Organized, large-scale dogfighting operations have declined in recent years… however, street dogfighting is on the rise in urban areas (many of us are well-aware of this).

** Neighborhood Pit Bull owners seeking status or bragging rights, and gang-bangers looking to settle scores or move up the ladder, and even other, less than savory characters stage impromptu dog fights in back alleys or basements or backyards.

** In recent years, federal laws have been strengthened to combat dogfighting and cockfighting — updgrading the jail time, banning the sale of cockfighting weapons and the possession and training of fighting animals. We’ve (collectively) also passed dozens of new state laws to criminalize animal fighting and strengthen the enforcement of these laws.

And this new legislation is definitely working for the animals and helping to save lives…

JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO: A Grand Jury charged an Ohio man with three counts of felony dogfighting after a nine-month investigation and legal action by a local animal shelter. An Ohio attorney presented the case against Sherman Bell to the Jefferson County Grand Jury pursuant to a unique provision of Ohio law, which allow local humane societies to bring criminal charges directly against animal abusers. This is the first time Ohio’s special private prosecution statute has been applied to dogfighting.

During a 2010 raid, authorities found suspected dogfighting paraphernalia on Bell’s property and seized 200 dogs along with 300 other animals such as reptiles, chickens, roosters, boars and a variety of exotic birds in terrible condition. The animals were discovered by local officers when they arrived on Bell’s property to carry out an arrest warrant for drug and weapons charges. The animal shelter also plans to file 18 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals for the mistreatment of the dogs, reptiles and a cat found on the property. (YES, IN OHIO, ANIMAL CRUELTY IS STILL A MISDEMEANOR.. See Nitro’s Law for more info on that...)

Following the 2010 raid, all dogs were removed from the property and set up in an emergency shelter for care. The shelter’s rescue team also assisted in caring for other animals on site and placing them into foster care and permanent homes.

More than 150 dogs from the operation were placed with rescue groups and shelters across the country in several states all the way to California and New Jersey.

So why am I posting this??? Because this is happening in our backyards, my fellow Ohioans….

We NEED TO GET Nitro’s Law passed to get animal cruelty “upgraded” to a FELONY.

PETITIONING: The Honorable Phyllis M. Rosier c/o Assistant State Attorney Geoff Fleck

The Animal League Defense Fund is single-handedly handling a case of horrible cruelty in the State of Florida. Click here to go to the petition page on Change.org. Please visit the page to recruit supporters through email, Tweets and Facebook. The petition needs as many signatures as possible; even if you don’t live in Florida – if you’re an animal welfare advocate you never now when dogfighting as an issue might creep up in your own backyard so let’s support our neighbors please.

Here’s a link to the initial story by ALDF.

Here’s the jist of what’s happening:

When police seized 13 dogs in April 2010, animal cruelty and dogfighting charges were subsequently brought against Cletus Gaskins and Omar Aldridge. Reportedly running away from the officers on the scene and leaving his four-year-old son behind in the process, Aldridge was also charged with child neglect.  

Dogs raised for fighting are forced to live desperately, repeatedly suffering ruthless and gruesome abuses as well as systematic neglect. Tragically, it is not unusual for children to be victimized by this culture as well – either taken to fighting events by the very adults they should be able to count on to shield them from harm, or chronically exposed to squalid and dangerous living conditions. 

On March 8, 2011 Gaskins and Aldridge entered no contest pleas to charges of both cruelty to animals and fighting or baiting animals – both felonies under Florida law. The prosecution will present its sentencing recommendations to Judge Rosier at a hearing on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Take Action!
Please send polite letters in care of Assistant State Attorney Geoff Fleck, encouraging Judge Rosier to hand down aggressive and meaningful sentences which clearly reflect the Court’s recognition of the cruel violence and attendant criminal activities which dogfighting inflicts on communities.

Local residents are encouraged to support the prosecution by attending the court proceedings. The sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.  (Always contact the Court to confirm court dates and locations as they are subject to change.)

Clerk of the Circuit Court, Criminal Division
8th Judicial Circuit
Baker County Courthouse
339 East Macclenny Avenue
Macclenny, FL 32063
904-259-0206

Support Public Registries for Convicted Animal Abusers

Tell American Government to Start Protecting Animals By Increasing Punishments for Abusers

Does an animal abuser live in your neighborhood? Communities have good reason to be concerned about the whereabouts of animal abusers. In story after heartbreaking story, abusers repeat their violent crimes against helpless animals, and often go on to victimize people as well. Keep your animals and your families safe. Sign on to demand that your state require animal abusers to register in their communities.

In story after heartbreaking story, animal abusers repeat their violent crimes against helpless dogs, cats, farm animals, horses, and even mice and bunnies; they often go on to victimize people as well. It’s a scientific fact based on psychological and psycho-social studies that especially adolescents, teens and young men who hurt or kill animals to show off or because they think it’s cool – will grow up to be criminals on a bigger scale – to the Nth degree – including rapists, murderers, kidnappers, sexual assaulter(s); plus they’re more likely to illegally possess weapons, including guns.

◊◊ I know in Ohio abusing an animal – including anything from putting it in the microwave to throwing a g arbage bag of 6 week old kittens on I-90 (YES THAT REALLY HAPPENED LAST SPRING and only one survived); for these psychotic infidels who abuse a being so small the animal abuse laws in Ohio are weak, ineffective, and don’t teach a damn thing, especially love, compassion and respect for life. ◊◊

Mandatory registration for convicted animal abusers would aid dramatically in keeping offenders away from potential new victims by alerting law enforcement and the public to their whereabouts, and by allowing animal shelters to thoroughly screen potential adopters for criminal offenders.

Similar to how sexual offenders have to register – it would at least be a first step. This is by no means the final answer to the hateful, harsh and extensive problem…

Send a letter to your state lawmakers/legislators to join the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s campaign to demand that your state require animal abusers register in their communities. By helping to support public animal abuser registries, you can help protect not only cats, dogs, horses and other animals, but also our communities.

EXAMPLE LETTER from CHANGE.ORG:

“Our state has good reasons to be concerned about the whereabouts of animal abusers, including the high rate of recidivism among animal hoarders, the various dangers to a community that are associated with animal fighting, and the well-established link between violence towards animals and violence towards humans.

Mandatory registration for convicted animal abusers in our state would aid dramatically in keeping offenders away from potential new victims by alerting law enforcement and the public to their whereabouts, and by allowing animal shelters to thoroughly screen potential adopters for criminal offenders.  More information is available at ExposeAnimalAbusers.org.

The national non-profit Animal Legal Defense Fund has drafted a comprehensive model law that would establish an animal abuser registry in our state.  To help reduce animal abuse and other forms of violence in our communities, I believe it is imperative that we pass this law. As your constituent, I urge you to review the law at www.aldf.org/registrylaw (where you will find ALDF contact information, if you have questions or would like assistance) and commit your support for an animal abuser registry law in our state.  Please take the lead in protecting our citizenry–and our four-legged loved ones–from avoidable repeat offenses by convicted abusers.

UPDATE and TOP STORY IN THE FIGHT

Historic Vote in Suffolk County, New York Creates Nation’s First Registry for Animal Abusers

Suffolk County, New York lawmakers voted unanimously to create the nation’s first animal abuser registry, designed to keep convicted abusers away from animals.        HOORAY!! That’s one point for we advocates!

Sponsored by Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor), the new law will require adults living in Suffolk County (population over 1.5 million) who have been convicted of animal abuse crimes to register on animal abuse crimes to register on an online registry for five years following their convictions. In addition to the registry, an accompanying resolution, scheduled  for a vote next month, would require animal shelters and those who sell animals to check an individual’s identity on the registry and prohibit them from adopting or selling to anyone found on it.

In February 2010, the national non-profit Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) launched a national campaign to promote abuser registry legislation, and has worked with Legislator Jon Cooper’s office in support of the Suffolk County bill. The ALDF website ExposeAnimalAbusers.org provides extensive information about registry bills, and allows concerned citizens to contact their own legislators in support of abuser registries. Such registries will help protect animals, pet guardians and communities by preventing repeat offenses from anyone with an established history of abusing animals. Registry bills have been introduced in six states, and legislators in more than a dozen states are currently considering supporting their introduction. The February launch of ALDF’s campaign took place in tandem with the announcement by California Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez that he was sponsoring an abuser registry bill for the Golden State.

“I’m extremely proud that Suffolk County has established the nation’s first animal abuser registry and I applaud the ALDF for all their pioneering hard work on this important issue over the years,” says the law’s author, Majority Leader Jon Cooper.  “As was the case with my landmark bills that prohibited the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and banned the sale of the deadly dietary supplement ephedra, I hope that states across America will use our success as the impetus to enact similar laws. A society is judged by the way it treats those who are most vulnerable, and the creation of this registry sends a strong message that all of God’s creatures deserve protection from torture and abuse.”

“In story after heartbreaking story, abusers repeat their violent crimes against helpless animals, and often go on to victimize people as well,” says Stephan Otto, ALDF’s director of legislative affairs.

“Suffolk County residents and their four-legged companions can breathe a little easier today, as they celebrate this historic vote for animals.”

ALDF was founded in 1979 with the unique mission of protecting the lives and advancing interests of animals through the legal system. Visit www.aldf.org and www.ExposeAnimalAbusers.org.

*Some content and all graphics courtesy Change.org and ALDF.

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** THANK YOU Penny Eims, Dog News Examiner for this HUGE breakthrough story: everyone go and Like/Share her article!

Missouri is home to the worst puppy mills in the nation. A recent report released by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen”, includes the name of one such puppy mill that is shutting down its business.

Bonnie and Herman Schindler, owners of Mettoville Kennels, aka Teacher’s Pets, received a title of “dishonorable mention” by the HSUS.

- The good news is that these people will no longer be in the puppy mill business.

- The bad news is that they are auctioning off upwards of 800 dogs and puppies at the end of the month.

Totally Rehabilitated Mill Pit Bull

800 dogs and puppies that were not viewed as living creatures – instead, they were a means to a profitable end – livestock. Dogs that now are going to be sold off to the highest bidder.

The list of available dog breeds is extensive and includes the usual suspects -  German Shepherds, Maltese, Papillon, Lhasa Apso, Pomeranians, and more.

Rescuers are scrambling to make arrangements for these dogs. They are fearful that the dogs will be purchased by other puppy mills and that their lives will be a continuation of the past hell that they have had to endure.

The auction is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 29, starting at 9:00 am, and continuing on Saturday, October 30,  in Mexico, Missouri.

One local rescue, Act Now! Rescue in St. Louis, is gathering funds and foster homes so that they can attempt to secure as many dogs as possible at the auction. Other rescues are making

arrangements to arrive with volunteers and vans, including Mary O’Conner Shaver’s respected amd renowned

Let's Welcome All Mill Dogs to a New Life...

Columbus Top Dogs and Ban Ohio Dog Auctions from southern Ohio.

The common goal is to obtain as many dogs as possible before they fall into the hands of other breeders.

Everyone is in agreement – these dogs deserve to know a life of love. They deserve compassion.

If you are unfamiliar with the conditions frequently encountered at a puppy mill, please read the HSUS Dirty Dozen report. It graphically describes dog after dog, kept in filthy, deplorable conditions.

Dogs housed in wire cages that cut into feet…  Dogs kept outdoors in freezing temperatures without adequate shelter… Dogs suffering from filthy, matted coats…  Dogs brutally murdered when they were no longer useful.

The sad list goes on, and on, and on.

A Chip-In donation fund has been created for this massive rescue effort. Individuals interested in donating to this cause can click here. A Yahoo “Auction Dog Rescue” group has also been established.

** Individuals interested in learning more about how they can directly help the dogs can join the group.

The listing from the actual auction reads:

2 COMPLETE SELLOUTS!

2 FULL DAYS!
TEACHER’S PETS- Herman & Bonnie Schindler (573) 581-4300

CONRAD’S CUDDLY CANINES Lori Conrad (573) 784-9817
12736 AUDRAIN Rd 841, Mexico, MO. 65265

DATES OF SALE: FRIDAY, OCT. 29th & SATURDAY, OCT. 30th, 2010

STARTING TIME BOTH DAYS: 9:00 AM

LOCATION: MEXICO, MISSOURI

Rain or Shine! Sales will be under Tent! Concessions will be available!

Please share this article with others. Even if you are not able to directly help one of these abused dogs, you can help to educate people about the dirty background of puppy mills.

If you have ever purchased a puppy from a pet store, you have more than likely purchased from a puppy mill such as those that are listed in the HSUS report. Do not support these businesses – they are cruel, inhumane, and they contribute to the massive over-crowding at shelters throughout the nation.

Adopt your next companion – save a life.

About Columbus Top Dogs…

We support programs and services benefiting Ohio companion animals!

We love companion pets!

Since May 2005, we have proudly contributed over $109,000 in financial and in-kind donations to A.D.O.P.T. Pet Rescue, Almost Home Dog Rescue, Animal Outreach, Bright-Star German Shepherd Rescue, CANTER Ohio, Capital Area Humane Society, Cat Welfare Association, Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue, Central Ohio Sheltie Rescue, Citizens for Humane Action Animal Shelter, Columbus Dog Connection, Columbus Pilot Dogs, Colony Cats, Cozy Cat Cottage, DogSOS, Humane Society of Delaware County, Forgotten 4-Paws, Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park, Friends for Life Animal Haven, Golden Endings, Happy Tails of Central Ohio, Helping Hooves, Knox County Humane Society, Measles Animal Haven, Meigs County Animal Shelter, Monrow Township Muttley’s 4-H Dog Club, Ohio Pug Rescue, Pet FBI, Pet Promise, Pooch Playground (Gahanna Dog Park), Powell PAWS, Second Chances Dalmatian Rescue, Stop the Suffering, Tender Loving Canine Rescue, Tri-State Collie Rescue, Union County Humane Society and Westies of Ohio Fundraisers.

• LETTER: Prop B provides common-sense standards, not extremism

  • Fri, 10/15/2010 – 14:59
  • Columbia Missourian

  Opponents of Proposition B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, always rely on the same false claims that it is an unnecessary law backed by so-called extremists (“J. KARL MILLER: Tasers and breeding laws aren’t broken, so no need to try and fix

• Missouri Puppy Mills

  • Tue, 10/12/2010 – 01:16
  • Santa Barbara Independent

  Prop B has Implications for the Entire Nation Article Tools Share Article Pet stores in Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Seattle, and other major cities across the nation import their dogs from Missouri—a state known for their puppy mills. It’s

• Joe the Plumber plunges into Missouri puppy mills

  • Fri, 10/08/2010 – 00:48
  • KansasCity.com

  A grand conspiracy is afoot, and it starts right here in Missouri. So says none other than Joe The Plumber Wurzelbacher, John McCains improbable sidekick in the 2008 presidential campaign. Liking the limelight and desperately searching for a new gig, Joe

• Wayne Pacelle: Playing Politics with Puppy Mill Abuse

  • Fri, 10/08/2010 – 00:31
  • Huffington Post

  You can never find a plumber when you need one, it sometimes seems, but that hasn’t been a problem for the puppy mill crowd in Missouri. Joe the Plumber, who found his name repeated again and again by Barack Obama and John McCain during one of the 2008

• Playing Politics with Puppy Mill Abuse

  • Fri, 10/08/2010 – 00:30
  • Huffington Post

  You can never find a plumber when you need one, it sometimes seems, but that hasn’t been a problem for the puppy mill crowd in Missouri. Joe the Plumber, who found his name repeated again and again by Barack Obama and John McCain during one of the 2008

• Joe the Plumber, Tea Partiers Defend Missouri Puppy Mills

  • Wed, 10/06/2010 – 12:30
  • Yahoo! News

  WASHINGTON, DC Two years after coming to national attention during John McCain’s presidential bid, Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher is keeping busy. His cause now isn’t tax policy, but puppy availability. Wurzelbacher has joined up with a Missouri-based

• Joe the Plumber, Tea Partiers Defend Missouri Puppy Mills (The Atlantic Wire)

  • Wed, 10/06/2010 – 11:01
  • Yahoo! News

  WASHINGTON, DC Two years after coming to national attention during John McCain’s presidential bid, Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher is keeping busy. His cause now isn’t tax policy, but puppy availability. Wurzelbacher has joined up with a Missouri-based

• “Puppy mill” ballot measure advocates and opponents speak out

  • Tue, 10/05/2010 – 19:44
  • KWMU

  Adam Allington / St. Louis Public Radio (2010-10-05) Facility of Beverly Fields, B & B Kennel, of Galt Missouri. Fields is a MoFed PAC contributor and puppy mill operator with more than 150 dogs and puppies as of Oct 2009, according to the Humane Society

• More Than 100 Dogs Rescued Simultaneously From Two Missouri Puppy Mills Reinforce Urgent Need for Prop B

  • Mon, 09/27/2010 – 11:56
  • Media Newswire

  Barbara Schmitz, campaign manager for Missourians for the Protection of Dogs/ YES! on Prop B, issued the following statement in reaction to yesterday’s rescues of 116 dogs from two mass dog breeding operations located in Camden County and Greene County,

• Dog Advocates Ask State Officials to Investigate Potential Tax Fraud by Missouri Puppy Mills

  • Mon, 09/27/2010 – 11:56
  • Media Newswire

  A coalition of dog protection advocates has presented the Missouri Department of Revenue with evidence of potential tax fraud in Missouri’s puppy mill industry, and requested an industry-wide investigation into a possible tax-evasion scheme that could be

• More Than 100 Dogs Rescued Simultaneously From Two Missouri Puppy Mills Reinforce Urgent Need for Prop B (9/22/10)

  • Fri, 09/24/2010 – 01:39
  • Targeted News Service

  WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 — The Humane Society issued the following news release: Barbara Schmitz, campaign manager for Missourians for the Protection of Dogs/ YES! on Prop B, issued the following statement in reaction to yesterday’s rescues of 116 dogs from

• Art exhibit to raise awareness about Missouri’s puppy mill industry

  • Mon, 09/13/2010 – 22:22
  • Springfield News-Leader

  The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation is sponsoring the “Misery in Missouri: Dogs Can’t Vote… You Can!” art exhibit designed to raise awareness about Missouri’s puppy mill industry. The exhibit at Canvas Gallery at 315 South Ave. will be on

• GUEST COMMENTARY: Prop B would improve lives of dogs

  • Tue, 09/07/2010 – 13:35
  • Columbia Missourian

  Coco the boxer was purchased by Sue Campbell of Palatine, Ill., from an Illinois pet store in 2009 when she was 12 weeks old. After several months of treatment for numerous conditions, including severe pneumonia and a high fever, she passed away. Buddy

• ** READ THE REST OF THE GREAT AND INFORMATIVE EXAMINER STORY: CLICK HERE

• ** Thanks again to the Examiner and to the wonderful reporter Penny Eims, Dog News Examiner
• ** Pictures and some comments courtesy ThoughtsFurPaws & JL Smith

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Life on the streets is hard, but we can stop it from being a death sentence.

Join the Street Dog Defenders crusade and help end their suffering.

No more poisoning. No more beatings. No more shooting. I’m sure that, like me, you dream of seeing an end to the cruel and unnecessary killing of street dogs.

That’s why we’ve launched a crusade –- a crusade to prevent vulnerable street dogs from merciless ly being killed by the hundreds of thousands. Humane Society International is working with communities on nearly every continent to safely, effectively, and humanely address the public health concerns associated with street dogs.

And for 20 years running, HSI supporters like you have helped us develop new approaches and techniques to humanely address problems such as dog overpopulation and the spread of rabies in India, the Philippines, Nepal, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Our most successful street dog program to date is in Bhutan, and I invite you to watch this compelling video to learn how we’re imp roving the lives of animals and people there.

Then, join our Street Dog Defenders crusade today with a pledge of just $15 a month to help street dogs in Bhutan and around the world.

When we first came to Bhutan, the number of free-roaming dogs ran into the tens of thousands, posing health concerns to animals and people alike. In partnership with the Bhutan government, we embarked on a first-of-its-kind nationwide spay/neuter/vaccination program. Within the first year, we reached more than 14,000 dogs, with a three- to five-year goal of 50,000 dogs.

You can help ensure a safer and healthier future for street dogs in Bhutan and around the world when you join our Street Dog Defenders crusade. Your gift of $15 a month will help us:

• curb overpopulation through spay and neuter

• provide training for veterinary students and technicians

• educate local officials in humane animal control methods

• provide rabies vaccinations to protect dogs and communities against this deadly virus

• educate local communities on the issue to help change attitudes and — even more importantly — behavior toward street dog

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Hopefully you’ll join the Street Dog Defenders crusade today with a gift of $15 a month to make a difference in the lives of street animals around the globe.

Become a Street Dog Defender with your monthly donation today and help street dogs and their communities around the world. We’re helping to reduce the suffering of street dogs everywhere and protect them and their communities from rabies, a serious public health risk.Please give monthly and help street dogs in Bhutan and around the world.

Watch our compelling video and learn about the work of our veterinarian teams in Bhutan and the animals they help. Then please become a monthly donor using the secure form below — and help us continue our work to help street dogs everywhere.

** If you’d prefer to make a one-time donation to support our work for street dogs, please click here.

**To make a donation in Canadian dollars, please click here.

*** (Contributions to Humane Society International are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. HSI’s tax identification number is 52-1769464). Thanks to HSI for this informative update.

Mandatory spay/neuter laws sound like a good idea… right?

Every shelter, rescue group and humane organization advocates for spay/neuter as an essential part of achieving the elimination of homeless pets; so it only makes sense to assume that requiring it by law would help achieve the goal faster.

But in reality, it doesn’t work that way.

Why?

Because once you make spay/neuter the law, two things happen:

1) the reckless dog owners who were already illegally breeding and mistreating their dogs are driven underground, making it harder to crack down on them

2) most low-income folks can’t afford to have their dogs or cats sterilized, or they haven’t been given enough information to understand the benefits of spay/neuter and the services available to them. Even if they can find low-cost services, they can’t find transportation to get their pets to the clinic, especially if the vet isn’t located in their town.

Mandatory spay/neuter ordinances are typically enacted without providing resources, including transportation, that would help low-income community members keep their companion animals. So, to avoid breaking the law and facing unaffordable fines, pets are often relinquished and end up on death row. This doesn’t mean these companion animals aren’t loved or well cared for; the owners just lack the resources to comply with the law.

Image courtesy BADRAP blog

When mandatory spay/neuter ordinances target specific dog breeds, it only exacerbates the problem.

There is evidence that breed discriminatory mandatory spay/neuter ordinances increase the killing and further stigmatize the targeted breeds. Brent Toellner did a great blog on what happened in Kansas City when they enacted such a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for pit bull-type dogs. Toellner admits that, logically, one would think it would work. “A city is killing too many ‘pit bulls’ in the shelter, so they decide that if they prohibit people from breeding these dogs, it will keep us from having to kill as many of them.” Problem is, the numbers show it doesn’t work.

Indeed, the Kansas City statistics are enough to strike fear in the heart of any humanitarian or humane society.

In 2005, prior to the ordinance, Kansas City killed 981 pit bull-type dogs. In 2006, they enacted their breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter law, seizing and killing 1,353 pit bull-type dogs. In 2007, the first full year with the new law, the number of pit bull-type dogs killed climbed to 1,722 — an increase of 75 percent from the base year of 2005. In other words, unaltered pet pit bull-type dogs were being rounded up and killed simply because of their appearance and sexual status. It didn’t matter if they had homes or folks who loved them, they were toast.

The frustration shelter workers feel when dealing with any fad breed is understandable. But passing laws to address fads is bad policy. The bottom line is breed-specific mandatory spay/neuter ordinances are discriminatory, and instead of reducing the number of animals being killed by shelters, they have the reverse effect.

To read the rest of this imporant and sensical article, click here to go to Change.org.

* Article courtesy  Ledy VanKavage

* Photo by Katie Barnett, Game Dog Guardian

As you all read earlier, it’s my personal mission to Be the Change in multiple ways throughout not only the ne

Bernie and some rescue pups

xt year — but for the rest of my blessed time on this Earth. (See BlogPaws Be the Change page if you missed my earlier post.)

Today I made a small change this evening… I donated to my friend Bernie Berlin’s animal shelter. Bernie owns and operates “APlace to Bark” – a blog and dog rescue. She’s a no-kill rescue, and practically a one-woman show. She is one of my heroes, although she doesn’t know it. I saw on Facebook that it is her birthday, and for her birthday this year she is only asking for one thing: donations to help her dogs. Nothing for HER. Not a card, not a gift. Her birthday wish is to help the animals in her care…

How selfless…

Bernie rarely visits my blog; and she doesn’t ever comment. But that doesn’t matter to me: she doesn’t have time. She’s busy rescuing dogs from death row and other horrid situations.

Plus – I’m no longer concerned with my traffic or rankings.

What I am concerned about is helping animals, and helping people who help animals.

Another way that YOU can help Be the Change today is by getting in touch with Barbara Schmitz, the Campaign Manager for
“Missourians for the Protection of Dogs” also known as “YES! on Prop B.”

Prop B could change the lives of MILLIONS of dogs. More importantly, it could lay the EXTREMELY CRUCIAL groundwork for other states’ to enact similar propositions, or even get them on the November ballot.

Barbara emailed me today and said this:

“We are less than six weeks away from Election Day — the excitement is building — but we still have a lot of work to do before thousands of Missouri dogs will have a better life. Thanks to your efforts, the campaign is running in high gear, but we must not let up until we win on November 2. Can you find some time to help out this week? Here are three BIG ways:

We’re getting close. Help us maintain the momentum and win for dogs.”

1. Party! for Puppies

Host a Party for Pups Sunday, Oct. 3 with advocates in Missouri and nationwide. Have fun and fundraise for dogs. Plus every dollar raised will be doubled: A Missouri donor will match up to $100,000 raised at house parties. Plan your party»

(I posted about this earlier this week)

2. Hello Neighbor

Spread the word around the neighborhood. Leaflet and table within your community with Prop B materials provided by us. Email info@yesonpropb.com or call 314-725-8880 for materials and a list of local events. Get the goods»

3. Donate for Dogs

With the opposition spreading misinformation, we need more than ever to communicate our positive message of the humane treatment of dogs to voters all across Missouri, through TV ads and other efforts. Give now»

Prop B is strongly supported by SO many welfare groups that I cannot even list them all. Their biggest ally, however, is the Humane Society of the United States.

Now let me explain somethings before some of you exit this page because you saw the term “HSUS.”

They get a bad rap. But if you research the people/groups who spread that “bad rap,” well, I’ll let you discover their legitimacy for yourselves…

HSUS was NOT created to fund all the county Humane Societies across the country. Yes – they do give around 10-15% of their yearly income to those in most need; but the MAJOR GOAL OF the HSUS is to BE THE VOICE FOR ANIMALS on “The Hill,” aka in Washington, D.C. They are the strongest and most powerful animal welfare lobbying group in the country. I have several contacts there at the national and state levels, and I can assure you – if this Proposition B – to help puppy mill dogs in Missouri – actually just MAKES IT TO THE BALLOT – it will be a HUGE win for we animal welfare advocates.

Why?

Well I live in Ohio, and although we had a “puppy mill bill” last year, it died in the Senate.

HSUS Photo of an infamous MO puppy mill

Why?

Because Senators don’t give a damn about animals. They couldn’t care less about the Amish-managed mills in central Ohio, or the packed factory farms across the country, or the underground cock- and dog-fighting rings, or the drastically misinterpreted breeds like Pit Bulls, who are now officially banned in half the counties in Ohio.

But getting Prop B on the ballot makes the concept of animal welfare laws resonate in politicians’ (sometimes small) minds. The more they hear from their constituents, the more likely they are to sponsor actual Bills and other legislation. Especially this year. Those who passed Obama’s bank bailout and other bailouts are TERRIFIED of losing office for that sole vote they made.

So if we can convince these guys that they need to bring up, back up, support, and sponsor a Bill in the House or Senate that either:

- increases punishment for animal abusers

- shuts down puppy mills FOR GOOD (or at least starts the process of investigation, fines, etc)

- increases USDA inspections and presence overall (which is pathetic and seriously lacking)

-investigates places like Petland and other “problem children”

-gets more funding for animal shelters and less for “pork” stuffed into major bills

- I just “co-rescued” (with family) 2 homeless kittens (1 from a parking garage, the other from a feral colony without a mother)

… if we do any of these things and get enough people to sign a petition, or write a letter, or send an email — ALL PROMISING VOTES, well chances are those Reps and Sens just might be a little more open to hearing about it this year… because those who voted for Obama’s bailout are scared s**tless they’ll be booted out of office.

So let’s promise them our votes if they promise us something in return — improvements in animal welfare laws.

I know it’s a stretch, but I plan to take whatever steps are necessary to start, and have already taken several…

- I write letters to local and state officials once a month

- I gather signatures on petitions for BanOhioDogAuctions.com and my great friend who runs it, Mary O’Connor Shaver

- I spread the word to whomever will listen – whether I’m at the mall, a restaurant, walking the dog, or at the supermarket

- I donate money to places like Bernie’s shelter, and to the Prop B group – even though I don’t even live there, because it’s THAT IMPORTANT to me

- I WANT TO BE THE CHANGE. And I want you to Be the Change too, in any way you can.

*** Email me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com for information on how you can get involved in animal welfare advocacy in ANY state. I will not share your email address or information and you can do what you please with the info, advice and materials I send to you.

House Bill 55:

- HB 55, known as the “Animal Cruelty and Pet Protection Bill” encourages judges to include pets in domestic-abuse protective orders. A protective order is a legal order issued by a court that requires one person to stop harming, stay away from and/or cease contact with another person or, in the case of HB 55, that person’s pets as well.

This critical bill also emphasizes the need to counsel convicted animal abusers and strengthens misdemeanor penalties for intentional torture of livestock and wildlife. The bill would help ensure that Ohio treats animal cruelty crimes seriously by making additional acts of torture to livestock and wildlife misdemeanors of the first degree (punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine). This very modest increase goes a long way toward making Ohio a more humane state.

HB 55 just passed the House Criminal Justice Committee. However, the lengthy summer legislative recess is quickly approaching. Now is the time to ask House Speaker Budish to put HB 55 on the House floor for a vote!

Learn more about this important bill.

Ohioans for Humane Farms (trying to get on November ballot):

- Ohioans for Humane Farms is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative to prevent some of the cruelest factory farming practices in Ohio. The measure will require the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to adopt certain minimum standards that will:

* prevent animal cruelty

*improve health and food safety

*support family farms

*safeguard the environment throughout the state of Ohio

The ballot measure is backed by HSUS, Farm Sanctuary, the Consumer Federation of America, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Ohio SPCA, the Toledo Area Humane Society, the Geauga Humane Society, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Medina County SPCA, Mercy For Animals, and a quickly growing list of other reputable organizations.

With more than 600,000 signatures needed to get on the November ballot, the group desperately needs volunteers. While the opposition will have big agribusiness contributors, we’re relying on you—our supporters—to help us get there. Please sign-up above to join the campaign. Thanks for all your help to protect farm animals.

Endorse the campaign: join the growing number of Ohioans endorsing our campaign. Print out one of the following pdf forms and mail or fax it in to our HQ:

Business
Elected Official
Celebrity/Prominent Individual
Organization
Veterinary
Farm
Congregation/Religious Leader

Find the group on Facebook under “Ohioans for Humane Farms,” or, to find an event, click here.

Also, check out the HSUS article on this effort here.

House Bill 79:

Introduced last year by Rep. Barbara Sears of Sylvania, HB 79 will strike down breed bans, particularly those on our precious pit bulls. It would remove the longstanding BSL from state law. Late in 2009 the Bill moved to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. This bill needs all the support it can get.

Image courtesy BADRAP blog

See this post for good information on this bill. Residents, please contact your state representative and let them know you support HB 79: http://www.house.state.oh.us/

The bill can be tracked here: http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/hou128.nsf/House%20Bill%20Number?SearchView&Query=HB%2079&start=1&count=10

Previous alert and more info on the bill: http://stopbsl.com/2009/03/18/ohio-hb-79-would-remove-bsl-from-state-law/

House Bill 70:

We all are familiar with this one – the Ohio Puppy Mill Bill. Sponsored by Rep. Gerberry it passed the House and is on its way to Senate. The “Puppy Mill Cruelty Bill” specifically prohibits cruel treatment of a companion animal by an owner of a kennel, including cruelty and depriving the animal of food, water or shelter, and makes it a felony of the fifth degree.

An Ohio Puppy Mill

This Bill is ALL OVER the Internet: simply Google “Ohio Puppy Mill Bill” and a huge list of pet blog posts and animal welfare site articles will pop up with additional information and updates, as well as opinion pieces and petitions. For Ohio Puppy Mill Bill articles on ThoughtsFurPaws, type the same thing into the Search Bar on the bottom right of this page.

**This is perhaps the most FAVORED of all of Ohio’s animal welfare legislation right now. If you haven’t already, sign the petition here please.

————————————————————————————–

There are a few other animal welfare issues up for debate in Ohio right now – most moving at a snail’s pace through the legislature. (What else is new?) Seems to me that most of Ohio’s designated Reps and Sens just don’t care enough about animals in general to put these Bills at the top of the priority list.

**For more information on Ohio Animal Welfare Legislation, visit the Humane Society Legislative Fund’s State Legislation Page, or click on the “Animal Welfare” Category tab to your right on this blog’s home page.

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May 2-8 is the American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week.  Be Kind to Animals Week is American Humane’s annual event celebrating the unique bond between people and animals, and encourages the humane treatment of all animals.

But why limit kindness to one special week? Here are five ways to be kind to animals every day:

1. Adopt a pet from a shelter or breed-specific rescue. Shelter pets make loving lifetime companions, and many shelters offer pet-matching services and follow-up training and advice to help you and your new best friend form a beautiful bond.

2. Report animal abuse. Violence against animals is terrible enough, but it could also be a sign that other violent behavior, like domestic abuse, is happening.

3. Spay or neuter your pets. An estimated 3.7 million animals are euthanized in America’s shelters every year due to a lack of homes. Help stop pet overpopulation and euthanasia of adoptable animals by making sure your own pets are spayed or neutered.

4. Live humanely with wildlife. Learn how to peacefully coexist with deer, bats, skunks, squirrels, raccoons and rabbits.

5. Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. Sign up with American Humane to receive action alerts about issues affecting animals.
 
As part of Be Kind to Animals Week, American Humane is sponsoring Lemonade for Shelter Aid, a contest that encourages children to set up lemonade stands to raise money for their local animal shelters. The contest runs until May 10, 2010, and is open to children and teens (ages 6-14). One grand-prize winner/team will be randomly selected to receive three Nintendo DS Lite game systems. Learn more and enter!

**Thanks to AHA for this release.

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Now this is a controversy I can get into. I have argued back and forth for and against the HSUS many times with many of you who read this blog.

I am re-posting this from the Care2 site. (Thank you Care2 but I just couldn’t have written it better.)

***Let me know what you think about the CCF (total bull**it group if you ask me), the HSUS, and the investigation.

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) launched a watchdog project called HumaneWatch.org.  Their one goal is “to analyze the activities of the Humane Society of the United States,” an organization they say has “run off the rails.”

CCF thinks HSUS has gotten too big for their britches (do they still use that saying) and plans to bring them to their knees.  Through a blog by their Director of Research, David Martosko, a library and database they plan to scrutinize the group they refer to as “the animal rights industry’s most powerful player.”

HumaneWatch thinks the American public is being tricked by HSUS into believing their donations go primarily to local animal shelters to help individual cats and dogs, when most of the money actually goes toward legislative issues. 

Martosko said, “Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information.  Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year.  And most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.”

As a co-founder of a local animal welfare organization and someone who has worked in animal rescue for more than a decade, I wish HSUS spent more money and time helping individual shelters, rescue groups and animals.  But I also see the necessity for groups like HSUS that are powerful, national organizations with the financial capability to initiate laws to protect animals and go after industries that abuse them.  

The HSUS website doesn’t look like they are trying to hide anything from the public. It states their main goal is to create a “humane and sustainable world for animals” and it talks at great length about their advocacy programs.  It doesn’t promise to give funds to “humane societies that deal with the thankless task of sheltering unwanted pets” – as stated by HumaneWatch. 

People visiting the website can easily access information about the organization’s latest financial statements and tax returns, which clearly explain how donations are used.  The website also lists the accomplishments made by HSUS from years past through the present. 

In 2010 their influence has already been felt in these areas:

• They worked with Ohioans for Humane Farming on a ballot question in the state.
• They rebuilt an animal shelter in Louisiana with a $250,000 grant.
• They are working with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs to end puppy mills through measure on the November 2010 ballot.
• HSUS took a large department store to court for mislabeling clothing with fur.
• They raided cockfighting operations in Texas and Mississippi, along with local law enforcement agencies.
• HSUS sent a team of veterinarians to Haiti to help animals that were victimized in the earthquake.

It appears the HSUS is being targeted by HumaneWatch because their success has touched a nerve with the members of CCF.  This is especially true in the realm of humane legislation.  According to Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS the Center for Consumer Freedom represents factory farmers, the cattle industry, puppy mill operators and other corporations “working against public health.”

 In Pacelle’s blog he quotes a statement from Rick Berman of CCF the states the real reason behind the attack.  “With the passage of California’s Proposition 2, more people have come to realize the evolving threat of the power, influence, and growing wealth of the Humane Society of the United States.  Ballot initiatives and legislation similar to Prop. 2 will soon be introduced in more states.  HSUS’s massive budget, unwarranted positive public reputation, and deep-pocketed Hollywood friends will only become a greater threat to industry in a post –Proposition 2 business environment.  It is crucial that a key broad cross section of agriculture leaders start managing this nationwide threat now, before it is too late or too expensive to match HSUS dollar for dollar.”

 HSUS has been attacked before and come out the winner.  They will surely survive this bully tactic, as well. 

 However CCF has launched a massive PR campaign with Humane Watch and their press release made its way to hundreds of local newspapers, blogs and websites today.  If people only hear their point of view – innocent animals will be the ones to suffer. 

 Please help by setting the story straight. Research the background of CCF and speak out on behalf of animals.

*Graphic courtesy Care2 site as well. Thank you Care2.