continues unabated.

As Cicero (42BC) observed, "When people are willing to give up rights for security, they will, in the end, lose both." In a society where the media bombards us with horrible stories of gang violence and portrays a society out of control, it is very easy for government to get concessions from frightened citizens which violate the rights of every citizen under the premise that it is only the bad guys who will be impacted. More and more laws are being enacted which erode the rights of US citizens. In spite of the rights afforded by the constitution, we are increasingly seeing the violation of these rights in the name getting the bad guys or for reasons of the greater good. While the events post 9-11 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act are the most obvious and glaring examples of the exchange of freedom for perceived security or the greater good, there are numerous additional examples at all levels of government.

Moral panic is a feeling of fear or impending threat shared by part of the population with regard to another group in the population which is seen to threaten the social order or personal or public safety. Stanley Cohen is credited with coining the term, moral panic, and discussed the phenomenon in his book, Folk Devils and Moral Panics (1972). Those who come to be defined as the source of the problem in a moral panic are labeled by Cohen "folk devils", while those who plant the seeds of the panic and nurture the resulting crop of fear, hatred, and resulting prohibitive legislation are defined as "moral entrepreneurs". Often these moral entrepreneurs are media savvy and well-funded and not above taking advantage of existing media events. The media has always served the needs of such moral entrepreneurs, even if the media are not intentionally crusading against folk devils. Simply choosing to factually report some news over other news can be sufficient to further a moral panic. The mass media clearly has the power to focus public awareness, maintain public awareness, and shape public opinion.

"Pet-overpopulation" has been raised to the status of a moral panic. Currently, the over-blown concern with pet-overpopulation (when in fact the birthrate for dogs has been below the replacement rate since 2005 and the only dogs out-producing demand are the pit bull and pit bull crosses which stock most shelters), has resulted in the pressure to enact draconian, ineffective, costly and invasive legislation which imposes excessive control over owned pets and severely limits the ability of any owner to maintain an intact pet, whether or not intended for breeding.

Special interest groups such as animal rights activists are accomplished at timing media coverage of raids on large-scale dog breeding facilities, animal agriculture businesses etc. to correspond to pending legislation designed to outlaw practices or enact stricter government controls. Currently, HSUS, the Humane Society of the United States, an animal protection/animal rights organization which is currently supporting increasing controls on dog breeders is highlighting raids on breeding facilities and using its considerable resources to assure media coverage and influence public opinion. Such tactics are typical of organizations with an agenda or ideology and the resources to afford marketing, advertising, and public relations to influence public opinion. Since the special agendas of these organizations lack popular support, these entities rely more on media hype for the need for legislation, limits on personal freedoms, and other sanctions to push their personal agenda.

Animal Rights Activists have created a perception of crisis and threat and the public perception that the "folk devils", all breeders or owners with intact animals, must be acted upon. According to Cohen, this creates a perception of a "deviant" act. While the act may not be criminal, pressure is exerted to have it condemned. Newsworthy information on the issue is reported, but obscure examples which ordinarily would not be noted are now highlighted. What may be statistically low incidences of the behavior are now presented as "the tip of the iceberg". Naturally it is impossible to prove that such is indeed the case. Real data indicating the fact that the behavior is very uncommon or usually benign is ignored. Thus the problem emerges as significant and the resultant outcomes as common. The public are sensitized and kept informed of all incidents of the events.

Next public concern about the issue typically forces legislators, the police and the whole law enforcement system to focus on the specific deviancy-with a much greater degree of concern than it warrants. Municipalities should enact laws, and pressure is put on them to enact harsh penalties to deal with the threat. Ironically this action only serves to confirm that the contrived threat was in fact legitimate.

Moral panics take on a life of their own when the members of a society come to believe that threats and menaces exist and that "others" will act in ways they consider unacceptable, reject their values, and cause untold harm. Those that would do this are defined as the target for action and legislation and must be stopped.

We are the targets of such moral panic over pet overpopulation and the so-called deviance of owning an intact pet. Those of us who are dedicated breeders need to stand up for our rights and shatter the myth of over population and the perception that breeders are low-life deviants responsible for pet slaughter, government expenditures, and attacks by dogs on children. We need to fight the propaganda and negative stereotyping of the ARs at every opportunity. AKC (the American Kennel Club) and all the breed clubs need to take a more active political role or there will be no sport of purebred dogs. Now is the time to go to the mattresses!

Although we are not outlaws (at least not yet, although that may soon change if we don't take action now), we need to take a page from the playbook of the outlaw biker. It is the uninformed, the apologetic, and the easily intimidated who are the victims of "go for the show" raids or crackdowns. Those who know their rights, and are proactive in protecting their rights and interests will be the least likely targets for AR controlled ACs and humane societies.

We have all seen the raids on the "unlicensed" puppy mills where the dogs are "confiscated" by the humane society. These facilities are targeted as an easy score and timed for a great media hit before something comes up for a vote in the municipality or state. The places are usually run by an elderly couple who are easily intimidated when told they can either surrender the dogs or face hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation and possible arrest and criminal prosecution. The kennel conditions may not be bad at all, but what senior citizen with a hand-to-mouth existence could face the stress and expense to fight a well-funded organization with a good-guy reputation? The statement that the kennel is "unlicensed" generally makes the public think it is illegal, when in fact it may not be required by law to be licensed.

Each of us has to know our rights and stand up front and center to protect them. Print out "What to do if Animal Control Comes Knocking"

http://www.ckcscsc.org/animal-control.htm

post it on your fridge and if you have children, or occasional workers on your property inform them that they are not to talk to anyone who may wish to question them. Have an audio or video camera on the ready and record any interaction. Have the name of an attorney available. Know the name of your board or council member who represents your area as well as your state senator or representative and mention you have been in touch with them in the past. Register to vote and write letters at every level when animal related legislation is pending. Let your elected officials know that you and many other dog people were apolitical in the past but are now "one issue" voters and that issue is your dogs.

The days of being able to assume that because you have done nothing wrong, and your kennel is in order, you have nothing to fear are long over. Flying under the radar is no longer a viable strategy unless you want your dogs to live like Anne Frank, sequestered in your house so as not to come under the long arm of draconian animal control laws.

While you are in no way an outlaw biker, or a deviant of any kind, it is unfortunately time to take a page from the playbook of the outlaw biker and be proactive with a game plan in action should you be targeted by anyone because you are a breeder. Now you must know how to thwart those who would use propaganda and moral panic to intimidate normally law-abiding citizens such as you, who choose to responsibly breed and own intact dogs.

Copyright M.A. Cleek 2010

Learn About Ohio Dog Auctions

2010-03-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Animal Lovers ~

Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act and how you can get involved in this important ballot initiative campaign! (Invitations have been extended to state legislators and local media for each county; those legislators confirming their attendance are denoted in parenthesis.)

1. LORAIN COUNTY (Representative Matt Lundy, D-57)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
10:00 AM
Avon Lake Public Library - 32649 Electric Boulevard, Avon Lake, OH 44012-1669
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, March 18 to Anne Neumann at anne.wssc@yahoo.com.

2. HOLMES COUNTY
Saturday, March 27, 2010
10:30 AM
Holmes County Library (Millersburg), Room A - 3102 Glen Drive, Millersburg, OH 44654
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, March 25 to Veronica Dickey at veronicadickey@yahoo.com.

3. HAMILTON COUNTY
Saturday, April 3, 2010 - Coalition Meeting on Ohio Dog Auctions Act
10:00 AM
SPCA Cincinnati, Sharonville - 11900 Conrey Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, April 1 to Kristen Fox Angel at kfoxangel@cinci.rr.com.

4. CUYAHOGA COUNTY (Senator Dale Miller, D-23)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
10:00 AM
Cleveland Animal Protection League - 1729 Willey Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 2 to Ayse Dunlap at adunlap@clevelandapl.org.

5. FRANKLIN COUNTY (Senator Karen Gillmor, R-26)
Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 8, 2010
3:00 PM
Ohio State University
R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, April 6 to Molly Stancliff at b.k9osu@gmail.com.

6. MEDINA COUNTY
Monday, April 12, 2010
1:00 PM
Brunswick Community Library, Sycamore Room A - 3649 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212-3619
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 9 to Vanessa Fields at vfields826@aol.com.

7. TUSCARAWAS COUNTY
Saturday, April 24, 2010
1:00 PM
Country Club Retirement Campus - 860 Iron Avenue, Dover, OH 44622
R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 23 to Cinda Godfrey at adnic@roadrunner.com.

8. TUSCARAWAS COUNTY (Senator Joe Schiavoni, D-33)
Friday, April 30, 2010
10:00 AM
Country Club Retirement Campus - 860 Iron Avenue, Dover, OH 44622
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, April 28 to Cinda Godfrey at adnic@roadrunner.com.

9. STARK COUNTY (Representative Scott Oelslager, R-51)
Friday, May 14, 2010
10:00 AM
Home of Representative Oelslager - 1585 Yorkshire Trcese, North Canton, OH 44709-4855
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, May 12 to Veronica Dickey at veronicadickey@yahoo.com. Seating limited to 12!

10. STARK COUNTY (Representative Stephen Slesnick, D-52)
Friday, May 21, 2010
12:00 PM
Jackson Township Library - 7487 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon, OH 44646
R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, May 19 to Veronica Dickey at veronicadickey@yahoo.com.

Meetings currently under development for Athens, Butler (April 17), Columbiana (June at Angels for Animals), Crawford, Delaware (early June), Gallia (June), Lake (May), Licking, Lucas and Wood (May), Montgomery, Muskingham, Pike (late May-early June), Union (May), Vinton and Washington.

For dates, times and locations of all Town Hall Meetings (as they become confirmed), please click here - > http://banohiodogauctions.com/Events_02UZ.html.

Thanks everyone for serving as a strong voice for the animals!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.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/

AKC registrations continue to decline

2010-03-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

Mar 1, 2010
By: Daniel R. Verdon
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

NATIONAL REPORT - More than 33 states last year enacted regulations targeting animal breeders. While the crackdown is closing puppy mills, it's also putting reputable breeders out of business.

Patti Strand, executive director of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), an animal-welfare organization aligned with purebred breeders and pet enthusasiasts, believes this country is truly at a turning point. Why?

Numbers of American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations have posted sharp decreases since 1992 levels, and the numbers for all purebred animals are thought to be on the decline as well. What is up, however, are purebred dog importations (see "Breed Wars").

Table 1: AKC registrations

Strand questions the health and safety implications of imported purebreds and the long-term impact on domestic pet populations.

Table 2: AKC registered dogs per 1,000 people

Last year, NAIA tracked 700 pieces of legislation influencing its members. An evaluation of data from the AKC depicts registrations last year at 716,195 animals (Tables 1 and 2). Only half of purebred owners are believed to register their dogs through AKC. The data suggests last year's registrations are closer to 1965 levels, and she believes it will continue to spiral downward.

Table 3: Dalmatian registrations

Consider the Dalmatian breed. Following a spike in breeding after the Disney release of 101 Dalmatians in 1996, breed numbers have been plummeting (Table 3). Breed registrations peaked in 1993 at 42,816 dogs and dropped to just 983 in 2008.

It's a driving impetus behind NAIA's creation of a kind of pet census. The idea is to better track numbers of animals from purebreds to shelter animals and monitor placement, ownership and relinquishment trends.

"Breeders have been the recipients of 30 years of really bad publicity during which time they have been portrayed as responsible for pet overpopulation, the creation of genetic diseases and bad temperaments," Strand says. "People come away thinking they just don't care about dogs."

These messages have resulted in wide-scale efforts by the AKC and other breed groups to fund research and support open discourse about the health problems associated with purebred dogs.

The history of anti-breeding laws came into vogue in the 1980s, Strand explains, and the public consciousness has shifted from targeting unscrupulous breeders to all breeders. The solution to a pet overpopulation problem lies somewhere inbetween.

"Very often the brush stroke is very broad, and it defines all breeders as part of the problem. It stigmatizes those who breed responsibly," Strand adds.

And yet critics believe that dog breeders are responsible for propagating genetic diseases by simply practicing selective breeding. And there is a very serious animal overpopulation problem resulting in large intakes within shelters. The only way to have an overpopulation problem is by breeding.

But the problem is far more complex, Strand contends. The pet overpopulation is driven by multiple reasons including unplanned litters, strays, importations and other factors.

The country, Strand says, also faces many challenges to pet ownership including costs, dangerous dogs, neighborhood nuisances, surplus of shelter dogs, feral cats and hoarding.

And a 2008 American Pet Products Association study confirms this country is actively trying to spay and neuter its way out of a surplus of unwanted pets. In fact, the association estimates that 76 percent to 87 percent of pets were neutered in 2008, Strand says.

The questions have become: Is it enough? And what about demand?

HSUS: Federal Bill Aims to Allow the Government to Lead by Example

2010-03-08T17:53:00.001-08:00

Link to bill:
Forwarded from HSUS release, through AKC-LL list:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.4733:

http://tinyurl.com/yg4l9mk

http://media-newswire.com/release_1113899.html

http://tinyurl.com/yjgdpf4

Federal Bill Aims to Allow the Government to Lead by Example on Farm
Animal Welfare

As food industry giants from Burger King to Hellmann's are making moves
away from some of the most inhumane factory farming practices, a new
federal bill adds support to the growing trend. U.S. Reps. Diane Watson,
D-Calif., and Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., this week introduced the
Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act to set a higher animal welfare
standard for food purchased by the federal government.

(Media-Newswire.com) - As food industry giants from Burger King to
Hellmann's are making moves away from some of the most inhumane factory
farming practices, a new federal bill adds support to the growing trend.
U.S. Reps. Diane Watson, D-Calif., and Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., this
week introduced the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act to set a
higher animal welfare standard for food purchased by the federal government.

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal
protection organization, praised the proposal and encouraged Congress to
act swiftly to pass the bill.

The bill, H.R. 4733, simply requires that any food purchased for federal
programs comes from animals raised with enough room to stand up, lie
down, turn around and stretch their limbs.

"Americans are increasingly demanding that we move away from abusive
confinement in tiny cages on factory farms," Rep. Watson said. "The
federal government has a responsibility to help lead the way on this
important issue, just as many of our nation's largest companies are
starting to do."

"This bill requires meat producers who sell to the federal government to
follow the same guidelines that California producers have in place to
ensure the animals are raised humanely," Rep. Gallegly said.

"We are grateful to Representatives Watson and Gallegly for introducing
this important legislation, which would meaningfully improve the lives
of millions of farm animals being raised for the federal government,"
commented Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Animals built
to move should be allowed to move, and it's the most basic of
requirements that they shouldn't be crammed into cages barely larger
than their own bodies for virtually their entire lives."

Seven U.S. states-Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maine,
Michigan and Oregon -have passed laws to phase out some of the most
extreme confinement on industrial factory farms.

Many supermarket chains have taken steps to move away from products from
producers that use cruel and inhumane cages to confine farm animals,
including Wal-Mart, Harris Teeter, Winn-Dixie, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods
and Safeway. National U.S. restaurant chains-including Burger King,
Wendy's, Denny's, Red Robin, Quiznos, Sonic, Hardee's and Carl's
Jr.-have done the same. And the country's largest pork and veal
producers have pledged to phase out gestation crates and veal crates,
respectively.

Facts

Both the U.S. House of Representatives' and the U.S. Senate's cafeterias
already use cage-free eggs.
The HSUS has 11 million supporters nationwide.
Each year, the federal government spends more than $1 billion purchasing
animal products for a variety of programs and agencies, including the
National School Lunch Program, the Armed Services and the Bureau of Prisons.
Currently, no federal laws address the treatment of animals while
they're on factory farms.

Radical blogger launches own "abuser" data base

2010-03-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

What if you have a recently rescued dog in your yard that is underweight. What if someone got a hold of the pictures of a sad/matted/disfigured rescue, such as Briar, and decided to say those pictures came from somewhere else. Or said his foster home were responsible?

This is very scary stuff - we can readily see what will happen to people whose names end up posted here. All your info., to be utilized in their own 'special' way (their emphasis, not mine).

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

Negotiation Is Over (blog)
Negotiation is Over Baby. An Army of ONE!!!!
March 6, 2010 -

http://negotiationi sover.com/ 2010/03/06/ negotiation- is-over-baby- an-army-of- one/

Burke Bryant (An Army of One) & Camille Marino (Negotiation is Over)
are Proud to Present:

The Animal Liberation Movement's Dedicated Database of Abusers

This is a grassroots effort intended for informational purposes only.

You provide the abuser's profile. And our database will be available
on mirror sites all over the net 24/7.

Use our database to write courteous & polite letters at your convenience.

It's time to start going after those that abuse the animals, it's time
for some polite payback letters.
------------ --------- --------- --

The Rules:
One

-The evidence against the person must be documented by either photos,
video, or direct confession before being posted to this page.

Two

-Any information posted that does not provide the requested
requirements will be pulled immediately.
-Once the above has been fulfilled then any and all information (home
address, work address, cell #'s, home #'s, make of car, occupation,
etc.) about that person is to be posted for everyone to see, and
utilized in their own "special" way.

Three

-Each and every person(s) who utilizes the information posted on these
pages exercises their own discretion.
-We assume no liability.
-This is an educational collective.

We encourage everyone to link our two permanent pages to your
websites, Facebook and MySpace pages, etc.

An Army of One
"It's time to go after those that are abusing the animals.. It's time
for some payback!"
"The time has come to change all the rules.

Another Army of One
"Oppressors never simply relinquish their power.
They need to be subdued and removed."

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *****

Burke Bryant is the Founder and co-sponsor of An Army of One and a
relentless and dedicated animal liberationist. He is passionate about
acting, photography, and the animals. He is a revolutionary, a
visionary photographer, a photojournalist, actor and photographer of
fashion, commercial, and lifestyle. Lover of world travel, rain, cold
weather, hiking, camping, surfing, road trips, spontaneous excursions
and silence.

Camille Marino, Founder & Senior Editor of NIO and co-sponsor of An
Army of One. Negotiating with abusers is an exercise in futility and
veganism is essential. The only action that matters to the imprisoned
is the one that imparts freedom. It is a moral obligation to protect
the innocent. Free speech must be exercised or it shrivels up and
dies. Oppressors never simply relinquish their power. They need to
be subdued and removed.

If the nonhumans could fight back, their tormentors would have expired
long ago. We have an obligation to expose the abusers. It is the LEAST
we can do! I welcome your emails & contributions.

If you have a Facebook account, join the extended Negotiation Is Over
network.".

To submit work to NIO for consideration and publication, please send
an email to camille@... with the subject

Ohio Dog Auction

2010-02-28T11:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on March 27 and over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block. Now is the time to send a strong message to our state legislators that dog auctions are an embarrassment to Ohio and its humane minded citizens, and voters and taxpayers are committed to supporting a 2011 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

In the News! If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to read these latest articles (we encourage you to post comments) highlighting our ballot initiative campaign:

ü 02/26/10 - The Post (Ohio University) - Humane Society ranks Ohio low

ü 02/21/10 - Lancaster Eagle Gazette - Group seeks to stop puppy mills, dog auctions

ü 02/14/10 - Mansfield-News Journal – Group wants dog auctions banned in Ohio

ü 02/05/10 - Best Friends Animal Society (Puppies Aren't Products) - UPDATE: Ohio Dog Auctions Act

ü 02/02/10 - Star News Online - Two animal welfare ballot measures proposed in Ohio

ü 01/27/10 - Westlake/Bay Village Observer - Dog auctions in Ohio need to be banned!

For a complete listing of media releases relating to our ballot initiative, please click here.

More Voices! We applaud these wonderful organizations who recently joined Animal Law Coalition, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society and the many voices supporting a ban on Ohio Dog Auctions:

ü Erie Shores Humane Society. Erie Shores Humane Society is a grass roots, non profit animal welfare organization. This dedicated group has been helping animals in need for 24 years.

ü Forever Friends Foundation. Forever Friends Foundation is a small non profit 501(c)(3), no-kill, animal rescue organization specializing in cats. Since it's founding in September 2003, Forever Friends has successfully found homes for over a thousand cats and kittens as well as several dogs.

ü Greyhound Adoption of Ohio. Greyhound Adoption of Ohio is a nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to placing retired racing greyhounds in loving homes for over sixteen years. To date, the organization has placed more than 2,000 dogs (who might otherwise have been destroyed) into homes where they have become members of the family.

ü Huron County Humane Society. The Huron County Humane Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that serves the residents of Huron County, and their mission is to prevent the suffering experienced by abandoned, neglected and abused animals.

ü Louisville Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. Louisville Weimaraner Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization whose objective is to find permanent, responsible owners for Weimaraners that come to their rescue. The organization serves Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana and Ohio.

ü Operation Warm & Cozy, Inc. Operation Warm & Cozy, Inc. (OWC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based on the belief that each family's pet's needs are of the utmost importance. This dedicated team delivers free pet food (when available), straw and doghouses year 'round, and they also offer a free spay/neuter program four months out of the year! OWC speaks at elementary schools on "HUMANE" issues, as well. As a result, their organization has aided many pets in Tuscarawas County and beyond.

ü Pure Doggy Organic Bakery. Pure Doggy Organic Bakery is committed to using human grade organic ingredients, meaning no pesticides or other chemicals have come into contact with your homemade dog cookies! They also believe in giving back to their friends in the dog community. They donate a percentage of our profits to charitable causes that benefit and enhance the lives of misfortunate animals.

ü The Furry Nation. The Furry Nation is a center of advocacy for rescue, training and holistic care for your pet. They focus on products that keep your pet nourished through natural ingredients the way nature intended. The store's learning center focuses on humane training and herbal/holistic remedies.

ü There's No Place Like Home Boarding Kennel. Located in beautiful Hocking Hills, this dog-friendly boarding kennel is owned and operated by dedicated animal advocate, Anne Riesbeck (part of the team that exceeded the signature goal for Hocking County!)

ü Twinsburg High School People for Animal Welfare (PAW). Twinsburg High School's People for Animal Welfare (PAW) is a student run organization founded in 1999. PAW aims to help animals through volunteer work, fundraising, and advocacy. PAW members care deeply about animals and hope to do all they can to help.

For a complete listing of those who support a ban on Ohio dog auctions, please click here.

Just 305 days remaining until December 1! As of February 28, a total of 7,565 signatures have been collected of the minimum 120,700 signatures required by December 1, 2010. 240 volunteer Petition Circulators have been raising awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 64 counties!

Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens and starting to gather a goal of a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2011. Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio —we have until December 1, 2010! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!

New Campaign Kits! A new campaign kit to help gather signatures; contains a media release, an informational sheet on the top questions (with answers) everyone needs to know on Ohio dog auctions and an informational sheet on best strategies in helping to raise awareness and gather signatures from registered voters. To download these and other informational materials, including a copy of the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), please click here.
Town Hall Meetings - Jackson (3/6), Franklin (3/13), Holmes (3/27) counties and more! Learn more about the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by participating in a Town Hall Meeting for your county! For dates, times and locations (as they become confirmed), please click here.
Signature Gatherings! With over 120,700 signatures required for the Initiative Petition to be placed on the 2011 ballot, much help is needed from volunteers! For dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings (as they become confirmed), please click here.
Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions! If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 1,780 voices who have become members of our FaceBook 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

Campaign Gear! If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost 'Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions' gear to help raise awareness of the Ohio dog auctions (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, etc.), please visit the 'Contact Us' page of our website, www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.

Thanks everyone for your continued dedication to serving as a strong voice for the dogs!

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/01/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 02/28/10 Percent of Goal
Adams 8,685 261 14 5.36%
Allen 36,229 1,087 0 0.00%
Ashland 19,355 581 14 2.41%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 5 0.49%
Athens 19,840 595 114 19.16%
Auglaize 16,907 507 0 0.00%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Brown 14,044 421 1 0.24%
Butler 115,895 3,477 65 1.87%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Champaign 14,264 428 2 0.47%
Clark 49,056 1,472 1 0.07%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 31 1.59%
Clinton 12,646 379 0 0.00%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 2 0.18%
Coshocton 13,408 402 419 104.23%
Crawford 16,744 502 0 0.00%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 2,214 16.25%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 194 9.98%
Erie 30,106 903 10 1.11%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 23 1.42%
Fayette 8,402 252 1 0.40%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 1,103 9.85%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Gallia 10,165 305 0 0.00%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 304 25.89%
Greene 59,113 1,773 0 0.00%
Guernsey 13,375 401 2 0.50%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 162 1.88%
Hancock 25,675 770 249 32.34%
Hardin 9,723 292 13 4.45%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Highland 13,158 395 0 0.00%
Hocking 9,860 296 330 111.49%
Holmes 8,108 243 12 4.94%
Huron 18,917 568 3 0.53%
Jackson 10,423 313 103 32.91%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Knox 20,780 623 13 2.09%
Lake 88,006 2,640 304 11.52%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Licking 59,051 1,772 28 1.58%
Logan 16,080 482 7 1.45%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 385 12.75%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 52 1.21%
Madison 13,441 403 17 4.22%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 4 0.14%
Marion 21,691 651 11 1.69%
Medina 65,511 1,965 110 5.60%
Meigs 7,707 231 13 5.63%
Mercer 15,646 469 1 0.21%
Miami 37,054 1,112 23 2.07%
Monroe 6,066 182 0 0.00%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 90 1.59%
Morgan 5,516 165 11 6.67%
Morrow 12,575 377 8 2.12%
Muskingum 28,719 862 9 1.04%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Ottawa 17,207 516 0 0.00%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Perry 11,291 339 1 0.29%
Pickaway 17,960 539 141 26.16%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Portage 54,970 1,649 61 3.70%
Preble 15,553 467 2 0.43%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Richland 45,799 1,374 18 1.31%
Ross 23,839 715 2 0.28%
Sandusky 22,736 682 1 0.15%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Stark 139,414 4,182 306 7.32%
Summit 197,747 5,932 313 5.28%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 18 0.74%
Tuscarawas 31,585 948 43 4.54%
Union 16,877 506 14 2.77%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 12 9.02%
Warren 68,091 2,043 21 1.03%
Washington 22,788 684 0 0.00%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 113 9.78%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%
Wood 45,616 1,368 13 0.95%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%

TOTAL 4,022,754 120,682 7,565 6.27%

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com

http://petnewsandviews.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/

http://www.LostPetUSA.net

UPDATE! February 13, 2010 Ohio Dog Auction

2010-02-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

1. Sat., February 13, 2010 Ohio Dog Auction. Below is a summary of the 353 companions (170 males, 183 females, 4 possible adds; includes breeders from MN and NY) expected to be placed on the auction block beginning this Saturday at approximately 10:00 AM:

BREED
MALES FEMALES POSSIBLE ADDS
Basenji 4 2 2
Beagle 6 1 5
Bichon Frise 24 11 13
Boston Terrier 7 5 2
Boxer 7 5 2
Brussels Griffon 10 3 7 ?3
Cairn Terrier 3 0 3
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 3 2 1
Chihuahua 10 4 6
Cocker Spaniel 1 0 1
Dachshund 6 1 5
English Bulldog 4 2 2
French Bulldog 1 0 1
Havanese 18 15 3
Italian Greyhound 9 3 6
Jack Russell Terrier 2 0 2
Japanese Chin 2 1 1
Kerry Blue Terrier 1 0 1
Lhasa Apso 1 0 1
Maltese 8 4 4
Mini Pincher 1 1 0
Mini Schnauzer 2 1 1
Mixed Breeds 70 39 31
Papillon 3 1 2
Pekingese 1 0 1
Pomeranian 25 7 18
Poodle (no classification) 6 4 2
Pug 13 6 7
Schnauzer 24 10 14
Shibu Unu 2 2 0
Shih Tzu 30 17 13
Silky Terrier 1 0 1
Toy Fox Terrier 1 1 0
Weimaraner 5 1 4
Yorkshire Terrier 42 21 21 ?1
TOTAL 353 170 183 ?4

You may be interested to know that a 2009 report issued by the USDA has confirmed Ohio ranks seventh among the top 10 states with the largest number of USDA Class A licensed commercial breeders:

1. MO - 1,370

2. OK - 498

3. IA - 322

4. AR - 308 (ranked 5th in 2008)

5. KS - 291 (ranked 4th in 2008)

6. PA - 202
7. OH - 161 (a 400% increase in the number of Class A licensed "commercial" breeders just six years ago!)

8. NE - 142

9. SD - 102 (ranked 10th in 2008)

10. TX - 91 (ranked 9th in 2008)

*To view copies of USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Reports, click here.
**To view a summary of state puppy mill laws, click here.

2. Ohio Dog Auctions Act. Ohio has no laws preventing dog auctions. Many concerned citizens firmly believe the auctions serve not reputable breeders but large commercial facilities where dogs are bred to produce as many puppies as possible in conditions ranging from unsanitary to inhumane.

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative - The Ohio Dog Auctions Act. The measure (similar in language to Pennsylvania's Statute 459-603) will establish a statute to the Ohio Dog Law making it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

As of January 1, a total of 7,202 signatures have been collected of the minimum 120,700 signatures required. 228 volunteer Petition Circulators helped raise awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 64 counties. Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens and starting to gather a goal of a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2010 to to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2011.

Volunteer petitioners are needed to make this initiative a reality in Ohio -we have until December 1, 2010! We need everyone's participation to make this vital effort a success!
New Campaign Kits! A new campaign kit to help gather signatures contains a media release, an informational sheet on the top questions (with answers) everyone needs to know on Ohio dog auctions and an informational sheet on best strategies in helping to raise awareness and gather signatures from registered voters. To download these and other informational materials, including a copy of the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), please click here.
Town Hall Meetings! For dates, times and locations of upcoming Town Hall Meetings (as they become confirmed), please click here.
Signature Gathering! With over 121,000 signatures needed for the Initiative Petition to be placed on the 2011 ballot, much help is needed from additional volunteers! For dates, times and locations of upcoming Signature Gatherings (as they become confirmed), please click here.
3. Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 1,700 voices who have become members of our FaceBook 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, click here.

4. Campaign Gear. If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost 'Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions' gear to help raise awareness of the Ohio dog auctions (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, etc.), please visit the 'Contact Us' page of our website, www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.

Thanks everyone for your continued dedication to serving as a strong voice for the dogs!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs

HSUS: List of Current Court Cases

2010-02-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

This is a link to the HSUS website with a list of their current court dockets of cases they have been or are currently involved with. It's quite lengthy.Copy & Paste the link below.

http://www.hsus.org/in_the_courts/docket/

IMPORTANT UPDATE! Signature Gatherings For Ballot Initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act)

2010-02-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

A HUGE thanks to everyone who responded to our invitations to help collect signatures this weekend at three great fundraisers taking place in and near the Cleveland, Ohio area:

1. Saturday, February 6, 2010 - American Red Cross of Medina County and J.M. Smucker Company, 13th Annual Chocolate Festival
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Medina Performing Arts Center at Medina High School - 851 Weymouth Rd., Medina, OH 44256
ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS SUCCESSFULLY FILLED! (Thank you volunteers with Save Ohio Strays!)

Help support American Red Cross of Medina County and Save Ohio Strays while enjoying decadent chocolate items from over 45 chocolatiers! Volunteers from Save Ohio Strays will be collecting signatures at their booth in support of our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

2. Saturday, February 6, 2010 - Smooches and Pooches Valentine's Dance
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Parish Hall - 6205 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS SUCCESSFULLY FILLED (Thank you Rachel S., Donna W., Janice D., Helene G. and Sharon!)

Help support Friends of the City of the Cleveland Kennel and Secondhand Mutts and enjoy a night of dancing, music, games, fun, pooches ... and smooches! Volunteers will be collecting signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

3. Sunday, February 7, 2010 - The Best Doggone Superbowl Party
5:30 PM - end of game
Boneyard - 5900 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
ALL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS SUCCESSFULLY FILLED! (Thank you Nikki C. and Christie L.!)

Help support PetFix Northeast Ohio as the Saints take on the Colts this Sunday - the game won't be fixed but the animals will be! More TVs than you've ever seen in one place, Super Bowl buffet, cool contests and more! Volunteers from PetFix Northeast will be collecting signatures supporting our ballot campaign to end dog auctions in Ohio!

Please show your support for all these wonderful organizations that serve as a strong voice for Ohio animals!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://petnewsandviews.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/

Forwarded from the Maine Legislative Canine list:

2010-02-11T05:05:00.000-08:00

Submitted by The Associated Press on Fri, 02/05/2010 - 10:18

* Central Maine Newspapers
ewspapers>
* Portland Press Herald
herald>

AUGUSTA -- A Maine prosecutor and humane organization are supporting a
bill in the Maine Legislature to increase penalties in cases of large-scale
animal cruelty by breeders and hoarders. The Agriculture Committee is
holding a hearing today on Sen. Deborah Simpson's so-called "puppy mill"
bill. The Auburn Democrat's bill would make abuse of 25 or more animals a
felony instead of a misdemeanor. York County District Attorney Mark
Lawrence, a former Maine Senate president, said today that the bill
increases penalties but also allows probation after a conviction, meaning
the state can make sure the abuse does not continue.
Lawrence says the bill is "long overdue." The Humane Society of the United
States, Maine chapter, is also supporting Simpson's bill.

Illegal v. Unconstitutional Laws--New Development in Louisville KY

2010-02-11T05:04:00.000-08:00

On October 1st of 2009, federal Judge Charles Simpson ruled in the case
of Louisville Kennel Club et al v. Metro Louisville/Jefferson County KY
that the section of the Metro Animal Ordinance which allowed for a
forfeiture bond was unconstitutional because it had the potential to
deprive an innocent person of their property (pets) through the
mechanism of not being able to post a cash bond rather than by being
found guilty in a court of law. In fact, they could be stripped of
their property/animals BEFORE going to court, much less found guilty of
anything.

Judge Simpson found this to be so egregious, that he issued a PERMANENT
INJUNCTION against it ever being carried out.

Now, this law was reviewed inumerable times BEFORE it was enacted. The
last page of the law even bears the nice big seal and signature of
then-County Attorney (and now state judge), Irv Maze saying it was all
hunkey-dory by him and passed his department's legal 'sniff test'.

However, that's just standard procedure. In truth, while County Atty's
can advise Councils that a law they want to pass is unconstitutional or
could be rendered invalid due to some other legal challenge, they have
no authority to prohibit Councils from passing legislation that is
faulty. Add to that the fact that most folks elected to local (and even
state) legislatures have NO legal training and are not required to know
or understand anything about law and you have the ingredients for what
passes today as 'leadership' in America.

But what happens when not even the County Attorney is aware of (or
cares) that a proposed ordinance is unconstitutional or faulty?

Since Simpson's decision came out, Metro Council has been scrambling to
fix the current ordinance (which had several other problems beyond the
forfeiture bond issue). They've gone through a couple of drafts on
this, and the most recent one came out of the County Atty's office just
this week. And it contained...forfeiture wording!

When the key Council person contacted Bill Warner, the County Atty who
has been redrafting the ordinance to ask why in the name of God it still
had a forfeiture provision, Mr. Warner told him it was 'Because Pam
Rogers (Kentucky's HSUS representative) wants it in there.'

HELLO! Who elected Pam Rogers to office? Where did Pam Rogers attend
law school to be put in a position to give LEGAL ADVICE to a County Atty
on how to craft a law that will affect all taxpayers in this county?
And, wasn't it this same woman who insisted on the forfeiture wording in
the original ordinance to begin with, which resulted in the county being
sued and having to shell out a large amount of moolah to the plaintiffs?

When the Metro Council member pointed out to Warner "That provision will
only affect poor people" ATTORNEY Warner replied, "So what?".

Can they pass an amended version of the ordinance that is still not
constitutional? Yes. Will the new law be legal? Yes. Until it's
challenged in court.

In the meantime, even though they might pass a revised law that includes
forfeiture, Simpson's permanent injunction remains in place. Could the
new law be used against someone? Yes. But the moment it is and we find
out about it, the County will be found in contempt of court and that
particular bond will be declared null and void by Simpson. Let's just
hope that in the meantime, nobody loses their pet because of how much
the HSUS 'cares' for animals.

Permission to x-post
Barbara Haines

ATTENTION!!!! Ohio Senate Committee to Accept Testimony on Breeder Bill TOMORROW (02/02)

2010-02-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Ohio Senate State & Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee will allow testimony on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m. regarding Senate Bill 95, a bill that seeks to regulate dog breeding in Ohio.

Senator Jim Hughes, sponsor of the bill and Chairman of the committee, has indicated that a substitute bill will likely be offered at the hearing, but this draft is not yet available. Future hearings will be scheduled to allow testimony on any amendments should they be introduced. All concerned dog owners and breeders in Ohio are encouraged to contact the committee to express any concerns or feedback regarding the regulation of dog breeding in Ohio.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) abhors all forms of animal cruelty and believes dog owners bear a special responsibility to provide proper care and humane treatment to their canine companions at all times. In addition, we strongly support the current Ohio statutes regarding animal cruelty and the treatment of "companion animals", which already clearly prohibit the appalling conditions that supporters of SB 95 seek to address.

We believe that any bill seeking to protect the health and welfare of dogs should be reasonable, enforceable, and not a violation of the rights of responsible breeders. The AKC has many concerns with Senate Bill 95 as introduced and hopes that any amendments offered will address these issues.

The AKC Government Relations Department will continue to provide updates as they are available.

How You Can Help

· Attend the Senate State & Local Government and Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing and express your thoughts and concerns regarding the regulation of dog breeders. Although no vote is scheduled to be taken at this time, testimony will be taken. The hearing details are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location:
Ohio Statehouse
South Hearing Room
77 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
*Cash is required for parking
*Those wishing to testify at the hearing are encouraged to arrive early to sign in, and also to bring copies of their testimony for the committee.

Contact the members of the Senate State & Local Government and Veterans' Affairs Committee and respectfully communicate any concerns and feedback you have regarding this bill.
The committee's contact information is as follows:
Senator Jim Hughes (Chair and Bill Sponsor)
Senate Building
Room #038, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5981
Email: SD16@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Jimmy Stewart (Vice-Chair)
Senate Building
Room #040, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8076
Email: SD20@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Teresa Fedor (Ranking Minority Member)
Statehouse
Room #051, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5204
Email: SD11@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator John Carey
Senate Building
Room #127, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8156
Email: SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Timothy Grendell
Senate Building
Room #042, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 644-7718
E-mail: SD18@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Ray Miller
Senate Building
Room #228, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5131
E-mail: rmiller@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Bill Seitz
Senate Building
Room #143, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8068
Email: SD08@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Nina Turner
Senate Building
Room #226, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-4583
Email: senatorturner@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Mark Wagoner
Senate Building
Room #129, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8060
Email: SD02@senate.state.oh.us

For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.

Iowa Federation of Animal Owners

2010-01-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

Well written letter, forwarded from the NAIA and AKC-LL:
http://tinyurl.com/yg46eg5

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201001210405/OPINION01/1210330

www.desmoinesregister.com

January 21, 2010

Guest column: Don't be misled by misinformation about dog breeding

NANCY CARLSON is spokesperson for the Iowa Federation of Animal Owners.
Contact: iowafederation@gmail.com

The dog breeding industry in Iowa enriches the lives of countless Iowa
families. For some, it's a family-run business that keeps food on the
table and teaches children responsibility. For many others, the industry
provides a new four-legged family member for their homes. Yet with the
legislative session under way, it's only a matter of time before we
start hearing sinister tales of inhumane treatment of animals as a
cynical political tactic to undermine the entire industry. What better
way to answer our critics than with truth?

We have made a lifelong commitment to this business because of the love
and compassion we feel for our animals. The fact is, if dogs are being
treated as poorly as activists claim, they would be physically unable to
breed. There is absolutely no business advantage to taking shortcuts in
the treatment of our animals. The vast majority of us strive to comply
with the already strict requirements of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
This is hard work....

NAIA News
National Animal Interest Alliance

MEDIA RELEASE! Ballot Initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) - 'Phase 2 Relaunch

2010-01-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

Subject: MEDIA RELEASE! Ballot Initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) - 'Phase 2 Relaunch'

2010-01-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

The momentum for our ballot initiative 'Phase 2 Relaunch' is gaining tremendous speed, and once again (as was the case with 2009), two national animal welfare organizations, Animal Law Coalition and the ASPCA, are offering their full support in helping us promote this campaign to their 55,000-plus members across the country! (Please see attached Media Release.)

IN THE NEWS...

If you didn't get the chance to read:

> Pet News and Views blogger, Michele Hollow's January 12 article, Efforts to end Ohio's Dog Auctions Continues, please click here. (Thank you Michele!)

> News-Herald reporter Jason Lea's January 11 article, Activists want to ban dog auctions, please click here. (Thank you Jason!). Also, a very special thanks to Jason's fellow reporter, Sandra Klepach, who continues to provide timely updates on her blog, News-Herald Blogs > Pets Unleashed. To read her latest article, Meeting with Senator Grendell to Discuss Ohio Dog Auctions Act, please click here. (Thank you Sandra!)

> Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Donna Miller's January 8 article, Petition drive to ban dog auctions and curb Ohio puppy mills: Animals in the News, please click here. And her December 11 article, Effort to ban dog auctions requires 120,700 signatures: Animals in the News, please click here. (Thank you Donna!)

> Supporter Jeanie Antonacci's December 14 Sun Messenger - Letter to the Editor, Voters need to sign a petition to ban dog auctions in Ohio, please click here. (Thank you Jeanie!)

We are very grateful for these news stories and letters (which resulted in our team receiving over 781 calls and e-mails from readers across the state asking how they can support the Ohio Dog Auctions Act), and hope Michelle, Donna, Jason, Sandra and Jean (along with other reporters, bloggers and concerned citizens across the Ohio) will continue writing about this very important campaign!

For a complete listing of media releases relating to our ballot initiative, please click here.

WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW...

As of January 1, we have collected a total of 7,202 of the 120,700 signatures needed to successfully complete Phase 2 of our drive. A HUGE THANKS to the 228 volunteer Petition Circulators who helped raise awareness of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act by helping to collect signatures from 64 counties! We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of these dedicated individuals, many of whom work full-time jobs, are raising families as single parents and/or contribute time and energy to various humane organizations across the state.

Despite reaching just under 6% of our signature goal, this still represented a very strong showing given that Phase 2 of our signature drive was not launched until after the November 3, 2009 election (efforts from our volunteers and supporters were focused on defeating Ohio Issue 2).

Because so many people across Ohio and beyond feel passionately in supporting a ban on dog auctions, we are continuing to move full steam ahead with 'Phase 2 Relaunch' of our signature drive; collecting a minimum of 113,498 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters by December 1, 2010. The signatures are necessary to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2011.

If our lawmakers do not move on the proposed legislation within 90 days, our team will proceed to 'Phase 3'; gathering another minimum 120,700 valid signatures from registered voters to put the Ohio Dog Auctions Act on the 2011 ballot.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR 'PART 2 RELAUNCH'...

Now more than ever, 'Phase 2 Relaunch' of our signature drive will require us to move fast and smart in collecting a minimum of 113,498 signatures by December 1, 2010! To ensure this signature drive is successful and meets the requirements mandated by the Secretary of State, two important steps must take place:
The total number of signatures collected for our Petition must equal at least three percent (3%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor during the 2006 gubernatorial election, and
Signatures must be collected from at least 44 of the 88 counties in Ohio.
To view the minimum number of signatures required for each of the 88 Ohio counties, as well as where we stood as of January 1 relative to our goal of ensuring we have a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2011, please scroll to the bottom of this page!

TO HELP US SUCCEED WITH 'PART 2 RELAUNCH'...

New Campaign Kits! To help everyone hit the ground running, we have created a new campaign kit which contains a media release, an informational sheet on the top questions (with answers) everyone needs to know on Ohio dog auctions and an informational sheet onbest strategies in helping to raise awareness and gather signatures from registered voters.

To download these and other informational materials, including a copy of the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), please click here.

Town Hall Meetings! If you've been following our Facebook messages, you've probably read that part of our strategy will include Town Hall meetings throughout Ohio. The purpose of these events is to introduce attendees to the team who have been instrumental in leading and supporting our campaign for the various counties, and to provide everyone an opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue on the proposed legislation.

The first (of what we anticipate will be many) is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 25 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. Senator Tim Grendell (R-18) will also be joining our discussion.

In addition to Geauga, we are currently working in partnership with dedicated animal advocates to hold meetings during February, March and April in the following counties - Athens, Butler, Columbiana, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Jackson, Lorain, Lucas, Montgomery and Richland. Additional details concerning dates, times and locations of each Town Hall Meeting will be posted to our website the week of January 18.

NOW IS THE TIME TO SERVE AS A STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS!

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place in February. Over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block. Now is the time to send a strong message to our state legislators that dog auctions are an embarrassment to Ohio and its humane minded citizens, and voters and taxpayers are committed to supporting a 2011 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

Again, we greatly appreciate all your dedication and support for the dogs!

P.S. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 1,650 voices who have become members of our FaceBook 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

P.S.S. If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost campaign gear (car magnets, lawn signs, t-shirts, etc.) or making a donation through PayPal to help raise awareness of Ohio dog auctions and their relationship to puppy mill breeders, please click here.

County Total votes cast in 2006 governor's race 3% (the MINIMUM number of signatures we need to collect by 12/1/10) The total number of signatures we have collected as of 1/1/10 Percent of Goal
Adams 8,685 261 14 5.36%
Allen 36,229 1,087 0 0.00%
Ashland 19,355 581 14 2.41%
Ashtabula 33,865 1,016 5 0.49%
Athens 19,840 595 114 19.16%
Auglaize 16,907 507 0 0.00%
Belmont 23,996 720 0 0.00%
Brown 14,044 421 1 0.24%
Butler 115,895 3,477 65 1.87%
Carroll 11,152 335 5 1.49%
Champaign 14,264 428 2 0.47%
Clark 49,056 1,472 1 0.07%
Clermont 65,010 1,950 31 1.59%
Clinton 12,646 379 0 0.00%
Columbiana 36,223 1,087 2 0.18%
Coshocton 13,408 402 419 104.23%
Crawford 16,744 502 0 0.00%
Cuyahoga 454,100 13,623 1,986 14.58%
Darke 20,223 607 0 0.00%
Defiance 13,638 409 0 0.00%
Delaware 64,773 1,943 192 9.88%
Erie 30,106 903 10 1.11%
Fairfield 54,004 1,620 23 1.42%
Fayette 8,402 252 1 0.40%
Franklin 373,258 11,198 1,071 9.56%
Fulton 16,141 484 1 0.21%
Gallia 10,165 305 0 0.00%
Geauga 39,148 1,174 304 25.89%
Greene 59,113 1,773 0 0.00%
Guernsey 13,375 401 2 0.50%
Hamilton 287,496 8,625 162 1.88%
Hancock 25,675 770 249 32.34%
Hardin 9,723 292 13 4.45%
Harrison 6,095 183 0 0.00%
Henry 11,473 344 0 0.00%
Highland 13,158 395 0 0.00%
Hocking 9,860 296 330 111.49%
Holmes 8,108 243 12 4.94%
Huron 18,917 568 3 0.53%
Jackson 10,423 313 103 32.91%
Jefferson 26,133 784 0 0.00%
Knox 20,780 623 12 1.93%
Lake 88,006 2,640 299 11.33%
Lawrence 19,109 573 1 0.17%
Licking 59,051 1,772 24 1.35%
Logan 16,080 482 7 1.45%
Lorain 100,632 3,019 348 11.53%
Lucas 142,784 4,284 52 1.21%
Madison 13,441 403 17 4.22%
Mahoning 95,251 2,858 4 0.14%
Marion 21,691 651 11 1.69%
Medina 65,511 1,965 110 5.60%
Meigs 7,707 231 13 5.63%
Mercer 15,646 469 1 0.21%
Miami 37,054 1,112 23 2.07%
Monroe 6,066 182 0 0.00%
Montgomery 189,201 5,676 90 1.59%
Morgan 5,516 165 11 6.67%
Morrow 12,575 377 8 2.12%
Muskingum 28,719 862 9 1.04%
Noble 5,072 152 0 0.00%
Ottawa 17,207 516 0 0.00%
Paulding 7,479 224 0 0.00%
Perry 11,291 339 1 0.29%
Pickaway 17,960 539 141 26.16%
Pike 9,776 293 0 0.00%
Portage 54,970 1,649 60 3.64%
Preble 15,553 467 2 0.43%
Putnam 14,161 425 0 0.00%
Richland 45,799 1,374 18 1.31%
Ross 23,839 715 2 0.28%
Sandusky 22,736 682 1 0.15%
Scioto 26,369 791 0 0.00%
Seneca 20,051 602 1 0.17%
Shelby 17,029 511 0 0.00%
Stark 139,414 4,182 269 6.43%
Summit 197,747 5,932 297 5.01%
Trumbull 81,128 2,434 18 0.74%
Tuscarawas 31,585 948 43 4.54%
Union 16,877 506 14 2.77%
Van Wert 10,409 312 0 0.00%
Vinton 4,422 133 12 9.02%
Warren 68,091 2,043 21 1.03%
Washington 22,788 684 0 0.00%
Wayne 38,546 1,156 113 9.78%
Williams 13,033 391 0 0.00%
Wood 45,616 1,368 13 0.95%
Wyandot 8,160 245 1 0.41%
TOTAL COUNTIES 4,022,754 120,682 7,202 5.97%

Dismal Year for the dog industry

2010-01-04T19:06:00.001-08:00

I'm just starting to put together numbers for the year and so far it paints a very ugly picture. (Pretty picture for the dogs, ugly for the dog industry.)

Overall, the average pet store puppy price in 2009 was $887. That compares to $1019 in 2008, $1031 in 2007 (the all-time high).

If the Industry was expecting Christmas sales to pull them out of the slump, they were grossly miscalculating the economy and the public's increasing knowledge of puppy mills and the pet store connection.

The average 2009 Christmas puppy (from Thanksgiving until Dec. 31st) was $936; in 2008, $973; in 2008 $1095. Volume was also EXTREMELY LOW, however many customers don't fill out a request for information until weeks, or even years, after they purchase the puppy, so we can't yet calculate the volume of 2009 holiday sales.

The highest prices Christmas puppy I researched for 2009 was $1800. This compares to $3300 in 2008, and $4950 in 2007.

The dog industry itself has been quoted as saying that holiday puppy sales make up 50-60% of their entire year's profits for stores that sell puppies. We saw many pet stores close their doors in 2009, but suspected many were just trying to make up for their 2009 losses by trying to stay open until after the 2009 Christmas season. It will be interesting to see how many fold in the next month. It will also be interesting to see the deep after-Christmas discounts on pet store puppies.

More statistics will be coming in our Winter 2010 Newsletter. If you aren't yet subscribed, please go to www.petshoppuppies.org and follow the Newsletter link to subscribe. It is a very low volume list -- right now, quarterly, but it could be as many as 6 newsletters a year if there is a fund-raising need that comes up (don't anticipate one for this year).

Permission to cross-post this message is granted.

Kim Townsend

http://www.petshoppuppies.org

Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train

2010-01-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

There are only two things certain in life, as the saying goes, and a byproduct of one of them requires nonprofit organizations to file paperwork with the IRS. So now that the deceptively named “Humane Society” of the United States (HSUS) has submitted its "Form 990" for 2008, we thought it was time to take a close look. The tax filing itself is a bit more detailed than ones in the past, thanks to some new IRS rules. And more detail equals a clearer picture of exactly what HSUS is doing -- and what it's not doing -- with all its money. [Click here to view the full document.]

HSUS reported spending almost $20 million on “campaigns, legislation, and litigation”—enough to worry any livestock farmer or hunter looking to keep their chosen lifestyle alive. The group collected over $86 million in contributions, and spent more than $24 million on fundraising, including $4 million on professional fundraisers. Think about it: 28 cents of every dollar contributed to HSUS goes back out the door to raise more money. HSUS even paid a single “lockbox” company more than $4.2 million to count and process its cash hauls. We won’t comment on that company’s curious "ALF" initials (for Arizona Lockbox & Fulfillment).

The bottom line is the same as it ever was: HSUS rakes in millions from unsuspecting Americans who may confuse the animal rights group with an unaffiliated local humane society. And with all this cash flying around, it’s no surprise that 41 HSUS employees made at least $100,000 last year. All told, HSUS paid out over $30.9 million in salaries, wages, and other employee compensation.

HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle earned more than $250,000 in salary and benefits in 2008. We wouldn’t begrudge him a large salary, of course: He runs an animal-rights business “charity,” after all.

But the real trouble lies in where most HSUS money doesn’t go: to pet shelters. In contrast with the group’s extravagant spending on people, HSUS’s total grant allocation was less than $4.7 million. And of that, almost half went to a political campaign committee called “Californians for Humane Farms,” the main lobbying organization responsible for California’s “Proposition 2” ballot initiative.

For all the cute pictures of puppies and kitties on HSUS paraphernalia, you’d think it would operate a pet shelter, or at least give a substantial portion of its money to one. But HSUS has lobbying to do, a PETA-inspired agenda to push, meat eaters to stigmatize, and livestock farmers to put out to pasture. Lobbying? Oh, yes. HSUS takes four full pages to detail its lobbying activities on the state and federal levels.

With all the politicking going on, the animals—remember them?—seem to get lost in the shuffle. We added up the totals, and HSUS gave only a little more than $450,000—that’s just half of one percent of its total budget—in grants to organizations providing hands-on care to dogs and cats. That’s less than 11 percent of what it paid “ALF” (see above) just to count its money.

We’re musing today about HSUS’s next big self-marketing blitz, and some new slogans it might want to use. Our favorite? “HSUS: Feed the lawyers, save the fundraisers, screw the pets.”

Pa. High Court: SPCA Not State Agency, Can Be Sued

2010-01-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Dec 29, 2009 6:10 pm US/Eastern

Pa. High Court: SPCA Not State Agency, Can Be Sued

MARK SCOLFORO, Associated Press Writer
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) ? The Pennsylvania Supreme Court says the nonprofit group that enforces Pennsylvania' s animal control laws doesn't qualify for immunity from lawsuits because of that work.

The court upheld a Philadelphia jury's verdict that awarded a woman $155,000 from the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals after about a dozen dogs taken from her home were euthanized.

The court ruled Tuesday that there's no reason to think the General Assembly intended to grant the SPCA status as a commonwealth agency, so it's not entitled to the defense of sovereign or governmental immunity.

The dog owner, Laila Snead of Reading, says she's pleased with the decision but that money won't bring her dogs back.

A phone message left late Tuesday for the SPCA's lawyer wasn't immediately returned.

H1N1 Confirmed in a Pet Dog

2010-01-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to read about this topic!

http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp

Dog Auction

2009-10-29T16:45:00.001-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

1. Sat., October 31, 2009 Buckeye Dog Auction. Below is a summary of the 425 companions (174 males, 251 females) expected to be placed on the auction block beginning next Saturday at approximately 10:00 AM:
Breed Males Females
Bernese Mountain 1 3
Bichon 4 4
Boston Terrier 7 13
Bulldog 0 1
Cairn Terrier 3 8
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 7 5
Chihuahua 10 9
Cocker Spaniel 6 8
Coton De Tulear 2 1
Dachshund 5 13
English Bulldog 2 7
Fox Terrier 0 1
French Bulldog 2 10
Great Pyrenees 1 1
Havanese 5 2
Italian Greyhound 2 3
Jack Russell Terrier 1 6
Lhasa Apso 0 3
Maltese 11 12
Miniature Australian Shepherd 1 3
Miniature Dachshund 3 2
Miniature Pincher 5 10
Miniature Schnauzer 2 5
Mixed 11 22
Papillon 4 3
Pekingese 2 0
Pomeranian 17 16
Poodle (no classification) 15 11
Pug 7 8
Saint Bernard 1 0
Schnauzer 5 7
Scottish Terrier 1 2
Shetland Sheepdog 0 1
Shiba Inu 0 1
Shih Tzu 17 28
Silky Dachshund 2 0
Toy Fox Terrier 0 1
West Highland White 1 7
Yorkshire Terrier 11 14
TOTAL 174 251

You may be interested to know that a 2009 report issued by the USDA has confirmed Ohio ranks seventh among the top 10 states with the largest number of USDA Class A licensed 'commercial' breeders:

1. MO - 1,370
2. OK - 498
3. IA - 322
4. AR - 308 (was 5th in 2008)
5. KS - 291 (was 4th in 2008)
6. PA - 202 7. OH - 161 (a 500%increase in the number of Class A licensed "commercial" breeders just five years ago!)
8. NE - 142
9. SD - 102 (was 10th in 2008)
10. TX - 91 (was 9th in 2008)

2. Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions does not promote or encourage individuals or groups to purchase dogs from auctions or directly from puppy mill breeders. For a great many (and a growing number) of us, initiating efforts to ban the auctions is one way to take away the demand, and we strongly believe introducing the Ohio Dog Auctions Act, (legislation similar to that of PA's statute 459-603) will impact the mills. In our opinion, as long as you have a buyer, there is always a need for the seller.

With that said, the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions will continue working with local, state and national animal advocacy groups to actively address - through investigations, education, media relations and legislative involvement - Ohio dog auctions and their relationship to puppy mills and pet homelessness.

If you would like to download a copy of the Initiative Petition and help collect signatures for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act, click here!

If you would like to share your concerns regarding the Farmerstown Dog Auctions, I would encourage you to:

1. Write (or fax) letters to the Holmes County Commissioners (Joe Miller, Ray Feikert and Rob Ault) asking them to support the Ohio Dog Auctions Act. Emphasize that you will not be spending any dollars in Holmes County until dog auctions no longer takes place in their community!

The contact information is:

2 Court Street, Ste14

Millersburg, OH 44654-2001

Phone: 330-674-0286

Fax: 330-674-0566

E-mail: hcc@co.holmes.oh.us

SAMPLE LETTER - Please personalize the email message by expressing your opinion in your own words; it's much more effective!

Dear Commissioners Miller, Feikert and Ault:

Over the past nine years, my husband and I have made numerous trips to HolmesCountyto purchase cheeses, baked goods, quilts and furniture. I have also been a frequent customer at many of the numerous restaurants in HolmesCounty. We have enjoyed our stays at the local accommodations, taking longs weekends and summer vacations there.

BUT no more! Until I learn that the Dog Auctions have been discontinued, I will not be visiting or spending money in your community!

Please be aware that I have asked all of my family, friends and elected officials to do the same.

Ask the same from all your friends (don't forget to include your vet!), family, co-workers and state elected officials - http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/!

2. Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 1,000 voices who have become members of our FaceBook 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.

For more information on how you can become a member, click here.

3. Campaign Gear. If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost 'Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions' gear to help raise awareness of the Ohio dog auctions (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, etc.), please visit the 'Contact Us' page of our website, www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.

Thanks everyone for your continued dedication to serving as a strong voice for the dogs!

Mary O'Connor-Shaver
Cell: 614-271-8248
Columbus Top Dogs
http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com
http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com
http://www.ThoughtsFurPaws.com
http://tejasanimalrefuge.ca/
http://www.LostPetUSA.net

STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS!

2009-10-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

As many of you may recall from the good news shared last week, Ohio officials have cleared the way for supporters to gather signatures for a proposed Ohio ban on auctions of dogs (officially called the 'Ohio Dog Auctions Act')! We are incredibly grateful to the over 4,000 supporters (includes many hobby/show breeders) across 27 Ohio counties (and beyond) who assisted us in meeting this very critical milestone in our campaign!

WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW...

A unanimous 4-0 vote last Tuesday from the state Ballot Board means we may now proceed to 'Phase 2' of our signature drive; collecting a minimum of 120,700 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters by December 14, 2009. The signatures are necessary to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2010. If our lawmakers do not move on the proposed legislation within 90 days, our team will proceed to 'Phase 3'; gathering another 120,700 valid signatures to put the Ohio Dog Auctions Act on the 2010 ballot.

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR 'PART 2'...

Phase 2 of our signature drive will require us to move fast and smart in collecting 120,700 signatures! To ensure this signature drive is successful and meets the requirements mandated by the Secretary of State, three important steps must take place:

The total number of signatures collected for our Petition must equal at least three percent (3%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor during the 2006 gubernatorial election, Signatures must be collected from at least 44 of the 88 counties in Ohio, and from each of these 44 counties, the number of signatures must be equal to at least one and five tenths percent (1.5%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor in that county during the 2006 gubernatorial election.

Because so many people across Ohio and beyond feel passionately in supporting an ban on dog auctions, we are confident we can meet this goal! All we need is dedicated folks to collect signatures from each of the 88 counties and our Committee will handle the rest!

WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are reaching out to groups and individuals from across Ohio (and beyond) asking for their assistance to help us gather signatures by December 14, 2009! THIS INCLUDES YOU!

Helping to collect signatures is very quick and easy - you only need to be a resident of Ohio. To assist you in this effort, we have attached the following:

Informational Flyer. This document can be given to interested parties wishing to learn more about the Ohio Dog Auction Act and our campaign.

Circulator Instructions. This document contains easy-to-follow instructions for collecting signatures.

Petition (Ohio Dog Auction Act).
It is important to note that supporters who signed our Petition during 'Phase 1' of our signature drive may also sign as 'Part 2'!

NOW IS THE TIME TO SERVE AS A STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS!

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31. Over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block, including many from the state of Pennsylvania where public dog auctions are illegal. Now is the time to send a strong message to our state legislators that dog auctions are an embarrassment to Ohio and its humane minded citizens, and voters and taxpayers are committed to supporting a 2010 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community! Again, we greatly appreciate all your dedication and support for the dogs!

P.S. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to join the over 960 voices who have become members of our FaceBook 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. For more information on how you can become a member, click here.

P.S.S. If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost 'Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions' gear (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, banners, etc.), please reply to this message.

Mary O'Connor-Shaver

http://www.banohiodogauctions.com/

Who Wants to Regulate and Shut Down CAFOs?

2009-10-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Post from Betty Salmon

I wrote recently about attacks against animal agriculture. On Sept. 21,
2009, the United States Humane Society (HSUS) and other environmental
organizations filed a petition with the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to govern air pollution emissions from Confined
Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) utilizing a section of the Clean Air Act.

I thought it would be interesting for many of you to have more
information about the organizations behind the Sept. 21 petition to EPA.
It is always helpful to know the background of your opposition, their
true purpose, and also gauge their understanding of agricultural practices.

The HSUS is a national and international non-profit organization. Its
goal is protection of all animals. The organization claims to have 10.5
million members, maintains an office in Washington, DC and claims
offices and staff in 25 states and foreign countries.

HSUS says it is the most effective animal protection organization in the
United States. HSUS has an animal protection litigation section that
claims to conduct precedent-setting legal campaigns on behalf of
animals. It does this with 13 staff lawyers in Washington, New York, San
Francisco, and Seattle.

It further claims to have a network of over 1,000 pro bono lawyers
(lawyers who work for free) and dozens of active cases. Agriculture has
nothing like this to defend its interests. Have any of you ever seen
USDA's lawyers intervene to help out a farmer?

Another organization joining the Humane Society in petitioning EPA is
the Dairy Education Alliance (DEA). This alliance claims to be a
national coalition of farmers, grass roots activists, public interest
lawyers, and economists. DEA claims to have member organizations in 10
states. The alliance operates in conjunction with the Western
Environmental Law Center which says it defends the West's air, water,
and wild lands since it was created as a law clinic at the University of
Oregon's Law School in 1976.

Spotted owl fame The Western Environmental Law Center gained fame over
its seven-year litigation regarding the spotted owl. You may recall the
victory in this case helped shut down logging in many parts of the West.
The DEA claims member organizations such as the Center on the Race,
Poverty and the Environment, located in California; Family Farms located
in Missouri; the Idaho Concerned Area Residents for the Environment; and
the Idaho Rural Council. These organizations want to hold CAFOs
accountable for air emissions and educate the public about the serious
environmental damage caused by CAFOs.

Another alleged nonpartisan and non-profit organization seeking to
regulate air and water pollution from CAFOs is the Environmental
Integrity Project (EIP). One of EIP's main areas of focus is 'factory
farms,' or CAFOs. EIP was founded by former EPA enforcement attorneys
and is supported by a number of major foundations. EIP's founder and
executive director resigned from EPA and publicly expressed his
frustration with the Bush administration when he claimed it sought to
weaken enforcement of the Clean Air Act.

EIP claims to have five attorneys and works with grassroots
organizations to force alleged polluters to reduce their emissions. EIP
opposes the waste created by CAFOs and does not seem to understand that
many of us use the valuable manure for fertilizer. You might think that
such organizations would applaud the recycling of material, but
apparently EIP does not understand agriculture.

There are several other organizations filing the petition with EPA that
I could describe to you but the last one I want to bring to your
attention is the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, which
claims it is an environmental justice litigation organization. It claims
it has beaten a 55,000-cow mega-dairy. I assume this means the dairy was
never built! It further claims it has cut pollution in California's
great agricultural San Joaquin Valley by reducing 7,237 tons of volatile
organic compounds and reduced 29,600 tons of ammonia per year. The
Center claims thousands breathe cleaner air today as a result of their
work.

Improved air quality After reading about these organizations and their
claims, one would believe that EPA and the 50 state environmental
organizations are hardly doing a thing to maintain air quality
standards. As we know, this is not the case because there has been
enormous improvement in the nation's air quality since 1970 when the
Clean Air Act was passed under the Nixon administration.

Notwithstanding these successes, these groups deserve to be watched
carefully because they are smart, have excellent lawyers, and are
dedicated to greater regulation of CAFOs. I recently was involved in
trying a case in the Midwest where many claims were made with regard to
alleged terrible air pollution emitted by a CAFO. We proved these claims
to be false and the jury returned a 12 to 0 verdict in my client's
favor. This case demonstrates how important it is to deal in facts and
not in scare tactics.

Nevertheless, HSUS and the organizations described above with their
enormous foundation support, financial resources, legal resources, and
close contacts in the Obama administration, are worthy adversaries and
agriculture must organize itself in a similar fashion to protect its
interests. As you can see, these organizations which filed this
petition with EPA are not easily dismissed.

Federation Meeting at Urbana

2009-10-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

The general meeting was held in Urbana in conjunction with the shows this past weekend. Below are items discussed:

1. Current bill, testimony at state house, and meetings with legilators.
2. Rod Ott reported on a conference call with AKC for all high volume breeders in Ohio, only 5 breeders participated. He also reported on a recent meeting with Bill McFadden at Montgomery County shows where the California group came to speak. He stated it was poorly attented as well.

3. Idea's were presented to wrap federation meetings around informational sessions and other dog related events such as handling clinic's and matches.

4. Those in attendance did express concern for the lack on committment by exhibitors to speak out against bill. Not everyone can make the meetings at the Statehouse but calls and letter writting is effective to voice concerns.

The group thought a handling clinic with a federation presentation might be a good event to pursue in January or Feburary. Lastly should anyone be interesed in serving the Federation in any officer position or capacity we would welcome their support.

Any suggestions can be submitted to Sharon Unrau at shunrau@yahoo.com or Meranda Hendricks at meranda@tesg.net

To the Members of the California State Assembly:

2009-10-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am returning Assembly Bill 241 without my signature.

This measure would make it a crime for any person or entity to own or control more
than 50 unsterilized adult dogs or cats for breeding or raising for sale as pets. I support measures designed to prevent animal cruelty and that punish persons engaged in the abuse of animals.

However, this measure simply goes too far in an attempt to address
the serious problem of puppy mills. An arbitrary cap on the number of animals any
entity can possess throughout the state will not end unlawful, inhumane breeding
practices.

Instead this measure has the potential to criminalize the lawful activities of reputable breeders, pet stores, kennels, and charitable organizations engaged in raising service and assistance dogs.

For these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Federal Judge Issues Mandate In Louisville

2009-10-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

A major victory!! This is a Federal ruling so it sets a precedent for the entire country against draconian
animal legislation. The Bill of Rights lives! (Although I'm sure HSUS's attorneys are going over the ruling
with a fine tooth comb right now to prepare a lawsuit for the Supreme Court.)

This ruling by a federal judge (an esteemed Constitutional scholar) is a profound victory.

This precedent has far-reaching implications, and sets the stage for class-action lawsuits nationwide - anywhere similar ordinances have been enacted, and Constitutional rights of pet owners have been violated

Highlights of the FEDERAL ruling:

1. Pets are personal property, under the Constitution. Due process, search and seizure, etc.. (all protections provided by Constitution) apply to pets. You are the OWNER of your pets (not the "guardian.")

2. Requirements for housing, treatment, etc.. cannot be mandated by legislation to be different for intact dogs (vs. altered dogs.

3. Seizure bond is FLAT-OUT illegal and unconstitutional. This practice constitutes unlawful taking of personal property. If, after search warrant is obtained, a person is arrested and their dogs are seized, their dogs must be held AS IS (cannot be sterilized while held, cannot be sold, "transferred" or euthanized) unless the owner is found guilty after trial. Meantime, owner DOES NOT have to pay a dime for their care, until/unless they are found guilty of the charges

Louisville Kennel Club
Subject: FW: LKC
Date: Sat, 3 Oct 2009 11:23:58 -0400

I have been informed that the Courier Journal and several tee vee stations ran stories on the Judge Simpson's decision in our Federal action last night. After hearing the reports, I am not sure that they read the same opinion as we did. The plaintiffs in this action are beyond thrilled with this decision. We prevailed on virtually every essential violation of the Federal Civil Rights act asserted. Not every argument in a lawsuit carries equal weight nor do they have equal impact on a national or local level. No longer can LMAS inspect your property and decide if you can own an unaltered dog. No longer can they require a seizure bond where failure to post it makes you forfeit your animals without a finding of guilt. There is a case currently in Kenton County where 10 years ago a women's beagles were confiscated on a nuisance issue and recently they came back and asserted cruelty. When she could not post the seizure bond, they said the animals became their property and they euthanized all of them including 10 -year olds. They then dismissed the cruelty charges. This is in Federal Court in Northern Kentucky on a challenge to the seizure bond and a violation of her civil rights. This decision by Judge Simpson holds that the conversion of her animals without a finding of guilt violates her due process rights.

This type of thing is happening all over the county and this decision will have a huge impact. While, the search and seizure issue was dismissed because the city agreed with us, the Judge went on and discussed violations of the Fourth Amendment and clearly indicated that the provision in the Ordinance which allegedly permits seizure for any violation of this chapter which is the provision used by LMAS to seize puppies because of an alleged violation of the Class A Kennel License, requires a warrant for seizure. Please take the opportunity to read this opinion several times. It will have, we believe, a huge impact on a local and national basis. If you need to contact me please do so or contact our counsel, Jon Fleischaker at 502-540-2319. We have the upmost confidence in you as you have always been committed to accurate and complete reporting. Below is the information sent to folks around the country. Thank you.

Donna Herzig
------------------------------

From: donnaherzig@hotmail.com
Subject: FW: LKC

This is a great decision. Judge Simpson found that the determination between altered and unaltered dogs is without merit and therefore the requirement of inspection of enclosures for unaltered dogs is unconstitutional, He additionally found that dogs are personal property and the requirement of a seizure bond where you must post a bond upon a showing of probable cause and if you cannot post the bond your animals become the property of the state, city etc. is unconstitutional and a finding of guilt must occur before a court can take your property.

The judge issued an injunction prohibiting the city from enforcing these provisions. With respect to the Fourth Amendment issue the Court dismissed it because the city agreed with us. However, the Court spent a lot of time discussing the Fourth Amendment and stated that notwithstanding the ordinance seeming to allow for seizure without a warrant for tethering violations, for some cruelty issues and for any violation of the ordinance(a provision used by Meloche to seize animals for violations of his alleged Class A requirements) the Court reasoned that no ordinance provision nullifies a warrant requirement so as to those seizures LMAS must obtain
a warrant prior to seizure. Moreover, while the Court did not strike down many of the definitions, it could have just left it at that. Instead the Court went point by point and clarified the statute as to what was permissible and what wasn't.

Notwithstanding the story in the "Courageless Journal"- I am not sure that they read the same opinion, we had a major victory on the issues that matter on a national basis. Please read it a few times, it gets better with age. While Judge Simpson did not deal with the state issue, the veterinary issue which was the most important one, was addressed by a change in the state law which makes veterinary records confidential and does not permit release of them unless a court order issued or the owner gives consent in writing. Since we prevailed on our Sec. 1983 issues, Jon will file next week for attorney's fees which are mandatory under the statute. We are hopeful that we will receive a substantial reimbursement.

Donna Herzig

HEARING

2009-10-01T18:27:00.001-07:00

The hearing lasted nearly 3 hours with at least 7 people speaking in favor
of the bill and at least 6 opposed. The committee members gave the same
attention to both sides (as usual), so it was difficult to tell if they
leaned one way or the other. A few of them asked questions that showed they
might be thinking of alternatives, but it was really hard to tell how
serious they were.

The proponents had a slick video projected from a laptop onto two big
screens, one facing the committee and one facing the audience. Kellie did
her usual spiel peppered with lies about the participation of breeders in
drafting bill language and using a picture of a large Amish farmhouse to
illustrate her contention that commercial breeders make enough money
selling puppies that they can afford big houses so they shouldn't quibble
about spending money to bring their kennels up to the standards in the
bill. Never mind that the Amish have large families living together or that
they take pride in their homes. A woman who identified herself as a tax
expert told the committee that she did a chart about the loss of revenue
from commercial breeders who take only cash to avoid paying taxes, but she
based her work on the assumption that there are 9000 commercial kennels in
Ohio. In answer to a question from a committee member, she stated that the
vast majority of commercial breeders are tax cheats.

Other proponents included a couple of women who do rescue, a dog warden
involved in a substandard kennel case, a humane agent from Perry County who
has testified before, and Bob Baker, a roving kennel 'investigator' who now
works for ASPCA but has also worked for HSUS and an anti-farm animal rights
group.

Opponents were OVDO, the Ohio Association of Animal Owners, the Ohio
Professional Dog Breeders Assoc., the dog wardnes assoc., collie breeder
Marcy Fine, and AKC judge and Cavalier breeder Meredith Johnson Snyder.

Next hearing will probably be in two weeks.

AMERICAN AGRI-WOMEN

2009-10-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

AMERICAN AGRI-WOMEN

This November, Issue 2 will be a statewide ballot and Ohio voters need to know why they should be voting Yes on this amendment. If passed, Issue 2 will allow farmers across Ohio to know they are being fairly represented by the most educated and professional ambassadors of Ohio agriculture and not dictated to by an out of state group solely interested in abolishing animal livestock as we currently know it.

Issue 2 will establish a board of qualified people who will consider issues and how they will impact overall animal health, biosecurity on livestock farms, animal disease prevention, food safety and affordable food supplies. If needed reform is required then this board will work with industry leaders on how to accomplish the best practices.

Ohio’s livestock and poultry farmers are firmly committed to responsible care for their animals and to provide safe and humane living conditions for these animals. People who are in constant care of livestock should be the ones responsible for making decisions on their livestock’s care. This board will be fairly represented by farmers, consumers, scientists and humane society members who will be able to work together to promote the safest and most humanly living conditions for our animals.

The issue has been promoted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as a power grab for Big Agribusiness. This is far from the truth. Family farmers across the state are concerned that out of state people with little knowledge of agriculture will be telling them what they can and can not do with their farms and their livestock.

As president of American Agri-Women and representing over 35,000 members across the country, I can tell you my members are not happy with outside interest groups telling them how to farm. They are now finding that no matter what they try to do to improve living conditions for livestock, it isn’t enough. They feel HSUS will not be happy until all animal agriculture is abolished.

Ohio’s agriculture community is soundly behind this issue and believes the best regulations for animal care will be achieved when all interested parties join together to develop a framework that is both effective and practical for consumers and for farmers.

HSUS would like you to believe that the majority of Ohio’s family farmers, environmentalists, and animal advocates are against Issue 2 when actually just the opposite is true. Not only are Ohio commodity and livestock groups in favor of Issue 2but the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Agri-Women, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Manufacturer’s Association, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, Ohio State Grange, Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Horse Council, Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, various Ohio County Fair boards, County Commissioners, Township Trustees, State Representatives and Governor Strickland. People concerned with the livelihood of Ohio agriculture are in favor of Issue 2.

I am a farmer, a mother, a grandmother and an environmentalist. I believe in humane treatment of all livestock and I will be voting YES on Issue 2 this November. I hope you will see the need to do the same. Ohio agriculture will be counting on you.

Marcie Williams, President
American Agri-Women

Ohio Agri-Women, Past President

Farmer, Licking County

Note From Betty Salmon

2009-10-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Note from Betty:

I have been asked to forward the attached Issue 2 letter to interested parties in OH. I was asked to do so by the author of the attached letter, Marcie Williams. Marcie has been helpful in spreading the word to the agricultural sector that dog owners and owners' rights are under attack. She was instrumental in getting information about HSUS and their agenda into the hands of various OH farming coalitions, federations and boards: that led to the creation of Issue 2.

As you know, many OH agricultural concerns have met and created the oversight structure provided under Issue 2. It was passed through the preliminary legislative process and is now on the ballot for us to decide this November. Passage of Issue 2 would be a set-back for HSUS and prevent them from furthering their anti-domestic animal/anti-owners' rights agenda for a while. It may even serve as a model for enactment of other ballot issues or bills that would aid us in our fight to preserve our ability to own and breed pets. It is harder for radicals to overturn an existing system than it would be for them to put theirs in place in the absence of one.

The HSUS is pulling out all the stops to defeat Issue 2 and prevent OH from enacting this model to protect its agricultural business and the right of animal ownership. The oversight provided in Issue 2 would apply to small and large farms alike, and would put in place a mechanism to assure humane treatment of animals used for agricultural purposes. The protocols developed would be determined by individuals knowledgeable about animal husbandry and animal welfare, instead of animal rights advocates.

The specter of "Big Agribusiness" has been raised by HSUS, and may cause voters to focus on an unpopular concept. This is the same tactic as that used by HSUS to lead animal lovers to think of all breeders as "Puppy Mills."

STRICT OHIO BREEDER BILL TO BE HEARD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

2009-09-28T18:01:00.001-07:00

STRICT OHIO BREEDER BILL TO BE HEARD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

[Monday, September 28, 2009]

A substitute version of Ohio House Bill 124 will be heard by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, September 30.

The AKC is concerned with many provisions within the substitute version of House Bill 124, including, but not limited to:

Broad definition of "Regulated Dog Intermediary". Anyone who sells, exchanges, donates, or gives away at least nine dogs a year or sells or gives one dog to a pet store is subject to a $500 annual license fee.. This definition also does not exclude breeders, and it is unclear if those who acquire a dog breeding kennel license must also obtain a regulated dog intermediary license.

Arbitrary, unenforceable kennel requirements and standards of care. The detailed requirements outlined in this bill are nearly impossible to enforce and do not account for the varying needs of different dog breeds or the enormous costs to responsible breeders.

Little breeder representation within Kennel Control Authority Board. Besides one member "in good standing of a national breed parent club of the American Kennel Club", breeders have no representation on the board that will=2 0set the standards of care, oversee licensing, and conduct inspections.

Extensive cost to Ohio taxpayers. The bill creates a new board to oversee implementation and inspections, which the Ohio Legislative Service Commission reports will cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to maintain.

For a copy of the substitute version of the bill, please click here.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) believes dog owners bear a special responsibility to provide proper care and humane treatment to their canine companions at all times and abhors all forms of animal cruelty. We also beli eve, however, that any bill seeking to protect the health and welfare of dogs should be reasonable, enforceable, and not infringe on the rights of breeders who take their responsibilities seriously.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Attend the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting to express your opposition to House Bill 124 as introduced. Although no vote is scheduled to be taken at this time, testimony will be taken. The hearing details are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Ohio Statehouse
Room 018
77 S. High Street
Columbus,20Ohio 43215
*Cash is required for parking

Contact the members of the committee and politely express your opposition to House Bill 124 as substituted.
Please click here to view a sample letter to personalize and send.
Please click here to view a sample phone script.

The committee contact information is as follows:

Representative John Domenick (Chairman)
Phone: (614 ) 466-3735
Email: district95@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Allan Sayre (Vice Chair)
Phone: (614) 466-8035
Email: district96@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Jeff Wagner (Ranking Minority Member)
Phone: (614) 466-1374
Email: district81@ohr.state .oh.us

Representative Richard Adams
Phone: (614) 466-8114
Email: district79@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Linda Bolon
Phone: (614) 466-8022
Email: district01@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Troy Balderson
Phone: (614) 644-6014
Email: district94@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Terry Boose
Phone: (614) 466- 9628
Email: district58@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Timothy Derickson
Phone:

Ohio Dog Auction

2009-09-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled for Wed., October 7 (will include 389 dogs consigned from 12 PA kennels), 2 PM at Farmerstown Sale Barn in Farmerstown, OH.

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

1. Wed., October 7, 2009 Buckeye Dog Auction. Below is a summary of the *389 companions (89 males, 300 females; all dogs under four years of age) expected to be placed on the auction block beginning next Wednesday at approximately 2:00 PM:

BREED
MALES FEMALES
Affen Pincher 0 0 0
Bichon Frise 49 4 45
Boston Terrier 3 2 1
Cairn Terrier 9 1 8
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 3 3 0
Chihuahua 14 5 9
Cocapoo 1 0 1
Cocker Spaniel 9 1 8
Collie 0 0 0
Coton De Tulear 0 0 0
English Bulldog 0 0 0
Fox Terrier 0 0 0
French Bulldog 1 1 0
Golden Retriever 0 0 0
Havanese 22 2 20
Havanese Mix 1 0 1
Japanese Chin 0 0 0
Lhasa Apso 10 4 6
Maltese 36 9 27
Mini Dachshund 27 3 24
Mini Pincher 2 2 0
Mini Schnauzer 11 0 11
Mixed Breeds 0 0 0
Papillon 0 0 0
Parti Poodle 5 1 4
Pekingese 3 0 3
Pomeranian 4 2 2
Poodle (Toy and Mini) 36 9 27
Poodle (Standard) 1 1 0
Pug 6 3 3
Schnauzer 0 0 0
Shetland Sheepdog 3 0 3
Shibu Unu 0 0 0
Shih Tzu 53 10 43
Silky Terrier 3 3 0
Toy Fox Terrier 0 0 0
Parti Yorkshire Terrier 2 2 0
Biewer Yorkshire Terrier 1 0 1
West Highland White Terrier 15 4 11
Yorkshire Terrier 59 17 42
TOTAL 389 89 300

*South Central PA breeders with consigned dogs at this sale:

Ammon Martin

Aquilla Blank

Dan Esh

Daniel Stoltzfus

Ella Mae Zimmerman

James Zimmerman

John Fisher

Loren Nolt

Nathan Myer

Sam Stoltzfus

Steve Stoltzfus

Wayne Sensenig

Click here to view their USDA licenses

Click here to view their USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Reports

You may be interested to know that a 2009 report issued by the USDA has confirmed Ohio ranks seventh among the top 10 states with the largest number of USDA Class A licensed 'commercial' breeders:

1. MO - 1,370
2. OK - 498
3. IA - 322
4. AR - 308 (was 5th in 2008)
5. KS - 291 (was 4th in 2008)
6. PA - 202
7. OH - 161 (a 500% increase in the number of Class A licensed "commercial" breeders just five years ago!)
8. NE - 142
9. SD - 102 (was 10th in 2008)
10. TX - 91 (was 9th in 2008)

2. BanOhioDogAuctions.com. BanOhioDogAuctions does not promote or encourage individuals or groups to purchase dogs from auctions or directly from puppy mill breeders. For a great many (and a growing number) of us, initiating efforts to ban the auctions is one way to take away the demand, and we strongly believe introducing legislation similar to that of PA's statute 459-603 will impact the mills. In our opinion, as long as you have a buyer, there is always a need for the seller.

National Lawyers Guild offers resource for animal welfare activists

2009-08-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.examiner.com/x-3605-DC-Animal-Welfare-Examiner

Animal welfare activists have found a friend in the legal system. Due to the intense scrutiny and increased investigations into animal rights workers, the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) has created a free online legal guide, "Operation Backfire: A Survival Guide for Environmental and Animal Rights Activists." This 16-page document explains why there has been such a recent interest in the work of animal advocates, and the rights of those who find themselves under investigation.

According to the booklet, recently enacted laws such as the Animal Enterprise Protection Act (AEPA)and the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) "impose more serious sanctions for certain crimes if committed by animal rights activists. In some cases, the laws criminalize traditionally protected First Amendment activities. Prosecutors often request "terrorism enhancements" to extend prison sentences in cases involving animal rights and environmental activists." While these laws have only been used in the legal system in four specific cases in the past five years, the NLG warns that law enforcement officials will be increasing their use as the interpretation of the law expands over time.

Following an explanation of these two laws, the consulting lawyers provide eight full pages of guidance on what activists can do if put in precarious situations with law enforcement. While the document clearly states that these issues must be evaluated individually, they make a distinct point to identify its benefits. "Remember that you have the right (some movement lawyers and activists would say that you have a moral imperative) to stand up to FBI agents and other law enforcement officials. In case after case, informed resistance to intimidation tactics has brought positive results-sometimes just saying that your lawyer will contact them is enough to stop future visits or inquiries. Grand jury non-cooperation has often resulted in no additional subpoenas being issued. Every activist who takes a courageous stand makes future resistance easier for all."

BREEDERS RED ALERT- AUGUST 18, 2009

2009-08-20T16:11:00.001-07:00

The following alert has just now been posted to the DFOW website:
www.dfow.net

BREEDERS RED ALERT- AUGUST 18, 2009

URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT *

DFOW has just been notified by a very credible source that between now and just after legislators go back into session floor periods (September 15, 2009), the Humane Society of the United States will be orchestrating a breeder bust.

If you have been listed in a breeder directory, have shown your dogs or have advertised a litter in any publication in the last nine years-you must be on your guard at all times. Do not allow anyone into your home without a search warrant. In the State of Wisconsin, Animal Control officers and HSUS do not have police powers. They must be accompanied by law enforcement (although some law enforcement officers are also animal control officers) with a search warrant in order to enter your premises. If HSUS is working in conjunction with law enforcement and there is a search warrant, you must cooperate. DO NOT SIGN OVER ANY OF YOUR DOGS if threatened. Do not believe those that state that the charges against you will be lessened if you sign over your dogs. Video tape the entire proceedings. If you are detained asking questions while a search is going on, have another individual available to video tape or photograph the proceedings. Ask for proof
of identification. Get names and license plate numbers for those coming onto your property.

Some breeders have had to get special permits in order to have more than the arbitrary number of allowed animals in their community and have had to waive their constitutional rights in order to get those permits. If you are in this situation, you must contact a lawyer and find out what your rights are TODAY.

If animal control or law enforcement come to your door, walk out of your door and shut it behind you. Do not allow them to enter your home-you go out to them unless they have a search warrant. Please read the article "What to do when animal control comes knocking"
http://www.dpca.org/BreedEd/when_animal_control_comes.htm for more details.

If anything seems amiss, make notes of dates and times, take names, get witness names, what they did, take photos, and keep a log of suspicious activities.

We often hear fanciers state that "this issue will never affect me" when it comes to breeder licensing legislation. There have been at least 4 situations that have already happened in OUR STATE since the beginning of the year and breeder licensing requirements have not yet been passed into law. The orchestrated bust that we were warned about today could very well be targeted at any one of us.

You must protect yourself against false accusations. This is a very serious situation. If you truly believe in preserving the future of your chosen breed or breeds, you must do everything in your power to protect those breeds and their heritage. Insist on the preservation of your constitutional rights.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cross posting is allowed.
Tracey Johnston
DFOW Vice President

Avid Rumors

2009-08-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

In the last 48 hours Avid has been at the receiving end of a barrage of
email and telephone calls all relating to an assertion that Avid data
related to microchips is being provided to HSUS and that some of Avid's
business activities provide money to HSUS.

The information we are getting is provided to us from a few of the people
who have been receiving this, apparently for at least several days now. A
common claim includes the false assertion that " If you are purchasing Avid
chips . beware that HSUS will now have your information (name, address,
phone)."

Let me state categorically Avid's policy and position with respect to the
claims raised specifically and the issues reached indirectly.

Avid does not provide data to outside organizations. It is only used within
our operations for immediate recovery purposes. No information whatsoever
that Avid acquires, processes or holds in its database is provided directly
or indirectly to HSUS. None of the business activities, including PetPlan
Insurance, provides any money to HSUS, either directly or indirectly. Any
representation that Avid information is made available by any method to HSUS
is false.

This has the characteristics of a disinformation storm motivated by
commercial aims. One reason I believe this is so is that Avid was never
contacted about these sorts of claims before they began to be disseminated
in forums and blogs in the internet.

It is only because of the forwarding of some of these emails, from what I am
sure is a very small portion of the number of people actually having
received this information, that we have become aware of it.

Some of these are breeders that Avid has been doing business for 10 years.
Even from those who have been aware or Avid's practices over the last 25
years of business, and have been very helpful and taken effort to verify
information, nonetheless are writing asking us to reconsider our position,
not realizing that this assumes the truth of something they actually want to
ask about.

Some minority of people were kind enough to take the time to write us. Some
of them even made phone calls and tried to independently get information and
provided that to us. That takes a lot of time. We appreciate that. They had
very constructive tones in their emails. That is very useful and helpful. We
also appreciate that. But even there, they end up implicitly taking the
position that what they heard is true and we should change our minds. One of
the quotes is "We hope that Avid is taking this seriously and will
reconsider their position." Of course we take this seriously. It is at the
core of our principles. Our position has always been for privacy and for
recovery. That is what it is. So there is no reconsideration to take place.
Even in the most forthcoming and constructive email, which was very long,
you end up with implicitly saying 'You are doing it. Please change your
mind.'

One of the writers says - and I think it is perfectly fair - "If I do not
receive a response, I will assume it is all true." I think that is a fair
position, and that is why I have to respond.

I have had to respond, I have to say, before I have really gotten to the
bottom of it all. Because there are deeply mysterious and puzzling things
about this. It is still murky. We are kind of in this windstorm and there is
a lot of dust and confusion around, but the center of the storm seems to be
a completely mistaken, utterly false idea that Avid passes its data onto
HSUS either directly or indirectly. So that part has to be addressed, and we
are still going to pursue a better understanding of everything else that is
going on.

I feel very strongly about this and it drives my emotions. My apologies for
this windy and disorganized email, which is meant to be conversational more
than documentary.

Before closing, I have to say that it angers me just as much that good
people are left in the position of having repeated, in good faith and from
what they believe to be reliable sources, information which is literally
false. Such is the rumour mill. To those I say that I value your good name
as my own. In cases where this has caused venom to be directed to us, I say
I approve of the passion, but ask that it be directed where it belongs.

Peter Troesch
VP Avid Identification Systems

Subject: Caution HSUS plans a sneak attack

2009-08-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Forwarded post from Legislative Liaisons/NAIA and Maine Legislative canine
lists. Please read with your thinking cap on, and make your own judgments.
I personally lean toward believing him, as I've not found him to be prone to
exaggeration in my limited past dealings.
Forwarded:

This alert was actually first forwarded by APRI but did not originate with
them. It came from Frank Losey, who is an attorney and the lobbyist for the
Missouri Pet Breeders Association. He was credited with the editorial
comments, but it is fairer to say that the entire alert came from him. He
released this alert last weekend at the Missouri Pet Breeders Association
legislative seminar and stated that if we could get ten emails to every
congress member, we'd stand a good chance of stopping whatever HSUS has in
mind.

Subject: Caution HSUS plans a sneak attack

Please cross post to dog breeders and all interested parties that support
breeders and owners' rights.

CAUTION: HSUS plans a sneak attack
Today is Monday August 17 , 2009
* After more than 6 years of restraint and gathering of information to
expose the HSUS...it is time...NOW!
* HSUS plans a sneak attack - we must act right away.
* Please be patient and read the following report:
* WHY IT’S NOW TIME TO USE YOUR "POWDER!"
(Editorial Comments of Franklin W. Losey)

For over 4 years I have repeatedly "preached" the importance for
responsible breeders to strive to improve their credibility by doing
such things as
"publicly condemn" substandard kennels. To that end, I am pleased to
report that pet breeder organizations in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Indiana have
followed the lead of the Missouri Pet Breeders Association (MPBA), and
have publicly condemned substandard kennels. And I believe several other
state pet breeder organizations will soon do the same.
In a similar vein, I have "preached" for over 6 years that it is
important to "keep your powder dry," and not overly contact your
personal U.S.

Senators and Representative until you really need to use those "chits."
In this regard, if you overly use your "Contact your Member of Congress
Chits,"
they may tend to be blasé when you really need for them to go to battle
stations.

After six years of "personal restraint," I believe that if ever a time
existed for responsible breeders to use their powder, NOW IS THE TIME FOR
EACH OF YOU TO CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, AND DO IT NOW, FOR
THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

1. I BELIEVE THAT THE REASON THAT NO BILL HAS BEEN INTRODUCED SO FAR
THIS YEAR THAT WOULD AGGRESSIVELY AMEND THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT IS
BECAUSE HSUS IS EXECUTING A STRATEGIC "SNEAK ATTACK" PLAN SO THAT NO ONE
WILL HAVE TIME TO MOUNT OPPOSITION. THE REASONS WHY AND DETAILS OF THE
"SNEAK ATTACK STRATEGY" ARE SET OUT BELOW.

2. During an HSUS co-sponsored workshop in Washington DC in March 2009,
Congressman Jim Moran from VA told the audience that the best way to
amend the Animal Welfare Act is to, in effect, "sneak" amending language
into a "must-pass" bill, such as an Appropriation Bill, at the eleventh
hour so that there will be no time for breeders to mount opposition to
the language.

3. It is not a coincidence that no "PM" Bill has surfaced so far this
year, especially in light of the fact that the "Stop PMs Campaign" is
constantly referenced on the HSUS Home Page, EACH AND EVERY DAY, 24-7,
and is listed as a top legislative priority of HSUS. In short, it is
obvious that HSUS has adopted the "game plan" laid out by Congressman
Moran in March.

4. It is noteworthy that Congressman Moran is on the House
Appropriations Committee, and Senator Durban, who sponsored the PUPS
Bill in the last
session of Congress, is also on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and
is in a Leadership Position in the Senate. Thus, both of these Members of
Congress are in positions that will enable them to influence potential
last minute amendments to an Appropriation Bill.

5. HSUS has given Senator Durbin a 100% rating and Congressman Moran a
100 % rating on its "Humane Scorecard!"

6. Congressman Moran is Co-Chair of the Friends of Animals Congressional
Caucus.

7. When Congress returns from its August Recess, it will need to act on
the Appropriation Bill for the Agriculture Department - - the vehicle that
Congressman Moran suggested could be used to sneak amending language
into the Animal Welfare Act.

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO RAISE QUESTIONS IN THE MINDS OF MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS ABOUT THE CREDIBILITY OF HSUS?
When I began "preaching" about the importance of publicly condemning
substandard kennels, I simultaneously began laying the groundwork for a
strategy to set into motion potential issues that could raise questions
about the self-righteous credibility of HSUS. The first part of the
strategy was to discreetly orchestrate the insertion of amending
language into the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, which expanded the
"protected class" to include breeders and pet stores. That amendment
occurred in 2006.

HSUS was caught off guard and could not stop it.
Next, I began writing to Mr. Pacelle, President and CEO of HSUS, and I
specifically requested that HSUS, in the same manner as MPBA had publicly
condemned substandard kennels, publicly condemn those who explicitly
violate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA). He responded twice
to my letters, but each time he parsed his words and did not explicitly
condemn those who violate the AETA. Instead, he suggested that the Animal
Enterprise Terrorism Act was an unjust law, and that in the same manner
as the Reverend Martin Luther King had engaged in "civil disobedience"
to undo unjust laws, "civil disobedience" was an activity supported by
HSUS, even though this Federal Terrorism Statute contains no "civil
disobedience" provisions. Thus, I have a "paper trail" that conclusively
provides a basis for raising questions as to why HSUS refuses to
publicly condemn those who explicitly violate the Animal Enterprise
Terrorism Act - - a Federal Terrorism Statute!

Adding more potential "fuel to the fire" of questionable practices of
the HSUS is what appears to be excessive "Lobbying Activities" of HSUS,
which IRS recognizes as a "public charity." In this regard, public charities
that exceed permissible limits on lobbying activities are subject to
losing their tax-exempt, public charity status, which could really crimp their fund
raising activities! In this regard, if IRS were to log onto the HSUS
Website, and type in "Lobbying," 100 - - that’s right - - 100 stories
detailing lobbying activities of the HSUS would appear. So if you are
going to contact your Members of Congress, why not throw in a comment
about excessive lobbying activities?! ?!?!?!? After all, "what is good
for the goose" is supposed to be "good for the gander!"

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if HSUS were put on the defensive for a change!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!

SO WHAT CAN RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS DO IN ANTICIPATION OF THE HSUS "SNEAK
ATTACK?"

Call or Send a written letter by FAX or E-Mail to your two U.S. Senators
and your U.S. Representative. AND DO IT NOW!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!

WHAT DO I SAY OR WRITE TO PUT HSUS ON THE DEFENSIVE?
1. Remember to always be polite - - and remember that you are asking
your Members of Congress for a "favor."
2. Use the following "script" for your calls, letters or E-Mails.
3. Urge all other responsible breeders to follow the same script, and
tell them to do it now!!!!!

SUGGESTED "SCRIPT"
I am a Federally licensed breeder, and my kennel is located in
(City_______ ). I am (calling) (writing) to ask that you not vote in
favor of any Bill or language that would amend the Animal Welfare Act
until the Humane Society of the U. S. (HSUS) tells you:

1. Why HSUS will not tell the American Public and Members of Congress
why it refuses to publicly acknowledge that Federally licensed and
responsible breeders in the U.S. have publicly condemned substandard
kennels?

2. Why HSUS dances around questions concerning the Animal Enterprise
Terrorism Act, which is a Federal Terrorism Act, and why the HSUS
suggests that "civil disobedience" is a justification for individuals to
potentially participate in expressly prohibited and defined terrorist
activities?

3. Why HSUS refuses to publicly condemn those who engage in activities
that are specifically listed as prohibited activities and a violation of the
Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act?

I’m (calling) (writing) to express my concerns about the potential lack
of candor and the appearance of excessive lobbying activities by public
charities, such as the HSUS, because I have learned that a Member of
Congress suggested during an HSUS co-sponsored workshop at the Georgetown
Law Center in Washington DC in March of this year that the best way to
amend the Animal Welfare Act is to sneak in language in an Appropriation
Bill or some other must-pass bill at the eleventh hour.
Thank you for your attention to my concerns.

Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Phone Number

NOTE 1: If you decide to mail a letter instead of calling or E-Mailing,
it will have more of an impact on the Member of Congress if you actually
legibly write or print it, than if you typed it.

NOTE 2: NUMBERS DO MATTER - - THE MORE CALLS AND LETTERS AND E-MAILS
that Members of Congress receive, the more likely they will "NOT" accept
at face value everything that HSUS says is true.

SHORTCUT TO CALLING OR SENDING AN E-MAIL TO YOUR U.S. SENATORS AND US.
REPRESENTATIVE

1. Log onto a search engine such as www.congressmerge. com.
2. Click on "Find who represents you in Congress."
3. Fill in your address and ZIP Code.
4. Phone and FAX numbers for each of your Senators and U.S.
Representative will be listed by their name.
5. Shortcut for finding the telephone number of your U.S. Senators and
Representative: Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 202-224-3121, give the
operator the name of your Senator or Representative, and ask to be
connected to his or her Office.
6. For E-Mail, click on the name of the U.S. Senator or Representative,
and then click on their respective E-Mail address. Be sure to add your name
and phone number at the end of your E-Mail.
7. Note: The addresses of the Local Regional Offices of Members of
Congress in your State will also be listed. If you are going to mail a
letter to your U.S. Senators or U.S. Representative, mail it to the
Local Regional Office in your State, instead of to their DC Address.
Delivery of
mail addressed to the DC Addresses of Members of Congress may be delayed
by up to 4-6 weeks, as it will be screened for Anthrax - - that is why
calling or sending an E-Mail is the quickest way to express your
concerns to Members of Congress. (Alternatively, you may FAX your
letters to the FAX numbers that may be found by following Steps 1-4 above.)

For more information please call:
Thank You!
Michael Glass mg@aprpets.org 484-880-7962 Rob Hurd hurdkennel@aol. com
515-962-7552 America's Pet Registry, Inc in Arkansas: 479-299-4418

From the article: _Definition of Ear Cropping_

2009-08-13T04:19:00.001-07:00

From the article: _Definition of Ear Cropping_
(http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/g/ear_crop_def.htm)

Ear cropping and tail docking are age-old procedures done on some purebred
dog. However, they have become increasingly taboo in today's society. Many
veterinary groups disapprove of cosmetic procedures on dogs, and they are
even banned in some countries.
Where do you stand? Are ear cropping and tail docking inhumane and
unnecessary, or are they harmless procedures that uphold the integrity of certain
dog breeds? Should they be banned or not?
Please do not attempt to reply to other users or treat this as a
discussion or debate. Use this as tool to explain your platform on the issues of
tail docking and ear cropping.

_Speak your Mind_
(http://dogs.about.com/u/ua/dogandpuppyhealth/elective_sx_UA.htm?from=lb#ua_form)

Spread the word, forward as needed....

2009-08-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

None of us think it will happen to us...and then they knock at the door and take your dogs. Can't even imagine what this woman must be going through.

http://neveryetmelted.com/2009/08/05/spca-outrage-in-philadelphia/

"The Murder Hollow Bassets of Philadelphia (a private pack* founded in 1986) is one thirteen organized packs of basset hounds recognized by the National Beagle Club hunting in the United States."

"But neither gentility nor middle-aged respectability was sufficient to protect the Murder Hollow's Master Wendy Willard from a full scale raid by Philadelphia police, nor did it prevent 13 hounds from being taken from their kennels and turned over to a private animal rights organization hostile to hunting."

Assemblyman: Hands Off that Dog!

2009-08-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

The following is appeared on the Maine Legislative Canine list:

FG/CH News A division of the New York Times

August 4, 2009, 4:35 pm

Assemblyman: Hands Off that Dog!
By Sarah Maslin Nir
http://tinyurl.com/assemblyman-ahs-Aug6
Let's just put a name on it right now: The Laika Law.

Laika, the Husky "dog-napped" by a well-meaning passerby from the front of a Fort Greene shop where she was tied last week - and since found - has inspired a new bill that would make dog-napping a crime.

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol, who represents part of Fort Greene, wants to make sure pet-napping is taken seriously by the law, said his media coordinator, Amy Z. Cleary.

Under current law, stealing a dog is treated the same as stealing a VCR. That shouldn't be, Ms. Cleary said. Society, she said, has evolved to the point where a pet is considered a member of a family, and Mr. Lentol wants the law to reflect that, she said.

The bill aims to raise dog and cat-napping (the stealing, not the sleeping) to a Class E felony with two years of jail time if convicted. If a dog-napper aims to sell the animal for scientific research or for malicious purposes (such as for use in dog fighting, an issue Mr. Lentol has campaigned against since 2007) the crime would be upgraded to a Class D felony, under the bill. This would entail four years of jail time if convicted.

Mr. Lentol is most concerned about those who would sell the animals for scientific research, Ms. Cleary said. But that crime appears to be rare: The National Association for Biomedical Research says that 3 percent of all cats and dogs used in lab tests are not sourced from breeders or lab animal dealers. About 66,000 dogs are used in scientific research yearly.

And not everyone is Cruella de Vil, hoping to turn Dalmatian puppies into fur coats. In the week since Mr. Lentol proposed the legislation, Internet commenters have expressed concern that the law could be a deterrent for would-be rescuers, who might fear prosecution if they take in a distressed animal.

"There is a very strong element of intent with this," said Ms. Cleary. Nevertheless, Mr. Lentol will add "safe harbor" proviso to the proposed law, similar to those that permit mothers to abandon babies at hospitals without fear of reprisal. This would prevent a "chilling effect" on do-gooders, she says.

"You have to know that you are taking someone else's animal from their possession," she said, "not an abandoned animal or street or one that got lost." Only if this level of intent is proven in court by a prosecutor and then affirmed by a jury or judge would a person be convicted, she said.

However, Ms. Cleary said, such a law would likely apply to Giusseppe Francis Leonardo and his wife, who took Laika believing she was abandoned after she was left tied up outside a shop for several hours. Though Mr. Leonardo believed he was saving the dog, Ms. Cleary says that under this legislation, if he knew the animal belonged to someone else, he would be open to prosecution.

"In that case you're supposed to call the ASPCA. You can't just take someone else's animal," she said.

However, "If he truly believed the animal was abandoned," she said, he would not be convicted.

July 22, 2:50 AM

2009-07-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

The AKC and AVMA disagree on whether ear cropping is humane.
In recent months, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have been involved in a disagreement over
whether ear cropping, tail docking and other types of cosmetic surgery on dogs
should be encouraged.
AVMA toughens stance on ear crops, tail docks
In November, 2008, the AVMA executive board made a decision to strengthen
their stance opposing the cropping of ears and docking of tails as well as
other surgeries performed on pets for purely cosmetic reasons. This decision
was made amid a great deal of controversy, with the Utah Veterinary
Medical Association (UVMA) even submitting a resolution to the House of Delegates
of the AVMA asking for a more tolerant stance toward these surgical
procedures.
The resolution, also supported by the AKC, was eventually voted down by the
House of Delegates and a new position statement opposing cosmetic
surgeries such as ear cropping and tail docking was adopted by the AVMA.
AKC creates Canine Health and Welfare Advisory Panel
Following the defeat of the resolution asking for a softer stance on the
performing of cosmetic surgeries, which the AKC supported, a new panel was
created by the American Kennel Club. This 12 member panel, dubbed the AKC
Canine Health and Welfare Advisory Panel, is made up of individuals gathered
from all over the United States with a wide variety of credentials, each
bringing his/her own knowledge and experiences to the newly created panel.
According to the AKC, the purpose of the panel is to "strengthen
opportunities for the public to admire, love and own purebred dogs and to foster
greater public education about health concerns relevant to all dogs." The
panel's goal, according to a press release issued by the AKC, will be "to
provide factual and impartial information by creating a forum for proactive
discourse based on scientific and ethical concerns".
Though the AKC did not mention the recent policy debate concerning ear
cropping and tail docking in certain breeds of dogs, it seems likely that this
panel will address the issue at some point in the near future.

California Mandatory/Spay Neuter Bill Held in Committee

2009-07-27T16:59:00.001-07:00

California Mandatory/Spay Neuter Bill Held in Committee

7/15/09

An outpouring of opposition by California sportsmen has applied the brakes
to a bill that would trample the rights of sportsmen and dog enthusiasts.

Senate Bill 250, which would with few exceptions mandate that all dogs be
spayed or neutered, appeared on the fast track this year. It passed the
Senate last month and recently cleared the Assembly Business and Professions
Committee. However, during a hearing on July 15, more than 100 opponents
turned out and rallied afterwards. During the rally, they heard from
numerous speakers including longtime sportsmen's supporter, Sen. George Runner (R-
Lancaster) a member of the Outdoor Sporting Caucus.
The bill remains "suspense file" which is where bills with a fiscal
impact go. Once a bill has been placed there, legislators must vote to remove
it before the bill can be considered again.
"The turnout today as well as the calls, letters, and emails from
sportsmen and dog enthusiasts made a difference," said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen's
Alliance (USSA) vice president for government affairs. "Although we're
not out of the woods yet, this kind of grassroots support is what can really
get the attention of legislators. "
In addition to USSA, opposition has come from dog and sporting groups
across California, including key partners such as the California Outdoor
Heritage Alliance (COHA), Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America, NRA,
California Rifle and Pistol Association, and Pet Pac.
Take Action- California sportsmen should continue contacting their
Assembly members and inform them of your continued opposition to SB 250 without
full protections for sporting dog owners.

AVMA House Rejects Policy Change on Ear Cropping and Tail Docking

2009-07-27T16:57:00.001-07:00

AVMA House Rejects Policy Change on Ear Cropping and Tail Docking

Posted: Friday, July 10, 2009, 7:46 p.m., EDT

The _American Veterinary Medical Assn.'s_ (http://www.avma.org/) House of
Delegates on July 10 rejected Resolution 4, which would have revised its
policy on ear cropping and tail docking of dogs.
The action came during the legislative body's semi-annual session, held in
Seattle, Wash., before the AVMA's annual convention.
Submitted by the Utah Veterinary Medical Assn., the resolution would have
eased the AVMA policy, adopted by the executive board in November 2008, that
opposes ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic
reasons.
The revision would have noted that the procedures, though offering limited
or no therapeutic value, are condoned by the _American Kennel Club_
(http://www.akc.org/) and many members of society. Because of that acceptance,
the policy would have stated that it is "imperative that the procedures be
performed by trained, licensed and caring veterinarians using current stand
of care" while continuing to support the elimination of those procedures
from breed standards.
In addition, the resolution would have revised AVMA policy to ensure that
association members "conform to all state mandates concerning the
procedures."
The November 2008 policy significantly altered the AVMA's position against
the two procedures; previous policy recommended only that veterinarians
discuss with clients the cosmetic nature of the procedures before performing
them.
A major reason for the resolution was to defend veterinarians willing to
perform such procedures who might otherwise be ostracized by the profession
for going against AVMA policy.
In its argument in favor of the resolution, the Utah VMA said the AVMA
should be wary of restricting pet owners' rights because it supports the
concept of pet ownership.

Article - California tax officials target breeders via Internet

2009-07-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

California tax officials target breeders via Internet Article - California tax officials target breeders via Internet) June 29, 2009By: Timothy KirnFor The VIN News Service

California tax officials are surfing - the Internet, that is.It is not unusual for authorities, potential employers, bankers and others to use the Internet to investigate people.And now California tax officials are targeting potential breeders that way.

According to a letter from the California Board of Equalization, board officials visited the American Kennel Club Web site and linked to individual dog clubs to identify potential breeders living in the state.Board officials are not sure if these dog club members are breeders, but they could be.Tax board spokeswoman Anita Gore confirmed that 361 individuals will receive the letter. She would not say how or why those particular individuals were identified, however.Gore also said the board was unapologetic about using the Internet to identify potential breeders.

The Internet is a research tool, like any other, and a fairly popular one, she said.Though a few blogs have speculated that the state might be groping gracelessly for funds with this effort, due to the California government's financial distress, Gore said the letters are a typical education and outreach effort that the board periodically makes.Breeders are in the spotlight because "quite often people who sell animals are not aware of this tax obligation," Gore said.According to California tax law, anyone who sells more than two animals a year must have a seller's permit and pay the state a sales tax.

Fifty letters have been sent out so far, Gore said. The rest will be mailed in the coming weeks. The letter states that the recipient must respond and let the board know whether he or she has a permit, would like to apply for one or does not need one because he or she does not sell animals.Board members have received no complaints about the letters, Gore said. But at least a few are concerned.

Dawn Capp, an attorney and animal advocate, said the fact that the board has used the American Kennel Club Web site and other dog club Web sites is going to upset some people who will ask not to be listed so they cannot be targeted. That will limit resources for the general public, as people visit club Web sites searching for information and help."It definitely is going to have a chilling effect on information," said Capp, founder of the Coalition of Human Advocates for K9s and Owners (CHAKO).

Capp_posted a notice about the letters on the CHAKO blog_ (_http://news.http://news.http://news._ (http://news.vin.com/Link.plx?ID=70527) ) and alerted a number of other bloggers about the issue, who have also posted notices.Capp said it is heavy-handed of the state to target people just because they are members of a dog club.

She also said that when she called the board, she was told that it will pursue people who do not respond to the first letter with a second letter and might investigate if that second letter is ignored."The problem is that this is a very Big-Brother type of mentality," she said. "They don't know whether anyone is a breeder. There are all kinds of dog clubs out there. It sends the message that you are presumed guilty until proven innocent."

Subject: STRICT OHIO BREEDER BILL TO BE HEARD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

2009-06-23T17:53:00.001-07:00

[Tuesday, June 23, 2009]

Ohio House Bill 124 will be considered by the Ohio House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, June 24.

HB 124 seeks to strictly regulate commercial breeders who produce nine litters of puppies or at least forty puppies in any given calendar year, including:

Imposing strict engineering standards (including cage sizes, temperature range, etc.) with no regard for various dog breeds or the extensive costs to responsible breeders
Limiting breeding ages to dogs between 18 months and 9 years of age with no regard for alternative reproductive techniques. The AKC believes the decision on whether a dog should be bred is one to be made by the dog's owner in conjunction with a veterinarian.

The AKC strongly opposes cruelty and mistreatment of animals and believes all dogs should be cared for in a humane manner. The AKC is concerned, however, that any bill seeking to protect the health and welfare of dogs does not infringe on the rights of breeders who take their responsibilities seriously.

How You Can Help
Attend the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee hearing on Wednesday, June 24, and politely express your concerns with HB 124. The hearing details are as follows:

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
Wednesday, June 14
9:30 a.m.
Room 018
Ohio Statehouse
Columbus, Ohio

*Please note that the committee will be considering a resolution on an unrelated issue prior to hearing HB 124. The Chairman's office has informed AKC that that consideration of this bill may take several hours, depending on the length of public testimony.

If you are unable to attend the hearing, contact the members of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and express your concerns with HB 124 and your support for responsible breeding in Ohio. The Committee's contact information is as follows:

Representative John Domenick (Chairman)
Phone: (614) 466-3735Fax: (614) 719-6995Email: district95@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Allan Sayre (Vice Chair)
Phone: (614) 466-8035Fax: (614) 719-6996Email: district96@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Jeff Wagner (Ranking Minority Member)
Phone: (614) 466-1374Fax: (614) 719-6981Email: district81@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Richard Adams
Phone: (614) 466-8114Fax: (614) 719-3979Email: district79@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Linda Bolon
Phone: (614) 466-8022Fax: (614) 719-6971Email: district01@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Troy Balderson
Phone: (614) 644-6014Fax: (614) 719-6994Email: district94@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Dan Dodd
Phone: (614) 466-2500Fax: (614) 719-6991Email: district91@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Terry Boose
Phone: (614) 466-9628Fax: (614) 719-3958Email: district58@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Jennifer Garrison
Phone: (614) 644-8728Fax: (614) 719-6993Email: district93@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Timothy Derickson
Phone: (614) 644-5094Fax: (614) 719-6953Email: district53@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Dennis Murray
Phone: (614) 644-6011Fax: (614) 719-6980Email: district80@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Matthew Dolan
Phone: (614) 644-5088Fax: (614) 719-6998Email: district98@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Deborah Newcomb
Phone: (614) 466-1405Fax: (614) 719-6999Email: district99@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Dave Hall
Phone: (614) 466-2994Fax: (614) 719-6997Email: district97@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Mark Okey
Phone: (614) 466-1464Fax: (614) 719-3961Email: district61@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Margaret Ruhl
Phone: (614) 466-1431Fax: (614) 719-6990Email: district90@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative Raymond Pryor
Phone: (614) 644-7928Fax: (614) 719-6985Email: district85@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative W. Carlton Weddington
Phone: (614) 466-5343Fax: (614) 719-3581Email: district27@ohr.state.oh.us

Representative James Zehringer
Phone: (614) 466-6344Fax: (614) 719-3977Email: district77@ohr.state.oh.us

For more information, contact AKC's Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720; or e-mail doglaw@akc.org.

Ban on Dog Auctions

2009-06-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Check this out this link from today's Columbus Dispatch.

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/06/11/AUCTIONBAN.ART_ART_06-11-09_B1_T8E55KC.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Attention: Update

2009-06-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Today the bill is in meeting for 'sponsor testimony' and then the real hearing will be scheduled. But with only 2 days left in this session, June 11 and June 18, for committee meetings one of these dates willbe picked. It is essential that you get in contact with the committeemembers and your representatives so they can express their position to thecommittee members.If you need a recap on the bill go to:http://www.legislat?ure.state.?oh.us/bills. cfm?ID=128_ SB_95

We need help in Ohio.? SB 95 is being sponsored tomorrow in Ohio.?
http://www.legislat?ure.state.oh.us/bills. cfm?ID=128_ SB_95

You can see there is a lot to be upset about, but here are a couple steamers.(No person shall....II) Breed a dog that is less than eighteen months of age or?Line 702 -- KK)

No person shall....Dock a dog's tail, crop a dog's ear, remove a dog's??claws, or debark a dog. Tail docking, ear cropping, the removal of??a dog's claws, or debarking shall only be conducted by a licensed?veterinarian.?

No person shall...:(line 708 -- MM) Keep a dog in an enclosure, crate, or cage that includes?exposed metal caging without a protective plastic or rubber???

And this one:No person... shall????(Line 700 -- JJ) Permit a dog to have more than one litter per calendar year;

Please let the following senators know that bills about veterinary care should not be written by non-veterinarians and that skipping seasons is hard on the uterus and should be a decision made by the breeder and their veterinarian, not the HSUS.The sponsors are Cates and Hughes.? The others listed are committee members.?

Please call AND write them tomorrow.? Snail mail makes more of an impact than email.

Some of the contacts have changed. Here are the correct ones:

Definitely Hughes and Cates, but also Carey, Stewart, Grendell, Seitz,Wagoner, Miller, Turner and Fedor are on that committee. Call early in themorning and you'll likely get an aide to pass on your message.
Senator Gary Cates Senate BuildingRoom #132, First FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215 Telephone: 614/466-8072 Email: SD04@senate. state.oh. usHometown: West Chester

Senator Jim HughesRoom #038, Ground FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-5981Email: SD16@senate. state.oh. usHometown: Columbus

John Carey Senate BuildingRoom #127, First FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-8156Email: SD17@senate. state.oh. usHometown: Wellston

Jimmy Stewart Senate BuildingRoom #040, Ground FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215 Telephone: 614/466-8076Email: SD20@senate. state.oh. usHometown: Albany

Tim GrendellSenate Building Room #042, Ground FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/644-7718Email: SD18@senate. state.oh. us Hometown: Chesterland

Bill SeitzSenate BuildingRoom #143, First FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-8068Email: SD08@senate. state.oh. us Hometown: Cincinnati

Mark WagonerSenate BuildingRoom #129, First FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-8060Email: SD02@senate. state.oh. usHometown: Toledo

Teresa FedorRoom #051, Ground FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-5204Email: fedoroffice@ maild.sen. state.oh. usHometown: Toledo

Ray MillerRoom #228, Second FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-5131Email: rmiller@maild. sen.state.?oh.us

Nina TurnerSenate BuildingRoom #226, Second FloorColumbus, Ohio 43215Telephone: 614/466-4583Email: senatorturner@ maild.sen. state.oh. us Hometown: Cleveland

Delegates to consider revised AVMA ear crop, tail dock policy

2009-06-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

AVMA delegates will revisit the Association's policy opposing cosmetic ear crops and tail docks on dogs.Resolutions about a potential addition to the AVMA House of Delegates advisory panel, use of random-source animals, judicious use of antimicrobials, and cosmetic surgeries on dogs will be considered at the HOD regular annual session in Seattle, July 9-10. The resolutions were submitted by the May 8 deadline. At press time, the Executive Board was scheduled to make its recommendations to the HOD on the resolutions at its June 4-6 meeting. Resolution 1, submitted by the House Advisory CommitteeAdd American Association of Zoo Veterinarians Representation to AVMA House Advisory Panel"RESOLVED, that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) add the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians representation to the House Advisory Panel." The advisory panel is currently made up of representatives of eight member organizations: the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians; Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Department of Homeland Security; National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials; National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Food Safety and Inspection services. Advisory panel members do not vote on HOD actions, but instead, offer expert advice on a broad range of veterinary-related issues as needed. Even though the size of the AAZV membership is too small to meet the membership requirements for being a constituent allied organization in the HOD, the HAC believes the group is an important informational resource. Zoo veterinarians protect the health of many nondomestic species as well as contribute to public health by helping prevent zoonotic diseases from spreading. They also see to the welfare of the animals in zoo collections, the HAC explained. "Adding the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians as an advisory panel member would give a voice to this valuable sector of our profession," the HAC wrote in the resolution background. "The House of Delegates would benefit from such an addition to the advisory panel when a resolution is under debate and zoo expertise is required." Resolution 2, submitted by the House Advisory CommitteeRevise Policy on Use of Random-Source Dogs and Cats for Research, Testing, and Education"RESOLVED, that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) revise its policy on the Use of Random-Source Dogs and Cats for Research, Testing, and Education to indicate opposition to the use of live animals procured from animal shelters or the use of live animals procured from dealers who deliver such animals from animal shelters, as noted below (deleted text is indicated by strikethrough, added text is indicated by underline)-" Use of Random-Source Dogs and Cats for Research, Testing, and Education(EB 1983; revised 6/91, 4/00, 11/07) While the use of animals The carefully controlled use of random-source dogs and cats contributes greatly to improving the health and welfare of both animals and human beings Therefore, the AVMA believes there is ample justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, provided that: * The institution conducting such research, testing, or education has met all legal requirements and guidelines pertaining to the acquisition, care, and use of dogs and cats for these purposes; * The investigators have thoughtfully examined the need for such dogs and cats, appropriately justified the use of the species, and carefully determined the minimum number required to meet the needs of the protocol; * Adequate safeguards are used to ensure that only appropriately screened dogs and cats are obtained legally; and * Preventive measures are taken to optimize the health of dogs and cats used in research, testing, and education that no live dogs or cats shall be procured from an animal shelter, or a dealer who provides live animals from an animal shelter, for the purpose of such research, testing, and education (with the exception of dogs/cats which may be used by students in veterinary programs for harmless procedures). Random-source animals can include dogs and cats obtained from shelters, breeders, individuals who offer their own pets, pet stores, and class B dealers, according to the resolution background. Resolution 2 focuses only on live animals, and specifically, live animals originating from animal shelters. The HAC explained in its statement about the proposal that the AVMA should not support a policy whereby animals that are abandoned, neglected, or lost are given over to a research or testing facility instead of a loving home or, where necessary, are euthanized. The present AVMA policy on random-source use runs counter to the public's concept of an animal shelter and may impede the surrender of pets to such a facility, the HAC added. In the resolution background, the term "pound seizure" is described as being commonly used to denote pets originating from an animal shelter as the source for research or testing. It is illegal in 17 states and Washington, D.C. "Representing itself as the authority on animal welfare issues, the AVMA should adopt a policy which is more sensitive to the issues surrounding the source of live dogs and cats used for research, testing, and education," the HAC background states. Examples of the "harmless procedures" mentioned in the resolution are physical examinations, spaying/neutering, bandaging, ultrasonography, and radiology, the background states. Resolution 3, submitted by the New Jersey VMA, Association of Avian Veterinarians, and Washington State VMAJudicious Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobials Policy"RESOLVED, that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) revise the Judicious Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobials Policy as indicated below (deletions are struckthrough):" The following is the only sentence in the policy with a proposed change. Judicious use of antimicrobials, when under the direction of a veterinarian, should meet all requirements of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. As organizational policy, the AVMA should have the clearly stated, unequivocal concept that veterinarians are the gatekeepers and decision makers regarding judicious use of antimicrobials, the resolution sponsors explained in the background. "There should be no exclusion in policy that suggests or implies that judicious use is only appropriate when under the direction of a veterinarian," the groups stated. Veterinarians' education, knowledge, experience, and licensure render them as the only individuals entrusted with ensuring judicious use of antimicrobials, they continued. "To state that the judicious use only applies when such use is under the direction of a veterinarian suggests tacit approval of non-judicious use," they wrote. If the HOD accepts the revised policy, the new policy would be expected to supersede and be applied to all AVMA policies in which similar wording and/or intent is present, the groups wrote. Resolution 4, submitted by the Utah VMARevise Policy on Ear Cropping and Tail Docking of Dogs"RESOLVED, that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) revise the AVMA policy on Ear Cropping and Tail Docking of Dogs as indicated below (deletions are stuckthrough and additions are underlined):" Ear Cropping and Tail Docking of DogsThe AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. Although cosmetic ear cropping and tail docking of dogs has little or no therapeutic basis, it is a procedure that is condoned by the American Kennel Club and by many members of society. It is imperative that the procedures be performed by trained, licensed, and caring veterinarians using current standard of care. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from in breed standards. Members of the AVMA will conform to all state mandates concerning the procedures. Resolution 4 gives the HOD a chance to weigh in on the recently revised AVMA policy. In November 2008, the Executive Board amended the policy to state that the AVMA opposes these procedures when done solely for cosmetic purposes. In addition, the amended policy encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards. The Utah VMA proposes amending the policy to, among other things, retract AVMA opposition to the procedures. The Utah VMA writes in the resolution background that the Executive Board action was made without input from the HOD. The board was within its purview to do so, but the revised policy took a "much more hard line slant" than earlier iterations on the matter, which included warnings about the risks of cosmetic ear crops and tail docks, the Utah VMA wrote. Society has mixed feelings about the procedures, which are minor surgeries, relatively safe, and cause little discomfort to the animals, the Utah VMA continued. Moreover, public demand for ear crops and tail docks is high, and many AVMA members continue performing the procedures. "The issue for the AVMA is not to decide what surgery pet owners want or do not want for their pets, but rather to be sure all surgical procedures performed by licensed veterinarians are with proper protocol and proper postoperative care," the association wrote. Veterinarians are not compelled to perform the procedures, the Utah VMA added, and the resolution indicates only that these procedures should be performed by licensed professionals who are willing and able to do them. The four resolutions and their accompanying statements are posted on the AVMA Web site (_www.avma.org_ (http://www.avma.org/) ) in the About the AVMA section under House of Delegates 2009 Annual Session Agenda Items. - R. Scott

Betty Salman sharing info:

2009-06-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Sen. Hughes' aide, Andy Bowsher, indicated yesterday that SB 95 is at least temporarily sidelined while they deal with budgetary issues. HB 124, however, is still moving right along.

CA SB 250, Radical Tactics

2009-06-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Subject: CA SB 250, Radical tactics A person with the Concerned Dog Owners of California stated yesterday that the Animal Radicals hired a call center to contact the few Senators who had abstained on SB 250 the day before. The offices of these remaining Senators were inundated with telemarketers calling with false names and urging a "Yes" vote. The result of this tactic was a call ratio of 50-1. A Senator's staff member confirmed this with another individual, saying they were receiving a lot of Robo calls and didn't know where they were coming from or if the names were even real. This odiferous activity just puts more pressure on reputable dog breeders, rescuers and pet owners to stand up and be counted on legislative matters! The bill passed when it was voted on the next day. Since this tactic worked for them in CA, expect the ARs to adapt it for other states.

Where Do Humane Society Donations Really Go

2009-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Where Humane Society Donations Really GoPosted: 4:03 pm EDT May 14, 2009Updated: 6:50 pm EDT May 14, 2009*ATLANTA

A Channel 2 investigation is looking into millions of dollars in donations given to the Humane Society of the United States. A national consumer organization says the society solicits pet-lovers for money, but little to none of that money ever goes to help local shelters.

Critics tell Channel 2 Action News reporter Amanda Rosseter that this isn't just consumers misunderstanding who they are giving to -- but an organization actively misleading donors to get money. "They do their marketing very well, that's for sure," said Trey Burley of PAWS Atlanta.

Critics say the national organization takes advantage of people who think they are giving to local shelters. DeKalb's "PAWS" shelter says there is no regular funding help from the $100 million HSUS budget. "I think that some of the folks who donate to the national organization may be under the false pretense that that money is going to a local cause," said Burley. While the HSUS does work to stop puppy mills, it also gets media coverage and donations doing it. But the puppies then go to local shelters who have to pay and care for them. "They may initialize the resources for a rescue, but again the animals go to a shelter somewhere in the country," said Richard Rice, VP of the Atlanta Humane Society. Critics said HSUS also takes advantage of high-profile events. After hurricane Katrina, HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle promised on national TV to reunite pets with their owners -- and raised $34 million for the cause. But public disclosures of where that money went add up to less than $7 million. The Louisiana attorney general launched an 18-month-long investigation, and then ended it, when HSUS offered to build the state a new shelter.

The HSUS annual report for 2007 showed $120 million in revenue, including $5.4 million just from online donors. Then there's $112 million in expenses -- most of which appears to have gone to legislation for animal rights bills. The list includes raccoons, mice, wild horses, burros and primates. The center for consumer freedom says all worthy causes, but HSUS shouldn't mislead to get money. So where does all the money go? "It goes to lobbying, it goes to political contributions, it goes to pay huge staff salaries and benefits," said David Martosko with Center for Consumer Freedom. Channel 2 Action News went to a local HSUS meeting to find out. The two hour discussion was about activist plans and lobbying.

The Georgia director for the HSUS agrees that's mostly what she does. "I think that in all of our literature, it is very explicit as to what our campaigns are and what we are doing," said Cheryl McAuliffe, Georgia Director for HSUS. "We help where we can and focus on our programs, which are national and international." McAuliffe said there are just too many local shelters to help. "I always tell people, contribute to your local shelter first," said McAuliffe.

When asked how much her budget is for the state of Georgia, McAuliffe said she didn't have a budget and neither did other states. McAuliffe said all money is controlled from headquarters in Washington, D.C. HSUS later contacted Channel 2 about their work during hurricane Katrina. They say all of the money they collected has been spent since the initial crisis on helping Katrina families and pets.

AKC Government Relations Department

2009-05-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

AKC Government Relations Department assists state federations and local clubs in fighting anti-dog initiatives across the country, including those that contain numerical limits on ownership, excessive regulation, mandates on breeding ages without regard to reproductive differences within breeds or the use of reproductive technology, and in many cases, provisions that would allow for warrantless searches of private property including breeders' homes.The first step in fighting anti-dog initiatives is keeping yourself informed. You can access pending canine legislation, bill text, official legislative summaries, the latest legislative developments, the progress of specific bills, and AKC legislative alerts and messages for your state with the new AKC Government tracking tool :
http://www.trendtrack.com/texis/cq/viewrpt?event=49bfaef9bd

Legislation

2009-04-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ohio, California, Indiana, Texas, Delaware,

Washington, Oklahoma And Tennessee

Legislation that would severely restrict the ability to raise high quality purebred dogs in a home environment is advancing rapidly in several states:

* In Ohio, new legislation was introduced this week that defines a breeding dog as any dog that is not spayed or neutered, and creates a new state Kennel Authority with the power to write and enforce regulations without legislative oversight.

* In California, the 13th reincarnation of last year's failed bill to mandate spaying and neutering of all dogs faces a hearing before the Senate Local Government Committee on April 15. This bill would force the sterilization of any dog that is accused of being in violation of any animal law, even if the allegation is not proven. A second bill, AB 1122, has many dog owners very concerned about its impact on raising or competing with dogs.

* In Indiana, legislation that defines many serious hobbyists as "puppy mills" has passed both the House and Senate, faces a conference committee to resolve differences, and may be sent to the governor soon. Similar legislation is moving quickly in Washington and Oklahoma. While dog owners working with the American Sporting Dog Alliance have caused amendments to improve all three bills, the results still fall short of protecting our rights.

* Texas breeding legislation continues to be contained in committee, but animal rights groups are lobbying hard and a major push by dog owners is needed to make sure it stays in committee.

* And Tennessee legislation aimed at people who raise dogs is moving fast in both houses of the Legislature, and a hearing on similar legislation in Delaware was postponed after dog owners working with the American Sporting Dog Alliance filed strong objections.

Each of these states will be profiled separately below. They are part of a 34-state legislative push by the radical Humane Society of the United States that has resulted in more than 179 pieces of animal rights legislation targeting dog owners nationwide. Information about this legislation compiled by the Cat Fanciers Association also is profiled below.

Ohio

Animal rights groups failed to pass legislation last year that would have destroyed the breeding of high quality purebred dogs in Ohio. As expected, they are back again this year with Senate Bill 95. The prime sponsors, Sen. Gary Cates and Sen. Jim Hughes, also were the sponsors of last year's failed animal rights legislation.

Here is a link to the text of SB 95: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=128_SB_95 . Please read its 42 pages of anti-dog-owner bureaucracy. It is straight from the drawing board of HSUS. The legislation has been introduced, but still has not been assigned to a committee, according to the Senate website. Last year, the sponsors managed to keep the legislation out of the Agriculture Committee, which understands the threats of extremist animal rights activism.

We are asking Ohio dog owners to do two things to help stop this destructive legislation. First, contact the Senate leadership and ask them to assign SB 95 to the Agriculture Committee, which is the only appropriate place. No other committee works regularly with animal issues.

Here is a link to the Senate leaders: http://www.senate.state.oh.us/leadership/index.html . Click on each name to get contact information.

Second, please contact your own senator and ask him or her to oppose SB 95 from the outset, and to use her/his influence with Senate leadership to direct this bill to the Agriculture Committee. Here is a list of each senator: http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/by_name.html . Click on a name to get contact information.

Here are some key provisions of SB 95:

* A breeding dog is defined as a dog of any age that is not sterilized. It includes both males and females, and even newborn puppies. A regulated breeding kennel is defined as a kennel that produces either nine litters of puppies a year, or at least 40 puppies a year. This definition entraps many serious hobbyists, as 40 puppies could translate into only four or five litters a year in some breeds, and may also entrap private animal rescue networks that don't breed any dogs.

* A kennel control authority is created that will write and administer kennel regulations, with no provision for legislative control or oversight, and no accountability to the citizens. These rules will include inspections, background investigations of applicants, rules governing animal rescue organizations, and many other requirements.

* Applicants for a kennel or rescue license will be required to have insurance and also to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Both the insurance and bonds will be payable to the state, in the event of a license revocation, in order to pay for the cost of caring for seized dogs.

* Anyone who sells a dog or a puppy will be required to obtain a vendor's license (some county treasurers already are requiring this in violation of the law, the American Sporting Dog Alliance reported earlier this year).

* Kennel housing requirements will eliminate raising puppies inside a home or in a family environment, for all license holders. Fenced yards for dogs living in a home environment would not meet exercise area requirements, and the bill says that half of the lawn would have to be paved in concrete to comply. For dogs that live in indoor or indoor/outdoor facilities, minimum pen sizes are required that may create dangerous conditions in cold weather. Most dogs will have to have continuous access to clean and unfrozen water, which is an impossibility for dogs kept outdoors in the winter.

* Tail docking, dewclaw removal and ear cropping can be done only by a licensed veterinarian. For hundreds of years, these routine procedures have been done by people who raise puppies, and few if any problems have been reported.

* Veterinary care is required for any disease, illness or injury, even if the problem is only minor and easily treated by the animal's owner. As with parents of human children, most people who own kennels are skilled and equipped to handle routine situations. The bill also requires veterinary approval before any female dog can be bred, and all euthanasia must be done by a veterinarian, even if this causes a dog to experience prolonged suffering.

* No dog can be sold at any public place. This definition would include dog shows, field trials or competitive events, or events sponsored by rescue groups in public places.

* Dogs can be seized and impounded for any violation of the law, including minor or technical violations. Dogs can be seized when the owner is not present, and an owner is entitled only to an administrative hearing before the agency that seized the dogs. There is an appeal only to the environmental division of the Franklin County Court. Civil penalties cannot be appealed, and range from $25 to $15,000 for each dog and each day of violation.

* And an advisory board is created that is heavily stacked in favor of animal rights groups. Only one representative of an AKC breed club is included, and there is no other representation for other dog owners.

California

Senate Bill 250 is the 2009 manifestation of last year's failed spay and neuter mandate, AB 1634. It was amended most recently on April 2, 2009. Here is a link to the amended version (please read it): http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0201-0250/sb_250_bill_20090402_amended_sen_v98.html .

SB 250 is scheduled for an April 15 public hearing before the Senate Local Government Committee. We are urging all California dog owners to contact members of the committee to express opposition to this legislation, submit formal testimony to the committee and, if possible, attend the hearing and offer oral testimony.

This legislation introduces the term "custodian" to weaken the concept of ownership, and treads the dangerous ground of taking a step toward turning animal ownership into animal guardianship. This would make animals wards of the state, and provide the same legal protection to animals that the law now provides for foster children.

"Custodian" is defined as "any person who undertakes the personal care and control of a dog or cat, or any person who intentionally provides care, security, or sustenance for a dog or cat on the person's property for any period exceeding 30 days." This definition ensnares professional trainers and handlers, animal rescue groups, and people who provide food for feral cats.

SB 250 also creates a wholly unreasonable standard of mandating sterilization for any dog that has been impounded, even on a first offense. This would cause the forced sterilization of hunting and field trial dogs that get lost or out of touch with their handler even briefly, dogs that escape confinement through no fault of their owners (or for a simple accidental occurrence, such as bolting through a door that is opened by a visitor), or for animals that are deliberately stolen or turned loose by animal rights fanatics who advocate using this tactic to destroy a hobby breeding kennel. There is no appeal.

All dogs over the medically unsafe age of six months must be sterilized under the legislation, unless an intact permit is obtained. An intact permit can be revoked or denied if the dog's owner has been cited for any violation of any animal control law or ordinance. Please note that the legislation requires only a citation, not a conviction. Thus, even if a dog owner is found not guilty in court, an intact permit could be denied.

A dog owner is given only "a reasonable opportunity to respond" to a denial or revocation, but is not entitled to a hearing in a court of law or an appeal.

The hearing on SB 250 is set for the Senate Local Government Committee on April 15 at 9:30 a.m., in Room 112 of the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Please contact committee members as soon as possible to voice opposition to SB 250. They are:

1. Senator Dean Florez (Author), State Capitol, Room 313, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone:(916) 651-4016; Fax: (916) 327-5989

2. Senate Local Government Committee Consultant Peter Detwiler, State Capitol Room 5046, Sacramento, CA 95814; Fax: 916-322-0298 to enter testimony into the record.

3. Senator Patricia Wiggins (Chair), State Capitol, Room 4081, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 651-4002; Fax (916) 323-6958

4. Senator Dave Cox (Vice Chair), State Capitol, Room 2068, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 651-4001; Fax: (916) 324-2680

5. Senator Sam Aanestad, State Capitol, Room 3063, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 651-4004; Fax: (916) 445-7750

6. Senator Christine Kehoe, State Capitol, Room 5050, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 651-4039; Fax: (916) 327-2188

7. Senator Lois Wolk, State Capitol, Room 4032, Sacramento, CA 95814; Phone: (916) 651-4005; Fax: (916) 323-2304

The second bill, AB 1122, appears innocuous at first glance, in that it bans sales of dogs or puppies at flea markets or along streets and roads. However, dog owners are concerned that the language is designed to entrap dog shows and other competitive events under references to the state's Business and Professional Code.

Because there are vendors at an AKC dog show and many other canine events, these events would fall under the legal definition of a "swap meet." Dog owners who compete or exhibit would be entrapped by this definition if they attend three or more events a year.

Combined with SB 250, this provision would be grounds to revoke an intact permit for all of a competitor's dogs.

It also appears to the American Sporting Dog Alliance that this legislation would prohibit someone from posting a kennel sign along a road on their property, or posting a sign in their yard advertising puppies, dogs, or stud services for sale. It also appears to prohibit kennel information from being placed on motor vehicles or trailers while traveling.

The term offering for sale could include posting notices on grocery store billboards, and even walking an intact dog on a leash in a park could be construed as displaying the dog. All participation at canine events also could be seen as displaying the dog in order to promote the sale of dogs or services from the owners' kennels.

A further provision calls for misdemeanor penalties for the owner of any dog that is displayed that also is "placed in a situation in which its life or health may be endangered...." This would appear to include hunting with a dog (accidents are possible), competing in field trials, agility tests, or herding meets, and working with a dog on a farm or ranch.

An April 28 hearing on AB 1122 has been set before the Assembly Business and Professions Committee. Here is contact information for members of this committee:

Mary Hayashi - Chair

Dem-18

(916) 319-2018

Assemblymember.Hayashi@assembly.ca.gov

Bill Emmerson - Vice Chair

Rep-63

(916) 319-2063

Assemblymember.emmerson@assembly.ca.gov

Connie Conway

Rep-34

(916) 319-2034

Assemblymember.Conway@assembly.ca.gov

Mike Eng

Dem-49

(916) 319-2049

Assemblymember.Eng@asm.ca.gov

Edward P. Hernandez

Dem-57

(916) 319-2057

Assemblymember.Hernandez@assembly.ca.gov

Pedro Nava

Dem-35

(916) 319-2035

Assemblymember.nava@assembly.ca.gov

Roger Niello

Rep-5

(916) 319-2005

Assemblymember.niello@assembly.ca.gov

John A. Pérez

Dem-46

(916) 319-2046

Assemblymember.John.Perez@assembly.ca.gov

Curren D. Price Jr.

Dem-51

(916) 319-2051

Assemblymember.Price@assembly.ca.gov

Ira Ruskin

Dem-21

(916) 319-2021

Assemblymember.Ruskin@assembly.ca.gov

Cameron Smyth

Rep-38

(916) 319-2038

Assemblymember.Smyth@assembly.ca.gov

Here is a link to the text of the bill: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1101-1150/ab_1122_bill_20090227_introduced.html

Delaware

House Bill 95, which regulates raising dogs in Delaware, had been scheduled for a House committee hearing this week. However, the hearing was postponed after many dog owners objected to the legislation. It is not know if or when another hearing may be scheduled.

The official legislative summary of the bill leaves no doubts about its radical animal rights origins: "This bill adopts the recommendations of the Humane Society of the United States regarding restrictions on the large-scale for-profit dog breeding operations commonly known as "puppy mills."

The bill defines a "breeding dog" as any unsterilized dog over the age of six months that is being raised for the purpose of being sold, or for the purpose of breeding it and selling its offspring. No definition is given about how that purpose would be defined, and the American Sporting Dog Alliance also strongly objects to dog owners be required to state a purpose for owning any dog. For example, the same dog may be a family pet, a hunting companion, a field trial competitor, and a dog that will be bred someday.

Using that definition, HB 95 prohibits anyone from possessing, caring for or controlling more than 25 breeding dogs. This requirement ensnares every professional trainer and handler, hunt club, hound pack owner and private rescue network in Delaware, and also many serious hobby breeders of high quality purebred dogs.

The bill also requires veterinarians to examine and certify any dog (male or female) used for breeding, and to be used to treat any illness, condition or injury, even if it is a minor problem such as having fleas or worms. Only veterinarians could dock a tail, crop ears or euthanize a dog under this bill.

Here is a link to the bill: http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/lis145.nsf/vwLegislation/HB+95/$file/legis.html?open .

The American Sporting Dog Alliance is urging all Delaware dog owners to contact members of the House Agriculture Committee to express opposition to HB 95. This link will list all committee members: http://legis.delaware.gov/LIS/LIS145.NSF/*/E650A11F8152E9FA85257507005A4C94/?opendocument&nav=House . Click on each name to find contact information.

Tennessee

More bad legislation targeting people who raise dogs is before the Tennessee Legislature, in the form of identical twin legislation, HB 386 and SB 258. Hearings were held yesterday.

Dog owners who opposed the bill received a courteous hearing before the Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee, which heard testimony but did not vote.

However, the reception received by dog owners was hostile at a hearing held before the House Subcommittee on Civil Practice and Procedure, which voted to approve the legislation and send it to the full House Judiciary Committee for a hearing. A hearing of the full Judiciary Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15.

This legislation defines anyone who "possesses or maintains" more than 20 intact female dogs of any age as a commercial breeder, if the dogs are used as breeding animals; this is very ambiguous, as a dog may be in a kennel for many reasons, including breeding only once in its lifetime. This definition unfairly ensnares many private kennel owners, serious hobbyists, private rescue groups, boarding kennels and professional trainers and handlers.

No one would be permitted to "possess or control" more than 75 intact animals over the age of six months, even if they receive extraordinary care.

The bill also allows searches and seizures without warrants, provides high fines and multiple tiers of violations for even minor or technical offenses, and assess license fees of $500 (for 20 dogs) to $1,000 a year.

Here is a link to the actual legislation (note that the House and Senate versions are identical): http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/106/Bill/HB0386.pdf .

We are urging Tennessee dog owners to contact members of the Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee to oppose this legislation (SB 258). Here is a link to each committee member and contact information: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/committees/commerce.html .

Also, please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and voice your strong opposition to HB 386: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/committees/judiciary.html .

Indiana

Indiana dog owners have won many concessions on what started out to be very dangerous anti-breeder legislation, but still have to contend with language that defines a commercial kennel as the mere possession of 20 or more intact female dogs.

The bill passed the house while still in dangerous form, but was amended in the Senate to reflect the concerns of dog owners. The amended bill passed the Senate, and has been sent back to the House to concur. If the House concurs, it will be sent to the governor to be signed into law.

When it was introduced, HB 1468 would have entrapped virtually every serious dog fancier, rescue organization, and professional handler and trainer under the "puppy mill" classification.

However, dog owners worked hard and were able to win several concessions in the Senate. The amendments exempts hobby breeders (defined as someone who possesses fewer than 20 intact females over a year old), people who breed hunting dogs for sport, people who breed police or military dogs, and some rescue groups from the licensure requirement.

We endorse these changes, but cannot endorse the 20-dog cut-off. The mere possession of 20 intact females does not indicate that they will be bred or that the person who owns them is a commercial breeder. Many serious fanciers exceed this number if elderly and retired dogs are counted, along with young dogs that are being evaluated and dogs in their competitive prime that aren't being bred. Many professional trainers and handlers also would exceed the 20-dog limit at certain times.

Here is the amended version: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2009/EH/EH1468.2.html

Thus, we are asking Indiana dog owners to contact their legislators and senators to ask for this definition to be amended to reflect the federal definition of a commercial kennel, which is based on selling puppies wholesale to dealers or pet stores for resale. Here is contact information for the House (http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/listing/listing.pl?data=alpha&chamber=House ) and Senate(http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/listing/listing.pl?data=alpha&chamber=Senate ).

We continue to maintain that there is no need for this legislation, as existing state and federal laws have proven that they can fully address any problem kennels that are found. There is no evidence that any problem kennels have fallen between the cracks.

We also object to any legislation that ensnares law-abiding dog owners if needless but stifling bureaucracy.

Oklahoma

Several very positive changes were made to HB 1332 in the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the legislation now has been sent to the full Senate for a vote.

While we applaud these changes, we continue to view this legislation as a foot in the door by animal rights advocates, and also the creation of unnecessary laws that will impact people who obey the law but do nothing to solve problems. Existing state and federal laws already do a good job, if they are enforced.

Thus, we are asking the Senate to vote down HB 1332. Please contact your senator and ask him or her to vote no on HB 1332. Here is a link to contact information: http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/directoryalpha.htm .

Here is a link to the current version of HB 1332, following the Senate Appropriations Committee amendments: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/WebBillStatus/main.html .

HB 1332 has been tainted with the animal rights agenda since the beginning, in spite of denials by the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, which is the main impetus for the legislation. The original bill that was introduced in the House was straight out of the HSUS playbook, as was a failed attempt at this legislation a year ago.

Subsequent versions softened the original legislation, but dog owners, farmers, ranchers and sportsmen quite simply have lost their trust for the people behind this legislation. We also know that there is no need for state kennel legislation, as commercial kennels already are federally regulated and are also covered by tough state animal cruelty laws.

The amended legislation sets up an advisory committee with well-balanced membership, and yet fails to give that committee any teeth to do more than make recommendations about future regulations, policies and procedures.

Anyone who sells, transfers or gives away 35 or more dogs would be required to get a license. However, this definition also would entrap many rescue groups and networks.

The legislation also would give complete control of kennel standards and procedures to veterinarians, thus removing important decision-making powers from the owners of the dogs. This is not a matter of poorly run kennels, but simply about individual decisions by animal owners about how to raise, house and care for their dogs. A veterinarian's opinion thus becomes arbitrary and invasive.

In addition, the legislation opens any dog owner to inspections by the state, even if they do not own a kennel that is required to be licensed, denies the right of appeal, and allows for confiscation of dogs if a license is denied or revoked for merely technical reasons, including paperwork deficiencies.

Washington

SB 5651 started out an overly restrictive exercise in bureaucracy that was aimed at people who raise dogs as a hobby, in spite of its stated purpose as a "puppy mill" bill. The original bill was truly insulting to dog owners, echoing radical HSUS ideology in every word.

Several improvements were made before the bill passed the Senate by a 35-11 vote, but the results still were unfair to the best kennels in the state. It must be emphasized that, when challenged by the American Sporting Dog Alliance, supporters of this legislation were unable to name a single example of a situation where existing laws failed to shut down a poorly run kennel, rescue the dogs and successfully prosecute the offender. Not one!

But the supporters of SB 5651 continued to press for more bureaucratic control over people who raise dogs, even in the absence of any rational justification. The measure was sent to the House, where it was passed by the Committee on Judiciary.

However, dog owners continued to inform the legislators of the many major problems with this bill, and the Rules Committee ultimately listened to many of our concerns and made more improvements to the bill. The result passed the full House by a 74-23 vote, and has been sent back to the Senate for concurrence.

In spite of the improvements, we must continue to oppose this bill because it is completely redundant and unnecessary, is clearly directed at hobby breeders of purebred dogs (federally licensed commercial kennels were removed from the bill in the latest amendments), and establishes state control over anyone who maintains 10 or more intact dogs of either gender. This ensnares virtually all serious hobby breeders, as well as professional trainers and handlers who do not breed.

Again, it must be emphasized that there is no reason for this bureaucracy, as not a single example can be produced to show that existing laws are inadequate.

Thus, we are asking all Washington dog owners to contact their legislators and ask them to vigorously oppose concurring with the Senate version, and to send this legislation to the trash can where it belongs.

Here is a link to the legislators' contact information: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Representatives/

Here is a link to the latest version of the bill: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Amendments/House/5651-S.E%20AMH%20JUDI%20TANG%20080.pdf . Changes are outlined at the bottom of the page.

Texas

The Texas House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee held a hearing recently on legislation that would place crippling restrictions on people who raise dogs. The committee did not vote on the legislation at the hearing.

Thus, the American Sporting Dog Alliance is urging all Texas dog owners to submit comments in opposition to this bill to each member of the committee.

In addition, please ask each committee member and the committee Chairman, Rep. Kino Flores, and Vice Chairman, Rep. Mike Hamilton, to allow the bill to die in committee. Comments should be submitted by mail, fax or phone, with email as a somewhat less effective alternative.

Here is a link to the committee website: http://www.house.state.tx.us/committees/list81/350.htm . If you click on each member's name, his or her home page and contact information will be displayed.

At the hearting, about 20 people testified in opposition to the bill, and perhaps a half-dozen supported it. The Responsible Pet Owners Association of Texas played a major role, and three American Sporting Dog Alliance members were among those who testified in opposition.

HB 3180 is a complex piece of legislation. Please read it for yourself at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB03180I.htm .

Here is a summary of its major provisions:

* Anyone who owns or possesses 11 or more intact female dogs is considered to be a commercial breeder, subject to intense and crippling regulation. Most serious hobbyists fall into this category. Most professional trainers and handlers would be ensnared in this provision as well. No one could possess more than 50 intact adult dogs.

* A hobby breeder is defined as someone who owns or possesses 10 or fewer intact female dogs. Most serious hobbyists would exceed this number if retired dogs, elderly dogs, dogs in competition, young dogs for evaluation and dogs for breeding are counted.

* A troubling definition says that a dealer is anyone who is required by law to collect sales tax for the sale of a dog or puppy. In some municipalities, zoning ordinances say that sales tax is required on any sale of a dog.

* A criminal background check is required of everyone who applies for a license as a commercial or hobby breeder.

* The Department of Licensing and Regulation will inspect kennels and administer the law. This will entail annual inspections. A veterinarian or animal control officer could be called in to assist in the inspection, with the kennel owner paying for the cost. Regulation will not be with the Department of Agriculture or any other agency familiar with animal husbandry.

* A seven-member advisory board will be created to oversee the law and develop regulations. People who raise dogs will not have representation on this committee.

* Commercial kennels (including serious hobbyists) would have to shut down until bureaucracy runs its course, an inspection is held and a license is issued. No time limits are set for the state to act.

* Intensive regulation on the care of dogs in commercial kennels would be established. These standards essentially would prohibit serious hobby breeders from raising puppies inside their home, and would require a sterile institutional environment. Paperwork also would be extensive.

* Puppies could not be sold until they are 12 weeks old, and provisions for disclosures and a "lemon law" are included. Regulations would require kennels to employ a staff deemed to be sufficient, and formal training would be required.

* Stiff fines and civil penalties are imposed for even minor violations, and the penalties could be cumulative, counting each dog and each day as a separate offense.

The CFA Report

The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) has done a great job in assembling a resource document of pending legislation this year.

It can be viewed online at http://www.cfa.org/exhibitors/bill-tracking.pdf .

Colleen, can you post the below on the blog and Sharon can you send out to the yahoo group?

Thanks,

Meranda

The states are listed alphabetically in the report. To read the legislation in your state and learn about its status, search online ("Google") your state's legislature and find the bill search page. Type in the number of the bill and follow the links.

Some states are facing major assaults on dog ownership on many different fronts.

New Jersey leads the pack, with 23 separate bills, followed by 18 in Illinois, 15 in Massachusetts, 14 in New York, 13 in Hawaii, nine in Tennessee, eight in Connecticut, seven in Texas, and six in New Hampshire and Florida.

Other states with more than one bill are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Wyoming, Washington, Vermont, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Kentucky, Kansas, Delaware and Colorado face one bill apiece.

The most common kinds of legislation are about people who breed dogs, people who sell puppies, mandatory pet sterilization, puppy "lemon laws," restrictions on selling dogs, and limits on the number of pets a person can own.

Newsweek Article

2009-04-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Newsweek, April 13, 2009 (black cover with red type, no photo on cover) has a four-page article on "designer dogs" and it is pretty much against them and states that most puppy mills are breeding them for the big profits they produce. Poodle are prominently featured.

A (Designer) Dog's Life
If the Obamas choose a hybrid, unethical breeders will try to cash in - and puppies are likely to suffer.

It's worth getting a copy

Poll

2009-03-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

Please go to the web site below and at the top of the video is a poll (its a tab that says "Poll").

Please vote NO to these propositions and you can leave a comment if youchoose.

http://tinyurl.com/d5b3l5

or

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/texas_lege/Dog_fight_starts_on_fixing_Texas_pets

Please cross post as well.

Thanks,

Meranda Hendricks
Ohio Federation of Dog Clubs

Immediate Action Needed!

2009-03-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Please take 15 seconds out of your time to sign the PetPac petition to President Obama stating that you don't want PETA and the HSUS to speak for you & your rights as pet owners, breeders & exhibitors.

http://www.petpac.net/action/ petitions/ hsus_peta_ do_not_represent _majority_ of_americans_ (http://www.petpac. net/action/ petitions/ hsus_peta_ do_not_represent _majority_ of_americans)

Outdoor News DailyGroup of Congressmen to Advocate Animal Rights AgendaFebruary 20th, 2009_http://outdoornewsdhttp://ouhttp://outhttp://ouhttp_ (http://outdoornewsdaily.com/index.php/archives/6305)

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) couldn't be happierwith the formation of a new group of Congressmen that will promote itsagenda.

On February 18, U.S. Representatives Jim Moran (D- VA) and EltonGallegy (R- CA) announced the formation of a new Congressional AnimalProtection Caucus. The goal of the group is to get like-minded membersof Congress together and promote animal rights policy in Washington,D.C. through forums and briefings.

According to the Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), thelegislative wing of the HSUS, the new caucus will "take lawmaking forthe animals to the next level." HSLF went on to gush in its blog, "wecould not be more excited about their leadership of this neworganization of humane lawmakers.

"HSUS President and CEO, Wayne Pacelle was also prominently quoted inRep. Moran's press release announcing the caucus' formation.

Pacelle stated, "The newly constituted Congressional Animal ProtectionCaucus will help better align our federal policies with publicopinion, and we are excited to work closely with its leaders and withthe entire Congress to combat cruelty and abuse."

As of press time, a full list of other U.S. Representatives joiningthe caucus was not available. However, the USSA will let sportsmenknow as the names become available. Each member of the caucus shouldbe contacted by constituents in their districts.

Representatives should be made aware of HSUS' radical anti-huntingagenda. They also need to be aware that sportsmen expect their representatives not to kowtow to that agenda.

Federation Update From The President

2009-03-09T16:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as the Federation works to move forward after the loss of Bobbi Brady. Bobbi offered her time and dedication to the club that has left a large void. I am coming to you today to ask for your help in filling that void. Below are some tasks that Bobbi handled as well as others that were created at the January meeting. I am asking you to step up and help the club move forward and grow by taking on some of these challenges.

1. Bobbi worked directly with our Website volunteer Colleen Timko to put information on the blog. If someone could bring updated legislative information and updates to the blog that is a great way to get information out there.

2. At the January meeting we discussed state wide coordinator’s to bring legislative information awareness in two areas. One would be in the Dog Show area and the other would be in the community area. These coordinators would work with member’s throughout the state to offer education and make presentations at dogs shows and community event’s, like the booths at “dog walks” or attending Responsible Dog Owner Day throughout the state.

3. Membership chair who would chair a committee to increase membership in all area’s as outlined in the constitution.

4. Fund raising Chair to form a committee to look at fundraising opportunities.

5. Match chair to partner with shows in Ohio to provide a federation match which could include a presentation about the Federation and current legislation.

Finally one area I would like to see the club work on is an annual educational fun match in Bobbi’s name to bring awareness of local and state legislation as well as a fun environment to show dogs. If you have ideas or questions or would like to help the club move forward please contact me at info@ofodc.org or call me at 614/302-7998.

Thanks,

Meranda Hendricks

Message From The President

2009-02-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Roberta “Bobbi” Brady this weekend. Bobbi was a driving force to create the Federation of Dog Clubs and her tireless legislative efforts have contributed to the success of this organization. She will be missed in the sport of dogs and by all those who were blessed to serve with her.

Memorial services for Bobbi will be Wednesday February 11, 2008 at 10:00 am at the Moreland Funeral Home in Westerville, Ohio.

HSUS UPDATE

2009-01-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hello all.

Please go to this site to see what HSUS has planned. They appear very organized ( a lesson for us to learn). We must get active and organized if we are going to be the " go to" organization regarding dog legislation and welfare. https://community.hsus.org/humane/events/lobbyday_ColumbusOH_February12/details.tcl

Bobbi Brady

ATTENTION: OFODC QUARTERLY MEETING JAN.18,2009

2008-12-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

The OFODC Quarterly Mtg. will take place on Sunday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m. for Board Members and 1:30 p.m. for the General Membership in Columbus OH at the Ramada Conference Center off of Sinclair Rd/I-71.

Please RSVP to Sharon as soon as possible. Thank You.

More specific details to follow as we approach the meeting date.

Sharon Unrau
OFODC Recording Secretary

UPDATE ON HB 446!!!!!!!!

2008-12-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

HB446 died a "death of natural causes" in its Senate committe last evening.

At the eleventh hour, the National Rifle Association made calls and their presence known causing the senators on the committee to back away from support.

As mentioned earlier, Meredith Johnson Snyder and myself went to the hearings on Tuesday. Meredith gave testimony.

In all the opposition prevailed!

Bobbi Brady

Urgent Update From Bobbi Brady!!!

2008-12-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Meredith Johnson-Snyder and I attended the hearing. Please send the attachment of Meredith's opponent testimony.

1. There was no change in the proponent testimony.

2. The animal warden representative stated some issues were resolved in the amendments but they still oppose micro-chipping and believe tags are the best means of ID.

3. A breeder and former pet store manager (Amy Rausch) was against vets only giving rabies shots and against the increase in kennel and individual licenses.

4. Meredith Johnson-Snyder gave testimony representing OFODC. PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED FILE.

5. Veterinarian from OSU supported micro-chipping but that it shouldn't replace tags as a means of identification.

A possible vote could have taken place at 4PM but the hearing was cancelled.

The hearing resumes at 9:30AM tomorrow in the Grant Hearing Room 110. There could be a vote.

You are encouraged to attend! Bobbi Brady

TESTIMONY REPRESENTING OFODC REGARDING BILL 446

2008-12-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

From: Meredith Johnson-Snyder and Roberta Brady 12/16/08

The Ohio Federation of Dog Clubs

Re: Bill 446

To: Committee Members

Dear Senators:

We appreciate several of the amendments introduced, but we still have a couple of concerns not addressed in the amendments to the bill which we hope will be considered.

First: Raising the kennel fee and the fee for individual dogs is rather double dipping. Please consider reducing the kennel licensing fee and requiring only nominal fee per individual dog than is called for in this bill. The media has claimed that Ohio has 11,000 kennels; this is not true. The truth is that Ohio sells 11,000 kennel licenses purchased by owners of multiple dogs; owners who are not breeders and who do not have kennels.

For breeders to pay for a higher priced dog kennel license and then pay the regular individual license fee is punitive to dog breeders. As the Ohio Revised Code reads now, the purchaser of a kennel license only has to pay one or two dollars for individual licenses over the five dogs the kennel license presently includes. Since show and hobby breeders often keep puppies past the three month licensing grace period, the higher individual licensing fees will be a real burden. Also, unlike the big volume substandard breeders, show and hobby breeders usually keep retired dogs until they die of old age adding to the numbers to be licensed with the higher individual fee schedule. Substandard kennels simply destroy dogs that are no longer useful, while we either find wonderful homes for them or keep them ourselves driving our numbers up. Should we be penalized with higher for caring for our elderly dogs instead of crassly destroying them when no longer useful?

With the present anti breeding atmosphere in this country created and pushed by PETA, HSUS, and other animal rights groups, reputable purebred dog breeders are finding that they are considered “bad guys” for breeding at all. With all the legislation being proposed, initiated or at least backed by animal rights groups in our country, the small show or hobby breeder does not have the resources or the organization to fight back. PETA’s bottom line is the elimination of animal ownership. The raising of kennel fees and individual licensing fees places an additional burden on breeders trying to breed fine representatives of their breeds. If show and hobby breeders give up, all that will be left are the substandard breeders who raise dogs only for a profit.

Second: Please create a sliding scale for fees for licensing for dogs owned by those on social security, disability, or welfare. Often those in poverty or borderline poverty, especially the elderly already make trade offs when deciding whether to spend their meager funds on heat, food, or medicine. Often a dog is the only companion and comfort for those in need, especially the elderly. For families with children who are barely making it in this economy, giving up the family dog/dogs because of higher licenses seems cruel. To ask those in financial distress to pay licenses that are more than they can afford for the one or two pets that give them comfort and companionship making a big difference in their lives, is creating a hardship. Please consider a sliding scale for licensing fees for those in financial need.

TUESDAY!! Senate State and Local Government and Veterans' Affairs Committee notice 12/16/08

2008-12-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee

Notice of Meeting

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

10:00 a.m.

South Hearing Room

AGENDA

H.B. 446(***)** Animal control-revise statutes 6^th Hearing

(Webster) Pro/Opp/IP Testimony

Possible Amendments

Possible Vote

*pending introduction and referral

**possible vote

***amendments or possible sub bill

Note: Written testimony (30 copies) for the committee members is requested. Please provide the chairman’s office with copies (30) of any amendments by Monday, December 15 at 9:30 a.m.

TODAY'S SENATE HEARING!!!

2008-12-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

Looks like the agenda for todays Senate hearing on HB446 has been revised. The bill is 10th on the agenda which begins at 2:30PM. No vote is scheduled but there may be possible amendments.

We would like to urge everyone to write to their legislator to oppose the passage of this bill. It does not benefit the welfare of dogs.

Thanks
Bobbi