Coalition Meeting

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!)



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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)

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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