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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Subject: SIGNATURE GATHERINGS! Ohio Dog Auctions Act (2011 Ballot Initiative)
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
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
Friday, June 4, 2010
OFODC Members
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.
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
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
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
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