posted April 27, 2006 06:59 PM         

Ohio Bill Would Ban Puppy Mills

Pretty Girl's Bill—named for a dog found barely hanging on to life after being abandoned by her owners when she could no longer breed—was unveiled yesterday in Ohio. If passed, the bill would mandate random inspections of dog breeding sites and liscensing for commercial breeders.

Legislation is needed, of course, to enforce standards and monitor the actions of anyone breeding and selling animals. But I suspect it's consumers who ultimately will have the biggest influence on the continuation or discontinuation of puppy mills. The key is education. Make sure everyone you know is aware of the horrors of puppy mills. If you're going to purchase a specific breed, do your research! Never buy from a pet store, and find a reputable breeder before making a purchase. (Check out HSUS's tips on How to Find a Good Dog Breeder.) Or, better yet, adopt a dog from a breed-specific rescue group. But never forget that mutts and mixed-breed dogs make extraordinary pets, and shelters all over the world are bursting at the seams with very special animals.

If you live in Ohio, be sure you let your legislators know that you support this bill.

posted April 27, 2006 07:09 PM         

One of my favourite rescue sites is that of a group who brings as many Bichons out of puppy mills as they can. They have also helped out other groups when asked:

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/upcomingauctions.html
Scroll down for a letter from someone who has helped at auctions.

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/beforeafter.html
Before and After Pics.

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/auction2.html
Small Paws® Rescue: At The Auction

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/delicia.html
Another personal experience at an auction.

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/lettersauction.html
Letters from adoptive moms of puppy mill auction Bichons.

posted May 02, 2006 01:12 PM         

Puppy Auctions