Thanks to my friend and dedicated animal welfare advocate Mary O’Connor Shaver for alerting me and many others to this unfortunate set of circumstances. (Find Mary at ColumbusTopDogs and BanOhioDogAuctions.com.)

NJ puppy mill breeders Edith and Perry Buchko of Howell, NJ, who had
hundreds of Chihuahuas and Shar Peis, have now moved their business
to Ohio.

For more information of this couple, click here to read page 6 of the article, “Howell Twp. Puppy Mill Dogs Find Lifetime of Love in Carteret” – > http://www.ahscares.org/downloads/HN-February%202010.pdf.

When it was ascertained that Windsong Acre Kennels, owned by Edith
& Perry Buchko, were “unloading” some of the older dogs, the kennels were visited by authorities and the Buchkos were urged to surrender as many as possible. They had NO running water and there were problems with septic and sewage. The animals needed more resources than they were able and/or willing to give them.

It has been shared that these dogs lived at a horrendous breeding kennel; some sick, many unkempt. Most of the dogs needed immediate vital dental work, had
gum infections, cataracts, overgrown nails and some had heart murmurs.
Most of the Shar Peis had heavy infestation of heartworm – an easily
preventable disease, and sadly many were blind since no veterinary care
had been given to those that suffered from entropion eyelids.

Cages were stacked three feet high, with several dogs in each small crate. Edith Buchko admitted dropping dogs on their heads because she and her husband are obese and cannot bend down to put them down after they pick them up, so they just drop them. One of them had seizures due to being dropped (again this was by her own admission). She picks them up by the legs or whatever part of their body she can grab, as it has been described that they all cower from her.

After a November 24, 2008 inspection, the Buchkos had to clean up the rodent infestation, feces, and some of the other violations. Buchko was convicted of animal cruelty in 1991 and in 1996; her ability to sell with AKC papers was terminated. So the Buchkos created their own private dog registry called the Purebred Canine International Association where she pocketed “registration fees.”

Edith Buchko was back in court in 2006 and has not abided by the Farmingdale judge’s mandate. Finally, the kennel license was revoked, and the Buchkos were disbarred from the AKC, but she continued to operate while fighting the SPCA and going in and out of court.

(If you Google her name you will see the list of charges she’s faced going back many years.)

The Buchkos cannot pass the regulations to continue as a kennel, and
now with the newly changed kennel laws in their county, rather than
give up her dogs they have moved their operation to Ohio.

It has been confirmed that Edith is now living approximately one hour from Cleveland on 23 acres of land. It is said she currently has over 400 dogs living in two garages, and that one of the primary reasons that she will remain in Ohio is because our state “doesn’t have any zoning or number restrictions,” and she could continue her breeding business as usual.

When will Ohio finally pass a puppy mill bill… (don’t even get me started)

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.

PERCEPTION

By Jim Hughes
Kennel Spotlight Magazine, December 2009

* Thanks to Mary O’Conner Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs, a well-known and respected animal advocacy group, for sharing this article with us on Facebook. I recommend to everyone you join her Facebook Group, “Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions,” by clicking here or on the previous Facebook link. You can also Google both Mary and Jim’s names and find a wealth of articles, information, and education materials about everything from puppy mills to dog auctions and animal welfare legislation.*

*Please note that this is an article promoting responsible breeders. I know you readers are used to hearing me talk about rescue, but, bottom line, there ARE in fact good breeders out there…*

So here’s Jim’s article:

In the human physic, there are two realms, actual facts and perceived facts. The perceived facts can get so imbedded into the mind that all of the actual facts to the contrary will not change that perception, even when seen with one’s own eyes. Our dogs do not care if we paint the kennel or not. It makes no difference to them, either way. But, it certainly makes a huge difference to John Q. Public. And TV news commentators are a part of John Q. This magazine (Kennel Spotlight) has preached to the choir for five years now. I have preached to the choir for 50 years; dang it! if it don’t beat all, but the choir ain’t listening.

We have lost the war. This war we have been raging against the Humaniacs of the world has been lost. We know that the message being delivered to the newspaper and television media personnel are, in the most part, outright, vicious lies. But John Q. has heard it so often, and with no rebuttal from our side, that he now believes that all puppy breeders are bad, somewhat lower than a child molester. We must take our message to the public at school fairs, county fairs, church functions, political rallies, PTA meetings, etc. Anywhere that sells booth space. Business Expos are an excellent place to display your kennel. But people, we must have something to talk about. We must put our best foot
forward and that is not the old status quo.

If you plan to save this dog breeding business, you must:

1. Get legal. Get a license, ALL licenses, USDA, State, County business, tax number etc.

2. Paint your buildings, fix your pens, wash your windows, repair your equipment, fix your hair, paint your face, take a bath. Look the part of the professional image you must present to old John Q. Public.

3. You must groom your dogs. They must look professional also. And socialize them. Give them some attention. It will be hard for the H.S. to convince a judge that you are abusing a well groomed, well fed, healthy, friendly little ball of energy.

4. Invite your public officials to inspect your facilities. Get your Veterinarian to write you a clean bill of health. Publically display any clean inspection reports. Have your Sheriff stop in and make him aware of the harassment the H.S. is sending out to all breeders.

5. Post NO TRESPASSING signs at every entrance to your property.

6. Allow no strangers onto your property until you have identified them, but then make them feel welcome and that you have nothing to hide.

7. Make sure that you have a lawyer already aware that when you need him, it will be on a minutes notice. Pay him a retainer if he needs one.

8. Volunteer to help at your local humane shelter. Get to know those people and become friends with them. “Know thy enemy”. Many of these people don’t even know you are the enemy.

9. Join your local breeder club. If you do not have one, form one. We, here in the Midwest, have many, too many, but the east coast has almost none. Most of the kennel raids take place on unlicensed, unorganized, east coast breeders.

10. Re-educate yourself. Change your thinking. Imagine yourself as John Q. Public. You know nothing except what the Humane Society tells you. Accept the fact that the public now expects you to raise your dogs in scrumptiously clean, well lighted, good smelling conditions. Somewhat like a retail Pet Shop.

11. Post a bulletin board with pictures and letters from satisfied customers. Resolve, within reason, any customer complaints before they hit the courts or the media.

If you refuse to adjust to the new way of thinking that H$U$ has forced upon you, you either need to get out of the business or you will be forced out, either by raid and confiscation or by legislation. Senator Durbin is too busy right now selling Obama ideas to the public, but he has a new Pups Bill ready to spring on Congress. As soon as he gets the time, he will introduce it and fight for its passage. Just look what Ed Rendell has done to Pennsylvania. People in power can and will make your life miserable. Those of you who think you are immune to USDA inspections because you only sell through the internet will find that the new bill was written with YOU in mind.

My crystal ball tells me that this bill will pass, even though we will fight against it. It will then become the duty of USDA to inspect these new licensees, but because of lack of manpower, they will be unable to do the job. Because of our current economic distress, they will not be allowed to hire more inspectors SO, guess what, the H$U$ WILL VOLUNTEER TO DO IT FOR THEM.

Am I being overly pessimistic? Possibly! But I find that the concerns I am voicing today are the same ones that I was voicing 20 years ago. The difference is that the enemy has gotten stronger, more determined, and better financed over the years. Sure, we win a battle, but the threat of next year is always hanging over us. We wear out, and we are just trying to make a living but they have a CAUSE and the zeal to pursue it to completion.

Shape up breeders, big brother is watching you!!!

Since I have been so ill lately, my friends have kindly volunteered to write some posts for me. This is the first in a series, and its written by Denton Fowler from PetWellBeing.com.

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Losing your pet is never easy, whether you’ve had them for a couple of months or a couple of years.  The impact can easily be compared to the loss of a child, even if people without pets probably can’t relate.  The grief can hit us in many different ways.

 I share with you the story of Fish, a puppy mill rescue who changed the lives of my family.  And although he blessed us with just 11 short months of joy, he will be forever remembered by everyone he came in contact with.   

 We lost Fish in early November, but we are reminded daily of the impact he had on our daily life.  His hair is STILL everywhere, no matter how often we vacuum.  His cage sits empty in the garage because selling it would be like saying aloud that he is really gone.  His favorite chew toys lie scattered about the cage, covering the polished water bowl I know is there somewhere.

 Fish was a German Shepherd mutt, mixed with a bit of this and a bit of that.  He was rescued from a puppy-mill by the SPCA and then adopted by my kids and I when he was just 3 months old.  Fish was the bundle of energy that caught our eye.  His body had scars from his ordeal, but we saw past them.  It was love at first sight. 

 He wasn’t the best trained dog but he knew his basic commands.  Unless, of course,  there was another dog around.  We were still working on that part.  Fish was a favorite at the dog park because he would play with any dog there.  He could rough house with the best and give as good as he got.  Or he would crawl on his stomach to let the smaller dogs climb all over him.  He just wanted to play.  With dogs or with people, he just wanted someone to play with him.

 Guilt was the biggest emotion I felt when he died.  And it’s not because of the way Fish died, because he died doing what he loved best.  We were down at the river down a gravel road just where the huge power lines cross over.  No one ever came there and he would chase after the ducks and squirrels to his heart’s content.  But he saw a dog in the distance and took off.  Anyway, when a running dog, a blind corner and a utility truck meet, the dog doesn’t win out…

 By the time the kids came home from school, I had already done the whole woulda-shoulda-coulda thing in my mind.  If I had left 2 minutes sooner.  Or got just one more red light.  Or thrown a stick for him to chase.  Or worked harder on his commands around other dogs.  Maybe, just maybe this wouldn’t have happened.

 It took my daughter to drag me out of that mood that night when she started doing it herself.  She lamented that if she hadn’t missed her bus, I wouldn’t have gone down to the river after driving her to school, and Fish would still be alive.  It was all her fault.

 To make her feel better, I gave her the list of all my could-haves to show her that it wasn’t the cause of one particular person or event.  I mean, what if had been raining?  I certainly wouldn’t have been there.  You just can’t blame the weather for your pet dying.

 I think that clarified things in her mind and my own.  It wasn’t her fault any more than is was mine.  It doesn’t make Fish’s absence any easier, it just reduces a certain amount of self-guilt that makes you point the finger at yourself.

 Now, when we find more of his hair on our blankets or clothes, there’s just this longing for something that was.  And memories of what we had.

 Denton Fowler wrote this article for PetWellbeing.com which offers prevention and treatment products for cancer in cats and Cushings Disease in dogs.

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~ 

As many of you may recall from the good news shared last week, Ohio officials have cleared the way for supporters to gather signatures for a proposed Ohio ban on auctions of dogs (officially called the Ohio Dog Auctions Act)!  We are incredibly grateful to the over 4,000 supporters (includes many hobby/show breeders) across 27 Ohio counties (and beyond) who assisted us in meeting this very critical milestone in our campaign!   

WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW… 

A unanimous 4-0 vote last Tuesday from the state Ballot Board means we may now proceed to ‘Phase 2′ of our signature drive; collecting a minimum of 120,700 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters by December 14, 2009. The signatures are necessary to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2010.  If our lawmakers don’t act within 90 days, our team will move to ‘Phase 3′; gathering another 120,700 valid signatures to put the Ohio Dog Auction Act on the 2010 ballot. 

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR ‘PART 2′… 

Phase 2 of our signature drive will require us to move fast and smart in collecting 120,700 signatures!  To ensure this signature drive is successful and meets the requirements mandated by the Secretary of State, three important steps must take place:

> The total number of signatures collected for our Petition must equal at least three percent (3%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor during the 2006 gubernatorial election,

> Signatures must be collected from at least 44 of the 88 counties in Ohio, and 

> From each of these 44 counties, the number of signatures must be equal to at least one and five tenths percent (1.5%) of the total vote cast for the office of governor in that county during the 2006 gubernatorial election.

Because so many people across Ohio and beyond feel passionately in supporting an ban on dog auctions, we are confident we can meet this goal!  All we need is dedicated folks to collect signatures from each of the 88 counties and our Committee will handle the rest!

WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP!   

We are reaching out to groups and individuals from across Ohio (and beyond) asking for their assistance to help us gather signatures by December 14, 2009!  THIS INCLUDES YOU! 

Helping to collect signatures is very quick and easy – you only need to be a resident of Ohio.  To assist you in this effort, we have created a Circulator Packet which contains the following:

1. Informational Flyer.  This document can be given to interested parties wishing to learn more about the Ohio Dog Auction Act and our campaign.

2. Circulator Instructions.  This document contains easy-to-follow instructions for collecting signatures. 

3. Petition (Ohio Dog Auction Act).

It is important to note that supporters who signed our Petition during ‘Phase 1′ of our signature drive may also sign as ‘Part 2′! 

****If you or someone you know is ready and able to gather signatures, please contact Mary O’Connor-Shaver at info@banohiodogauctions.com to have a Circulator Packet mailed to you. ****  

NOW IS THE TIME TO SERVE AS A STRONG VOICE FOR THE DOGS! 

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31.  Over 300 dogs are expected to be placed on the block, including many from the state of Pennsylvania where public dog auctions are illegal.  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 2010 ballot initiative to ban these events from our community!

Again, we greatly appreciate all your dedication and support for the dogs!

P.S.    If you are interested in purchasing any of our low cost ‘Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions’ gear (t-shirts, car magnets, lawn signs, banners, etc.), please let us know in your message to Mary.
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Today’s post is part of the Annual Pet ‘Net Event, sponsored by NBC Universal’s wonderful pet website, Petside.com. Today, in collaboration with pet bloggers across the country, we are drawing attention to safety issues regarding pets, from food and nutrition, to holiday, first-aid and travel safety. As ThoughtsFurPaws is very rescue-focused, I chose to specifically post about safety in bringing home a rescue pet or a formerly abused animal.

*Please take a look around at all the other wonderful blogs participating today; there is some fantastic information being presented to readers everywhere about pet safety. For a complete list of bloggers and topics, click here or see the press release here.*

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Rescuing a pet calls for certain safety measures, especially if that pet has been abused. Whether it’s a dog or cat, your new rescue pet may not acclimate as quickly as possible unless you provide the right type of environment and give him enough support and time.

According to Lissa Nicholson of the blog Forever Foster, who is a well-known and respected cat rescuer, taking in a pet that has been abused will take some work. “It is very important to make sure the person truly understands what they are getting into, are prepared for problems that may come up, and to make sure they know they can ask for help or advice if they need it,” she said.

People should have a plan in place before picking up their rescue pet, whether it’s a cat or a dog (or even a bird), and know that there is no “typical” behavior for an abused pet, although you may notice that they want to be alone, that they cower when you approach, or have other symptoms.

Nicholson's Rescue Kittens

Nicholson, who fosters rescue cats, says that those she’s fostered have all reacted quite differently.

“I’ve had three who were badly abused and two of them were the most easy-going of all my fosters,” she said. This is also my experience. When we rescued Gibson, our white Golden Retriever from the breeder who had severely neglected him, he was just happy to be in a safe place and was so relaxed, yet still withdrawn.

“To me, it underscores the importance for a potential adopter to really spend time with the individual kitty, and have proper discussions with foster parents about what they can reasonably expect from an individual animal,” she said.

A woman who I will refer to as Marie (she has requested anonymity because her rescue efforts are so far-reaching and potential issues could be caused if her name is drawn up anywhere) and her husband, who lost their dog to cancer last year and are known for fostering Golden Retrievers in the southern California area, said something similar about dogs. Marie is considered an expert in the field of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, and is considered a veteran expert.

A Second Chance Rescue Dog

“The first few nights they will be restless. Stress panting (in dogs) is common the first few days. The first time in a house they will generally check out every nook and cranny,” Marie said. “They may not sleep through the night but move around a lot. Some will cry or bark. They may not eat, or eat very little. Some may have an accident in the house or not go for a very long time. In extreme cases of abuse and/or fear they will freeze and drool if approached or belly crawl and stay in small places like under a bed.”

So what can you do as far as safety measures when you are taking in a rescue pet or an abused animal?

1. Do your own research and reading before you bring any pet home so you have a plan before you pick up your pet.

2. If you already have a pet at home, test the new pet with others before taking him home. You need to know if the rescue will get along with other animals. Some see animals already in the home as guides, some see them as a threat or get jealous. Make sure you know this before bringing the pet home.

3. Give the pet time to adjust to you. As Marie said, don’t expect the pet to be “huggy” and playing with you the first day home.

4. Make sure your tetanus vaccinations are up-to-date, and know that a bite wound will probably require a visit to the Dr.’s office and it may become infected, Nicholson recommends.

5. Take the time to learn the pet’s behavior. Marie said that many abused pets or even regular rescues, if not fostered, have never been in a home before or had positive human contact. They need time to learn that it’s a good thing.

6. Provide a “safe place” for the pet to go to alone, and leave him be when he’s there.

7. Don’t force yourself on the pet. Give them the space and peace and quiet that they need to adjust on their own time.

8. Let the pet approach you on his own terms: don’t force attention and affection.

9. Don’t rush the pet into new situations. Let them get used to their new home and then slowly introduce them to new surroundings.

10. Marie said that once trust is established, if you have a dog, try to take a positive reinforcement training class to further bond with him.

11. If you have a rescue cat, Nicholson recommends setting up a safe room with their food, some good hiding spots and litter box, then slowly let the cat out to roam around more of the house to get used to new sights and smells.

Thanks to Mary O’Connor Shaver for this important update:

As many of you are aware, Issue 2 on the November ballot is an attempt to change the Ohio state constitution, establishing a 13-member, Agri-business dominated “Livestock Care Standards Board” that will have unchecked power to establish standards for livestock and poultry.

It is our firm belief (as explained through correspondence received from Laura Allen, legal counsel for Animal Law Coalition) passage of Issue 2 could potentially impact our ability to pass humane legislation impacting Ohio dog auctions and puppy mill breeding – > http://www.animallawcoalition.com/farm-animals/article/967.

Technically the product of the Ohio General Assembly, the ballot issue is heavily backed by groups representing major agribusiness interests, including the Ohio Farm Bureau and The Ohio Pork Producers Council:

(1) While masquerading as an attempt to improve food safety and animal welfare, Issue 2 in reality is an attempt by big industry to preempt statewide initiatives like the recent Proposition 2 in California, and which phased out problematic animal production practices like battery cages for chickens

(2) If passed, he proposed Livestock Care Standards Board would give a dozen political appointees broad and unchecked power to decide rules on animal welfare, potentially reshaping regulations on how animals are raised, tracked or traced.

Changing the Ohio constitution to include the ‘Livestock Care Standards Board’ would set a dangerous precedent by creating a permanent place for special interests in the constitution. This Board would have unchecked power over all Ohio policies related to animals in agriculture, and could radically shift livestock standards in any direction, including those relating to commercial dog breeding.

It is the belief of many animal advocates that agricultural policy should be determined through an open, democratic process, vested in the state-run department of agriculture, not through a politically appointed board heavily influenced by big industry.

We encourage all Ohio voters to reject this proposal to keep integrity in Ohio’s constitution and to keep corporate agribusiness accountable.

For more information on Issue 2, including where you can order “Vote NO” yard signs, please click here – > http://www.ohioact.org/.

Check out the HSUS’s take on Issue 2 here.

For more information on how to help pass puppy mill legislation, visit the ASPCA or HSUS.

Thanks again to my friend and devoted rescuer Amy for this information.

This is a picture of a puppy mill in Missouri.

Can you imagine the poor animals who had to suffer there? Unfortunately there are tons of these places in Missouri, Ohio, and across the Midwest.

Ohio’s Puppy Mill Bill will end the torture, abuse and brutality against dogs in puppy mills in the state.

Ohio is 2nd only to Missouri in its number of puppy mills (11,000 kennels statewide) and is reported to have the worst mill conditions of any state in the U.S.

With common sense standards, the Ohio puppy mill bill will regulate high volume dog breeders who house dogs in filthy, inhumane, cramped conditions that contribute to congenital diseases, high medical bills and behavior issues.

The statewide enforcement authority will conduct bi-annual inspections. Standards will insure dogs used for breeding in Ohio have medical attention, clean living environments, exercise and socialization.

This will protect Ohio’s consumers from undue veterinary expenses and promote public safety by encouraging behaviorally well adjusted puppies.

Ohio law does not protect the public from puppies living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions where genetic diseases and stress/behavior issues from illness, injury and neglect are being sold to an unsuspecting public. Responsible breeders already exceed standards set forth in the legislation.

We need your help to pass this bill. Please contact your state rep & state senator to let them know you want this bill for a safe and humane Ohio. For more info, go here: COLUMBUSDOGCONNECTION.com.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, the group has gathered even more evidence that Petland is still selling puppy mill dogs, some coming from the worst of the worst for-profit breeders in the country…

Wayne Pacelle, on his blog A Humane Nation, yesterday posted the new evidence.

“And today, The HSUS released a second batch of evidence that confirms again that Petland is engaging in doublespeak when it claims it is not selling dogs from puppy mills. Our records analysis revealed that more than 95 percent of Petland’s stores do buy from puppy mills, either directly from the facilities themselves, or indirectly through massive out-of-state brokers (middleman dealers) who traffic in thousands of puppies a year. In fact, more than 80 of Petland’s outlets were found buying from the Hunte Corporation alone, a massive Missouri broker that traffics in approximately 80,000 puppies a year.”

To read the rest of the news, click here.