Petland, HSUS continue battle, Company demands proof of society’s puppy-mill claims January 22, 2009

Source: Chillicothe Gazette, Jan 18, 2009

The latest public salvo between Chillicothe-based Petland Inc. and The Humane Society of the United States will come in the form of an open letter to be posted Monday on Petland’s Web site.

In the letter, the company once again will ask for specific documentation HSUS used as the basis for accusations Petland sells puppies obtained from substandard breeders.

The letter claims HSUS, which is not affiliated with local Humane Society operations or shelters, has made accusations against Petland without any specific documentation to support the claims. In November, HSUS posted a report containing the accusations on its Web site stating an eight-month investigation of Petland revealed that, after tracking the sources of nearly 17,000 puppies sold by breeders to Petland stores, several came from puppy mill breeders.

Puppy mills are breeders that raise the animals in large numbers and in substandard conditions for sale. Dogs coming from them are prone to health problems, genetic defects and some behavioral issues.

Petland officials Friday once again said the charges are baseless. The fact HSUS cannot provide any documentation linking pets sold at Petland to puppy mill breeders and the fact HSUS, over a 10-month period, never has taken its alleged findings to proper authorities such as the USDA, indicates no wrongdoing has occurred, the company maintains.

“We are selling happy and healthy pets,” said Elizabeth Kunzelman, director of marketing and communication for Petland. “If we weren’t, you’d know it.”

In the open letter, Petland asks HSUS why requested documentation has not been provided at the company’s request so it could look into allegations against specific stores.

“For 41 years, Petland has continued its stand against substandard breeders,” the letter reads. “As such, Petland has repeatedly over the last two months asked the Humane Society of the United States to provide information that will lead to the relief of numerous distressed animals allegedly identified by your organization in your supposed report. Specifically, we are asking for the detailed documentation of the 17,000 puppies sold in 21 stores over the eight-month period referenced in your report.

“If there was an eight-month investigation and the last two months of unfulfilled requests for information are included, then this is a period spanning 10 months where animals were suffering and the HSUS did nothing. The HSUS has not provided this specific information to Petland or the USDA.”

Also in the letter, Petland calls the report “baseless slander,” says many of the USDA reports used to compile it are from as far back as 2005 and 2006 and involve dealers that are on Petland’s “Do Not Buy” list, and indicates videos used in the “slanderous attack upon our good name” shows dogs in cages with no connection to the company.

“If information exists, for the welfare of the supposedly identified animals, please supply that information immediately to the proper authorities and to Petland so we may provide assistance,” the letter reads. “Only with this specific information may assistance be rendered to the animals.”

The open letter to be posted online follows an exchange of letters between the two entities.

The first, from Stephanie Shain, director of HSUS’ Stop Puppy Mills Campaign, is dated Jan. 14 and indicates a packet of information sent to Petland that included a few of the USDA reports used in the accusations – as well as the online report itself – were adequate proof.

“We believe The HSUS has presented Petland Inc. with ample evidence, via footage available on our Web site, proving that many of the breeders and brokers supplying puppies to Petland stores are puppy mills …,” the letter states. “Before we provide you with additional records, please respond to the first records we revealed in November.”

The HSUS letter also invites Petland Vice President Joe Watson to meet with HSUS to review footage of breeders and compare it with company inspection records of those breeders.

In response, a Jan. 16 letter from Watson says the only records provided were USDA inspection reports with no connection to Petland, that the video on HSUS’ Web site under “Petland Investigation” actually has nothing to do with Petland and that Petland has agreed to meet with HSUS after the company receives the “stacks of information” pertaining to the 17,000 puppies that are the focus of the dispute.

“Stephanie, at Petland, the health and welfare of all pets are our No. 1 concern and we stand by your efforts to expose and shut down substandard facilities,” Watson said. “But as it relates to your recent efforts with your ‘Petland Investigation,’ you are truly misguided and Petland won’t be intimidated by the rhetoric contained in your Jan. 14 letter.

“Rather, we are taking action to obtain every piece of information related to the 17,000 puppies sold in the 21 Petland stores over the eight-month investigation.”

Petland says franchise owners are prepared to operate a franchise store by going through a four- to six-week training regimen that includes management training and hands-on experience in every aspect of store operations as a regular employee of another Petland store. They also are provided “the tools to do the right thing” in their operations, including screening breeders that will be supplying their store.

Breeders interested in becoming a supplier must fill out a form, share veterinarian reports and prove USDA licensing. Store personnel also meet extensively with breeders as a means of developing a relationship, and breeders known to be substandard are placed on a “do not buy” list for store franchisees to avoid, company officials said.

Puppy love? Animal rights activists launch boycott of pet stores that sell puppies, Canada November 19, 2008

Source: The Gazette, Published: Tuesday, November 18, 2008, by Catherine Solyom

How much is that doggie in the window?

At Montreal pet stores, he’s somewhere between $150 and $899, depending on whether he’s a mutt or a chihuahua.

More importantly, how much did the doggie suffer before he got there?

That’s the question animal rights activists are asking as they launch Puppy Mill Action Week, which started Sunday, and an official boycott of pet stores that sell puppies.

Following two high-profile raids on puppy mills this fall – which saw more than 300 dogs rescued near Montreal in one week – activists say it’s the pet stores that keep abusive dog breeders in business.

“It’s because people walk into stores and fall in love with the animals that puppy mills continue to thrive,”  says Rebecca Aldworth, director of the Humane Society International – Canada. The HSI defines a puppy mill as a breeding operation in which puppies are mass-produced in substandard conditions.

If people are determined to buy a dog instead of adopting one from a shelter, Aldworth added, they should demand to know where the dog was bred and go see the breeder.

“If the store is unable to give that information, ask yourself why that is.”

At Animalerie Paul in the Plateau, where Shih Tzus are on sale this week for $350, store manager Nancy Thomas says her puppies come from small-scale breeders or families.

It’s more profitable for puppy mill owners to sell to individuals through newspapers or the Internet, she said, and their puppies are often in bad shape.

“You can spot a puppy mill dog right away,” Thomas said.  “They are shaking with fear and anti-social. And they don’t change in a day.”

François St-Louis, owner of Aquarium du Nord in Petite Patrie, where a poodle fetches $599, said puppy mill puppies do come his way, but they breed trouble for the store.

“Yes, it’s happened, you need a puppy so you buy one (from a puppy mill owner), but you’re buying problems,” St-Louis said. Dogs from puppy mills are often sick or malformed from too much inbreeding and they are promptly brought back to the store for a refund.

St-Louis won’t buy dogs who haven’t been vaccinated or checked over by a vet.

“We’re not vets but we ask a lot of questions. When someone tells me he can get me any one of 60 breeds, I know there’s a problem.”

Both Thomas and St-Louis say the Humane Society is barking up the wrong tree with its anti-pet-store “propaganda.”

“It’s like saying all Italians are part of the Mafia, and all Indians sell smokes,” St-Louis said. “There are good pet stores and bad pet stores.”

In pet stores, customers can come and see for themselves how the dogs are treated, and they can call the SPCA to report any abuse, Thomas said.

“But puppy mills will continue to sell on the Internet. You have to go to the source of the problem.”

The Humane Society and the SPCA say they’re trying to do that, but it’s an uphill battle.

In September, the two agencies raided the home of a Rawdon man who kept more than 100 malnourished dogs in crates in his basement. Last month, Francisco Coelho was sentenced to 180 hours of community service and fined $3,300 – the equivalent of 10 discount Shih Tzus, or four chihuahuas.

“I was there in Rawdon,” Aldworth said. “What we saw was direct animal abuse, animals abandoned and left to starve. The dogs were literally skeletons.

“(The sentence) sends a clear message to puppy mills that you can get away with it. It becomes the cost of doing business rather than a deterrent.”

Despite the lax sentences, Alanna Devine, executive director of the Montreal SPCA, says she’s still pushing for the SPCA to be given the mandate – and funding – to enforce provincial legislation and conduct more raids on puppy mills, which she estimates number about 2,000 in Quebec, the so-called puppy mill (capital?) of Canada.

A petition launched just after the October raids ?? has garnered 56,000 signatures so far in support of granting the SPCA that mandate.

Now that the provincial government has called an election, Devine has written to all MNAs to ask them what they will do about the situation, including whether they would support a motion to require commercial breeders to register (with the provincial government?), “so we know where these places are and can regulate them.”

Until then, power – and responsibility – lies with consumers, who can refuse to buy dogs and cats from pet stores unless they can verify the conditions under which they were bred, Devine said.

People should opt instead to adopt from a shelter. Another 81 dogs – including 38 pure-bred beagle, chihuahua and Boston terrier puppies – were put up for adoption on Thursday following a raid in central Quebec two weeks ago.

“If pet stores say they’re the good ones, I challenge them to prove it and give out information about the breeders. If they don’t, people shouldn’t take the risk.”

The cause has convinced recording artist Patti Page, who in support of the Humane Society’s campaign has changed the lyrics to the song she made famous in 1952.

“Do you see that doggie in the shelter, the one with the take me home eyes…”

To hear Patti Page sing the new version, go to at www.hsicanada.ca/stoppuppymills and scroll down to No. 5 in the Take Action list.

Dear President Elect Obama, November 18, 2008

Source: The American Chronicle, By Susan Thixton, The Trust About Pet Foods, Nov 17, 2008

The near future is bringing many changes to your family, including the addition of a family dog. Becoming a new dog owner adds another responsibility to your family, including deciding on which dog food is right for the ´First Dog´. The dog food decision might be more of a challenge than you think; before you select a dog food, the following will provide you with some necessary information.

Not that the first family is going to walk into a Petsmart or Petco to purchase their first bag of dog food like other new dog owners across the U.S., but if you did, you´d find aisles and aisles of dog foods to chose from. You and your beautiful family would wander down the aisles to find hundreds of different brands, varieties, and price ranges; everything from kibble, canned, frozen, to dehydrated.

Being a very intelligent man, and caring about the nutrition your new family member will receive, you´ll probably carefully read the labels. On each dog food you´ll notice reassuring words like ´Premium´, ´Choice´, and ´100% Complete´. Some dog foods will also mention health promoting benefits on the label such as antioxidants and omegas.

Before you make your dog food decision however, there are some things about dog foods, cat foods, and pet treats that you need to know.

As you read the reassuring words on the dog food labels, you should be aware that pet food regulations allow “Unqualified Claims, either directly or indirectly” on the pet food label. It turns out that those reassuring words such as ´Premium´ or ´Choice´ can be ´unqualified´ or misleading to pet owners. As an example, a dog food labeled as ´Premium´ might contain cow intestines as a source of protein and risky chemicals to maintain freshness.

Should you, like millions of other pet owning families, decide to give your children some pet care responsibilities, you might want to think twice before allowing your girls to feed the new dog. Sadly, it is currently acceptable practice for diseased animals and euthanized animals to be processed into pet food. Should you give your girls this responsibility, they could be handling a dog food that contains the remains of a diseased animal, possibly even the remains of a cow suspect of spreading BSE or mad cow disease. While the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act firmly states no food, including animal food, can contain a diseased animal or an animal that has died other than by slaughter, the FDA (soon to be your FDA) has been ignoring this law with regards to pet food.

Another consideration is the country of origin of your pet´s food ingredients. Even though you did not have a dog at the time, in 2007 thousands of U.S. pets became ill and died from contaminated grain proteins imported from China. When you face the decision of what food to provide to your new dog, you´ll be at risk of your dog consuming contaminated Chinese imported pet food ingredients, just like millions of other U.S. pet owners. Sadly, country of origin of ingredients is NOT provided to pet owners on any dog food, cat food, or pet treat label. Your children´s new dog could be poisoned without your knowledge because existing pet food regulations don´t feel it is necessary to provide country of origin information to pet owners.

President elect Obama, it is apparent you love your children and truly care about their future. Your children are about to fall deeply in love with a four legged, tail wagging best friend; a friend they will fondly recall for the rest of their lives. Can you imagine how broken hearted your girls would feel if their dog was poisoned by imported Chinese pet food ingredients unknowingly fed in the pet food? Should your children and millions more U.S. children be denied the life lesson of pet care responsibilities because the dog food or cat food might contain diseased animals?

Millions of unknowing parents, whose children have the responsibility of feeding the dog or cat, are not aware the pet food can contain rendered diseased or euthanized animals. Millions of U.S. children every single day are handed the chore of feeding the family pet; these children handle pet food that despite Federal Law against it, is the dumping ground for useless, risky animal remains. You should also be aware of a pet food rumor that has existed for years; that some pet foods contain euthanized dogs and cats. The FDA attempted to disprove this rumor; however their test results only proved that pentobarbital, the drug used to euthanize dogs and cats, is found in many popular brands of dog food. The FDA testing found no positive evidence to disprove that millions of euthanized shelter dogs and cats are rendered and become a pet food ingredient. The rumor remains.

Millions of unknowing pet parents feel they can trust and believe pet food labels that state ´Premium´ or ´Choice´; they are unaware regulations allow pet food to make ´unqualified claims´ on the label. They are unaware that pet food labels, despite Federal Law against it, can be misleading. They remain unaware that risky Chinese imports could be included in their pet´s food.

As you will soon discover, your new dog will become a member of your family. He or she will steal a tiny bit of your heart the day you bring them home, and everyday following they will become more and more a part of you. He or she will become your children´s beloved friend, and if you are lucky, your friend and confidant as well. Unlike average parents, you perhaps will have your staff feed the dog or even have your staff prepare your new dog´s meals. Most pet parents don´t have these options. Most pet parents hold their breath every time they open a new bag of dog food or cat food, hoping this bag of food will be safe. Hoping their children won´t become sick from handling a dog food or cat food. This is America, this shouldn´t happen here. We can only hope that once you are President, and once you have decided upon and adopted your new family member, you will become aware of the challenge 74 million U.S. pet parents face daily. We can only hope that you´ll care enough, not only about your daughter´s dog, but the dogs and cats of all others in the U.S.; and that you will do something to protect everyone.

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Humane Society Warns Against Buying Puppies From Pet Stores November 18, 2008

Source: ConsumerAffairs.com By Lisa Wade McCormick, November 18, 2008

Puppy Mills

If a new puppy is on your wish list this holiday season, don’t buy one from a pet store. It may have come from the billion-dollar puppy mill industry, and supporting that store could lead to continued cruelty against animals.

That’s the message from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which launched its second annual Puppy Mill Action Week on Sunday. The goal of this campaign, HSUS officials said, is to encourage pet stores to stop selling puppies and support animal shelter adoptions instead.

While retail pet stores defend their industry, saying they’re committed to animal welfare, HSUS disagrees and warns consumers that pet stores simply fuel the demand for puppy mills.

“The bulk of puppies sold at pet stores come from puppy mills,” said Stephanie Shain, puppy mill expert and director of the HSUS’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign. “If you’re in the business of selling puppies, you need a constant supply of different types of breeds. Puppy mills fill that demand for pet stores.”

Puppy mills–mass commercial breeding operations–churn out two to four million puppies each year, the HSUS said. Those puppies are raised in horrible conditions and often have health problems, genetic defects, and behavioral issues.

The HSUS has documented scores of deplorable conditions in puppy mills, including crowded cages, poor food and shelter, over-breeding, and inbreeding. Puppy mill dogs, HSUS officials say, receive minimal veterinary care, little social interaction, and those kept for breeding suffer for years in continual confinement.

The driving force behind this inhumane industry, HSUS officials say, is money. “They (the dogs) are bred as often as possible and then destroyed or discarded once they can no longer produce puppies,” according the HSUS. “Mills only look to make a profit; commonly disregard the dog’s physical and emotional health; and do not adhere to sound breeding practices.”

“The end result: Hundreds of thousands of dogs who will spend their entire lives in cages for their entire lives, suffering from cruelty and neglect every day.”

How it happens

Pet stores, for example, may claim their puppies come from breeders — not puppy mills.

“If a pet store manager tells you this, ask to see documentation that shows exactly where their breeders are located,” HSUS officials say. “In most cases, you will find out that the breeders they ‘know’ are in distant states.

Some pet stores also claim they don’t sell puppies from local breeders because their state doesn’t regulate that industry.

“Commercial breeders in all states who sell wholesale to pet stores are required to be regulated by the USDA,” HSUS officials say. “Some states, such as Missouri and Pennsylvania, also require a state kennel license and state inspections.”

That, however, doesn’t mean puppies from Missouri or Pennsylvania are healthier than dogs bred in other states.

“These states have two of the worst concentrations of puppy mills in the United States, with some of the worst conditions,” HSUS officials said. “This is due in part to the very small number of qualified inspectors, infrequent inspections, and the fact that even facilities that are found to be substandard during the inspections process are rarely penalized.”

Some other examples of pet store double-speak, HSUS officials said, include:

“Our store’s puppies are healthy and have a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.” “A health certificate only means that the puppy has had a very brief ‘wellness’ examination by a veterinarian,” HSUS officials said. The certificate does not mean the puppy or its parents have undergone any testing for genetic disorders or other diseases.

“Our puppies come with a health guarantee.” HSUS officials say these guarantees often protect the store’s interest — not the consumers. Be sure to read those guarantees carefully.

“Our puppies are registered and come with papers.” Purebred registration papers — from one of many “kennel clubs” or other dog registries– are only a record of a puppy’s parents and sometimes its lineage. “Puppy mills routinely sell puppies with papers from prestigious sounding ‘kennel clubs,” HSUS officials say. “Registration papers do nothing to ensure that an individual puppy (or his or her parents) is healthy or free of genetic defects, or that they were raised in a humane and sanitary environment.”

“We’ve never had a problem with any of the puppies.” “Even facilities with mostly healthy puppies and problem-free inspection reports are keeping dozens or even hundreds of breeding dogs in cages for their entire lives,” HSUS officials said. “These parent dogs live behind bars from birth until death…they are bred repeatedly until they can no longer reproduce, and then they are discarded.”

“All our puppies come from USDA-inspected facilities. “Being USDA-inspected does not mean that the business is not a puppy mill,” HSUS officials says. “There are hundreds of USDA-licensed puppy mills in operation that have long lists of violations and problems associated with them.”

Those involved in the retail pet industry, however, say they’re in the business of promoting healthy animals–not puppy mills.

“The health and well being of our pets comes first to all of us,” Lacey Clever, a spokeswoman for Petland, Inc., told ConsumerAffairs.com. “Healthy puppies are truly our #1 priority.”

Clever said Petland gets its “registerable” puppies from professional and hobby breeders and licensed professional pet distributors “who have years of experience in raising quality pets.”

Company representatives also inspect their distributors’ and breeders’ facilities, she said. “In addition, these facilities are licensed and inspected by the federal government (USDA). We require that our franchisees buy only from Petland, Inc. associated facilities. We even encourage our franchisees to visit facilities for themselves.”

Petland even has a “Do Not Buy List” of breeders that operate substandard facilities, Clever said.

And the company encourages its customers to adopt from local animal shelters.

“We have an Adopt-A-Pet program that enables our stores to partner with local shelters and rescue groups on whatever level works for them,” Clever said. “Some stores have fundraisers and donation drives for their local shelters while others have a more intense partnership, providing kennel space for shelter animals.”

Slaughterhouse

But pet stores aren’t the only places where puppy mill dogs are sold, HSUS officials warn.

“Classified listings and Web sites are also selling puppy mill dogs,” Shain said. “We see puppy mills selling through classified ads and they do a good job of making their postings look like they’re small breeders with a litter of puppies and not huge breed operations. We also see many savvy looking Web sites (by puppy mill operators).”

Consider the Pine Bluff Kennels in Lyles, Tennessee, which the HSUS raided in June — an effort that rescued nearly 700 dogs.

“If you went to that (operator’s) Web site, you’d see many beautiful comments about how the dogs lived on a 92 acre farm,” Shain said. “But when we went there, there were nearly 700 dogs stuck in tiny cages.” Many of the dogs had no food or water, HSUS officials said. They were stuck in wire cages–that made it impossible to stand–and surrounded by their own feces.

Scores of dogs found during the raid had eye injuries and broken bones, HSUS officials said. Some were even dead.

During the raid, HSUS officials discovered the grave site of a pile of dogs that had multiple gunshot wounds in their decaying bodies.

Tennessee authorities charged the kennel’s operator, Patricia Adkisson, with 24 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty, nine counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, one count of unlawful sale or transport of dogs, one count of unlawful administration of rabies vaccine, and one count of paraphernalia.

Despite her kennel’s deplorable conditions, Adkisson sold many dogs online for as much as $400 each. Most of those dogs were smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas, miniature pinschers, and terriers.

HSUS officials say consumers are often duped by sophisticated Web sites–like the one Adkisson had–that sell puppies.

“We hear all sorts of horrible stories,” Shain told us. “We’ve heard stories about puppies arriving dead, or the dog they received was not the one pictured on the Web site, or it was a different breed, or in some cases, the dog never arrives.”

Other common complaints include puppies sold with crippling genetic conditions, sick puppies arriving in need of expensive emergency veterinary care, or puppies that became sick or died from serious infectious diseases. Some of those diseases, officials said, were parasitic and transmittable to humans.

What you can do

How can consumers protect themselves from getting taken by deceitful online puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders selling dogs through classified ads? And what steps can dog lovers take to ensure they’re not supporting the puppy mill industry?

The HSUS recommends the following:

• Adopt a dog from a local animal shelter. “Visit your local shelter and at least give adoption a try,” Shain said. “You might just find your next best friend.” HSUS officials say one in four dogs in a shelter is a pure bred.

• Check out breed-specific rescue groups. “There are breeds of every kind that need a home,” Shain said. “They even have rare breeds.”

• Don’t buy puppies from pet stores or online. “Pet stores and Internet puppy dealers are very smart about deceiving people,” Shain said. “These dogs are a cash crop for the puppy mill operators and the pet stores, and it’s reprehensible.” Dogs sold in pet stores are also considered “inventory,” HSUS officials said. The faster they can get rid of one dog, the faster they can restock their cages.

• Beware of slick Web sites and classified ads selling dogs. “This is a savvy industry,” Shain said. “These people have sophisticated Web sites and that might make you to let your guard down.” Reputable breeders never sell their puppies over the Internet or through pet stores, HSUS officials said. They insist on meeting the family or individual interested in buying their dogs.

• If you decide to buy from a breeder, visit the facility. “That is an absolute must,” Shain said. “You must go to that (breeder’s) home, meet the animals, and see how they live. You want to make sure those animals are members of the family. We feel that all dogs should be companions first and breeders seconds. Breeding shouldn’t be the sole reason for the animal’s existence.”

• Encourage pet stores to start adoption programs. “The best models are the ones used by Petco and PetSmart, which let local shelters come in their stores and adopt their dogs,” Shain said. “That is a great thing. It gets the animals in the stores and sends a humane message to the community that this is a puppy-friendly pet store.”

I rescued a human today. November 16, 2008

I rescued a human today, by Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Written by Janine Allen
www. RescueMeDog.org

Thank you Janine for this beautiful essay!

More ‘Puppy Mill’ Dogs Available For Adoption, CO November 11, 2008

Source: DENVER (CBS4) ― Dozens of dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Oklahoma are getting new homes in Colorado.

One hundred dogs arrived at the Denver Dumb Friends League about a week ago. Most of them are poodle or spaniel mixes.

Thirty-five of the dogs have already been adopted. Another five dogs are still available for families to take home.

The other dogs are in a special program called “Canine Courage.” That program is for animals that need more socialization and dogs that are not house or leash trained.

“They’ll make good pets. They’ll need a little bit of work. We want people who recognize up front these are not necessarily coming from a normal situation, so they are going to need a little bit of extra attention a little bit of extra care,” Tara Yurkshat with Denver Dumb Friends League said.

The remaining dogs should finish their training and are likely to be available for adoption in a few weeks. Those who are interested should call (303) 751-5772

SPCA lays charges against owners of alleged puppy mill in Wahnapitae, Canada November 7, 2008

Source: By Star Staff, Nov 6, 2008

The Sudbury of the Ontario SPCA have charged two people with running a puppy mill in the Wahnapitae area.

In a release Thursday, the SPCA said officers removed 42 small
breed dogs on Aug. 1 following an investigation. It was now says 37 of
those dogs and their offspring are available for adoption.

“In August, the Ontario SPCA obtained a search warrant and
found the facility to be unsanitary and the dogs covered in feces and
urine,” the agency said in a release. “The veterinarian on scene deemed
the animals to be in immediate distress and recommended their removal
from the property.

“The 42 dogs were taken to be bathed and groomed and then
moved to appropriate boarding facilities. The dogs underwent veterinary
examination and received proper medical and dental care.”

Janice Henry, 59, and Cynthia Szymychalski, 48, have been
charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with failing to provide
suitable and adequate care, and causing unnecessary suffering to 13
dogs.

Henry and Szymychalski also face seven charges each under the
Ontario SPCA Act, including confining an animal to an enclosure that is
dangerous to the animal’s health and well-being; confining an animal
with other animals that may pose a danger to the animal; and confining
an animal in unsanitary conditions without adequate space, ventilation
or opportunity to exercise.

Now that the dogs are safe, the SPCA is inviting people to
visit its Sudbury branch on Notre Dame Avenue to meet the dogs and fill
out adoption applications. Many of the dogs are being distributed to
other Ontario SPCA Community adoption centres.

If you would like to make a financial donation to keep the
shelter running, “Cash for the Claws” donations are tax receiptable,
please contact the Sudbury & District Branch at 705-566-9582.

To report animal cruelty, please contact the Ontario SPCA
Provincial Office at 1-888-668-7722, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477) or police.

Pair arrested in connection with Delaware County puppy mill, OK November 6, 2008

Source: NewsOK, by Sheila Stogsdill, Nov 6, 2008

JAY — A Delaware County man and woman were arrested on animal cruelty complaints Wednesday, five days after authorities seized more than 100 dogs at a puppy mill, and are expected to appear in court today.

Sue Davis, 52, and Randall Dick, 55, are being held in the Delaware County jail without bail.

A sheriff’s deputy found 106 Cocker Spaniels and miniature poodles at a Colcord residence near the Arkansas state line on Friday. Nine dogs had died and some others were chewing on others.

The dogs were crammed into cages and most were walking in 4 to 5 inches of fecal matter or their coats were embedded with fecal matter.

98 dogs rescued from puppy mill brought to Denver November 4, 2008

DENVER – It’s not 101 Dalmatians, but it’s close. The Denver Dumb Friends League received 98 poodles and spaniel mixes from a puppy mill on Monday.

Officials at the Dumb Friends League say the dogs were taken from a puppy mill last Friday near the Arkansas state line. They were transferred to Denver from the Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake, Inc., in Delaware County, Oklahoma.

“We’re happy that we can assist the Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake with this case,” stated Robert Rohde, Dumb Friends League president, in a news release on Monday. “Thanks to the support we receive from our community, we’re able to give these dogs the TLC they deserve – veterinary care, a bath, proper nutrition and a warm, clean environment – until permanent homes can be found.”

The shelter says the dogs are not yet available for adoption since they still need to be groomed and examined by a veterinarian, but some of the dogs could be available as soon as Tuesday.

Most of the dogs are young and officials at the shelter say they will need additional training.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs or making a contribution can visit the Dumb Friends League’s Web site ddfl.org, or call 303-751-5772.

Bark Busters Offers Tips for Safely Bringing Home a Shelter Dog October 27, 2008

World’s largest dog training company offers tips for people bringing home a shelter dog

Source: Englewood, Colo. (PRWEB) October 27, 2008 — From dogs evacuated during hurricanes and abandoned to shelters, to the thousands of racing greyhounds disposed of every year, shelters are overflowing with dogs waiting to be rescued. Shelter dogs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and it is important to know how to help a dog make the transition from a shelter to a new home. To help families who are willing to rescue a shelter dog, Bark Busters – the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company – provides guidelines to better manage the adoption.

“Dogs need order and leadership,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “They are pack animals, so you must be the ‘pack leader’ to ensure that your dog knows that you’re the boss. Dog owners may not know the temperament of their shelter dog, but they can make the transition from shelter to home easier, faster and more rewarding by having a set of house rules.

The following tips can help ensure a smooth transition:

Before You Bring Your New Dog Home:
Hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Will he be allowed on the couch, the bed, and in all rooms of the house? Where will he sleep and eat? Who will be responsible for feeding? Who will walk him and clean up after him? As a family, you must all be consistent with your decisions or you will confuse the dog, typically resulting in the dog making his own rules and causing unnecessary tension, which can lead to undesirable behavior.

Have the necessary items your dog will need from the start: ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools.

Plan to bring your new dog home on a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. You will want that time to get to know each other and to establish rules and a trusting relationship.

Just before you bring your dog into the home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. Walks are not only good exercise, but they also serve as a training tool and an opportunity to establish yourself as the pack leader.

Establish Ground Rules in the First Days:
At first, limit your dog to one room or area. Allow him time to familiarize himself with the smells and sounds of his new home. Try to limit your time away from home those first days; your spending time with him will help him to become more comfortable in his new home.

Keep your dog on leash for the first few weeks so you can immediately teach him what behaviors are and are not acceptable.

Expect housetraining accidents. Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so accidents probably will happen. Review housetraining information available from the shelter, your veterinarian or your local Bark Busters trainer. The key is to be consistent and maintain a routine.

Dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from household hubbub. A crate also makes housetraining and training easier, but limit the amount of time the dog is crated. The crate should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An alternative to a crate is to confine him in a dog-proofed part of your home, such as a laundry or mud room. You can use a baby gate or dog gate to block off the area from the rest of the house.

Most shelter dogs have been given basic vaccinations and many have already been spayed/neutered. It is important that your dog is examined by a veterinarian within a week after adoption for a health check.

For the first few days, limit guest visits to allow your dog to get comfortable with his new family. When you do have guests, ask their help in training your dog by instructing them to not pay attention to him until he has calmed down. One way to communicate this request is to post a sign on your front door informing visitors that you have a new dog in training.

A Trained Dog Makes for a Happy Human-Canine Bond:
Get guidance for training your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a joy to have around.

Dogs need a pack leader. If they don’t have one, then they try to become the leader, which can create numerous behavioral problems. Thus, you–and all people in your home (other than children under 12)–need to be the pack leader. Practice obedience training, set rules and apply them calmly and consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. He will see you as his pack leader and will bond more quickly to you.

It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own, and once we understand it, we can communicate better what we expect of them.

A Bright Future:
Hats off to you for bringing home a shelter dog! Your patience and training will help to create a bond that will reward you both for years to come. With the right balance of discipline, understanding and affection, your shelter dog will become a loyal, grateful and loving companion.

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Liam Crowe, are renowned authorities in understanding, correcting and managing dog behavior. The Bark Busters training system can successfully train any dog, including a puppy. The company’s natural training technique leverages the same communications methods–body language and voice control–that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. All training takes place right in the home where most problems generally occur. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services.

About Bark Busters:
Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

Contact: Lauren Rerucha 303-921-1155 laurenrerucha@barkbusters.com