Puppy Mills & Overpopulation: The Critical Link

Consider these facts:

1. 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter US shelters each year
   
2. 3.7 million animals were euthanized in US shelters in 2008 (approximately 10,000 animals per day).
   
3. 2 to 4 million dogs are produced each year by Puppy Mills in the United States.
   

In a high-production year, puppy mills add more dogs to the US "supply" than the total number of animals euthanized in 2008. While spay/neuter is a necessary step to prevent overpopulation over time, prohibiting puppy mills would immediately and significantly reduce the canine population by a number equivalent to the "excess" homeless dogs in this country.

What are Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations that often keep upwards of 50 adult dogs for the sole purpose of breeding. Such operations apply the principals of business economics to the breeding of puppies – maximize profit through low-cost and high-volume production. This amounts to limited expenses on veterinary care, shelter, food, and space, and a high volume of dogs that breed continuously (regardless of health effects).

Puppy mills primarily supply pet stores and animal dealers. Millions of families each year unknowingly purchase puppy mill dogs from pet stores or directly from the puppy mills or animal dealers who present themselves as expert family breeders online. Puppy mills across the country are continuously found in violation of the minimum requirements set forth by the Animal Welfare Act, including basic safety, sanitation, and confinement regulations.

Why do Puppy Mill dogs need protection?

The Humane Society of the United States' footage of puppy mill rescues shows the horrendous conditions that dogs are kept in for the sake of profit: http://stoppuppymills.org/. Puppy mills over-produce "purebred" dogs for profit without regard to their health or emotional well-being. These dogs are viewed as reproductive factories, often spending their entire lives in cramped cages, or in isolation from human and animal contact. Few breeding dogs ever experience a loving home environment; many times when they are no longer able to breed, dogs are simply left in their cages to die.

Responsible breeders carefully select the mother and father based on a variety of factors including optimal health and balanced temperament. However, puppy mills are focused on volume, not quality. Many of their breeding dogs have severe genetic health conditions that are inherited by the puppies. In addition, unsanitary conditions and improper or absent veterinary care make the puppies more susceptible to other health conditions like Parvovirus and Heartworms. Dogs who are rescued from puppy mills often suffer severe physical and psychological trauma as a result of abhorrent conditions and a life of seclusion. Extended periods of adjustment are often necessary as the dogs need to learn basic dog behaviors - many have never been held by a person, socialized with other dogs, walked on grass, or experienced life outside of a metal cage.

Puppy mills are a serious detriment to the dogs they breed, the families who unknowingly purchase sick puppies, and the millions of homeless dogs who are euthanized each year as a result of overcrowding in shelters. The issue of overcrowding is exacerbated by the economic downfall, which has led to a dangerous combination of more pet surrenders and less funding for the organizations that take responsibility for these animals. Many puppy mill dogs end up in our shelter system because families are unable to afford the medical bills associated with their severe health defects. Stopping puppy mills would significantly reduce the dog population, decrease euthanasia rates, provide shelter dogs with a greater chance at adoption, prevent the intentional breeding of sick puppies, and will allow breeding to remain in the hands of responsible and knowledgeable dog owners who breed family pets in a healthy, loving, home environment.

United States v. Stevens [08-769]: an Historic Event for the Animal Community

United States v. Stevens is the first Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of an animal cruelty statute. This is an historic event for the animal community, and we are proud to have representatives from K9 PAC there this morning to show our support.

The Depiction of Animal Cruelty Law

The law under review is the federal Depiction of Animal Cruelty Law that was passed by Congress with overwhelming support in 1999 in response to interstate sale of videos depicting illegal acts of animal cruelty, including "animal crush" videos. The federal law has an exemption for materials with "serious religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value."¹ Nonetheless, it is under review on the basis of constitutionality.

Robert Stevens (Respondent)

Robert Stevens is a known promoter of dog fighting, has peddled several videos depicting grossly inhumane treatment of animals, and authored a dog fighting training manual, "Dogs of Velvet and Steel: Pit Bulldogs a Manual for Owners". Upon review of Stevens' case, the Pennsylvania federal district court found that Robert Stevens did not meet any of the exemptions stated in the previous section, and he was convicted under 18 U.S.C. Section 48 for "knowingly selling depictions of animal cruelty with the intention of placing those depictions in interstate commerce for commercial gain." ¹ Stevens appealed his conviction arguing that 18 U.S.C. Section 48, on its face, was unconstitutional because it violated the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit agreed with Mr. Stevens and reversed his conviction, holding unconstitutional 18 U.S.C. Section 48. The court reasoned that the dog fighting videos he sold were protected speech and that 18 U.S.C. Section 48 did not serve a compelling governmental interest.²

Implications for the Animal Community & "Animal Crush" Videos

The "animal crush" videos that largely influenced the introduction and passing of the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Law, show women in stiletto heels crush, impale, and burn small animals to appease the sexual fetishes of their sick and depraved viewers. In the decade that the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Law has been in force, the crush video industry plummeted.
However, following the ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, animal crush videos resurfaced under the protection of the First Amendment and sales have increased dramatically. ¹

Now, on the day of the Supreme Court hearing, the animal community waits anxiously to see if a decade of animal protection will be restored, or if the injury, torture, and death of innocent animals for profit and entertainment will be shielded by the First Amendment. A ruling upholding the decision of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit could be devastating to the animal community and to the animals that play leading roles in dog fighting and animal crush videos. Further, we will look to the written opinions, both concurring and dissenting, for direction in future animal welfare and animal rights cases.

The Supreme Court Hearing

This morning, October 6, 2009, the Supreme Court of the United States is scheduled to answer the question, "Is 18 U.S.C. Section 48, on its face, unconstitutional under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment?"²

K9 PAC Position Statement

We at K9 PAC stand with HSUS and other animal welfare organizations in opposition of Stevens and in support of upholding the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Law. The torture and killing of animals for amusement and profit is not an issue of free speech, rather, it is an issue of animal protection and basic human decency. The First Amendment, in its genesis, was never intended to protect perverted and criminal enterprises. We hope that the Supreme Court will stand firmly on the side of animal welfare and help to reinforce that we are a society that takes our freedoms seriously and refuses to allow criminals to twist our Bill of Rights to shield themselves from just and due legal consequences.

Sources:

1. Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation, "Animal Torture is Not Free Speech". October 5, 2009 (http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/10/stevens-supreme-court.html)
   
2. Oyez Supreme Court Media (http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2009/2009_08_769)

Family Pet Needs a Home - Euthanasia Pending

ALERT! Anyone in the Houston, Texas area who can foster or give a home to this dog, please contact me.

I do not have a lot of background information about why the family can no longer keep their dog, but she is a good family dog and whatever the circumstances, she needs help immediately.  If she is not found a home or foster, she will be euthanized (and soon).

The family are friends of a friend and she contacted me to try and help her find this sweet dog a home.  She is a Blue Heeler/Ridgeback mix, spayed, house trained, sweet, and energetic.

Please let me know immediately if you are able to take her. A foster home will definitely be welcomed. Email me at action@k9pac.org.


Thank you,

Melis

Hero’s P.E.T.S – Company with a Conscience

Hero's P.E.T.S. (Planetary & Ecologically Trusted Supplies), located in Littleton, Colorado, is the epitome of a socially and ecologically responsible company. I met Chelsea Kent, the owner of Hero's P.E.T.S., at the Denver Earth Works Expo 2009. I was initially surprised to find a pet store among the many exhibitors, comprised mostly of building and household product companies. I was interested in how the store fit in with the 'green' theme, and naturally excited to go shopping for my dogs (in hopes that coming home bearing gifts after my five-day vacation would allow me to skip the need to beg for my dogs' forgiveness). In typical fashion, I sorted through the table full of products, reading labels for nutritious and ethically sourced ingredients, testing the durability of toys, and looking for shapes, sounds, and smells that would appeal to my pooches. After a couple of minutes, it occurred to me that every item on the table met my requirements! The treats I examined were from free-range animals, had all-natural ingredients, and no hormones or antibiotics to speak of. While I was very enthusiastic about my find, I became a little frightened for my wallet – I do not typically have that many choices!

Intrigued, I managed to strike up a conversation with Ms. Kent, who walked me through the products, described the companies that supply them, and pointed out the social and ecological benefits that give her a reason to sell and support the companies' products. I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of knowledge that Chelsea had about not only the products, but also the suppliers and the entire supply chain. I am the type of pet parent that does all of the research prior to purchasing a product, and I was ecstatic to finally find a store owner that did the research for me! Chelsea has over eight years of experience in the pet supply industry. Prior to opening the doors of Hero's P.E.T.S. in April 2007, she worked as a pet store manager. Chelsea used her position to become familiar with the many products and companies in the pet supply market. She was inspired to research alternate companies and suppliers after being routinely disappointed in the quality of standard pet products and the companies' general lack of concern over their ecological impact. Six years later, her efforts culminated in the opening of her very own pet store.

Hero's P.E.T.S. mission is to help change the world for the better, by educating consumers and providing them with the highest quality products from companies that are dedicated to eco-conscious and sustainable business practices. In addition, Chelsea ensures that her staff is knowledgeable and can educate people about the products, suppliers, and the local, global, and ecological reasons for which they carefully select the companies that they work with. Through partnerships with small businesses and other like-minded companies, Chelsea is able to deal directly with the majority of her suppliers. Direct communication enables her to gain accurate information about each company's process, including sourcing, manufacturing, and transport, as well as the ecological impacts of each step. Chelsea also inquires as to the suppliers' corporate values and mission, employee relationships, and other ways in which they give back (e.g. through donations to non-profits). Further, Chelsea reexamines the companies that she works with on an annual basis, to ensure that their business practices continue to meet her strict threshold.

As a result of Chelsea's dedication and research, Hero's P.E.T.S. offers a wide variety of products that customers can feel good about purchasing. Most of their inventory is made of recycled and recyclable materials, hemp, organic cotton, fleece scraps, and/or durable materials. Further, the majority of the companies that make these products also make an environmental commitment to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to donate money to other beneficial organizations like the Service Dog Fund, the Dog/Cat Cancer Research Funds, and The Conservation Alliance. The pet food they sell is made of the highest-quality, human-grade ingredients, and are supplied by companies that have a history of quality control and cleanliness. Their supplements are the highest quality and potency available, without a high price tag to match, and the toys and beds are generally durable, recyclable, and guaranteed. In addition, the store carries organic, biodegradable shampoos & enzymatic carpet cleaners. For examples of some of their products, refer to my previous reviews of Fart Busters (from Bark Stix) and the Orbee Tuff toys (from Planet Dog).

Chelsea believes, as I do, that consumers hold the power to influence change in current business practices. An educated consumer is a powerful ally in the betterment of our environment and our health, but the reality is that the everyday consumer does not have the time to research each and every company or product prior to purchase. Thus, I was ecstatic to hear Chelsea embrace her responsibility as a business owner to do the research for her customers. She firmly believes that the onus lies with every business owner to be knowledgeable about both their company, and the products that they sell. "Just because a product can be sold, doesn't mean that it should", said Chelsea, "My goal is to get customers to realize how each thing they purchase impacts the world around them, and to be more conscious and ask more questions before they make purchases at other stores. Thus, increasing demand for better products from better companies."

In a business environment where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has transformed from a tell-tale sign of a forward-looking, social- and eco-conscious company, to a buzzword on nearly every corporate website, it was refreshing to find a business that we can really count on. Hero's P.E.T.S. is a rare gem, a company that is sincere in its efforts to make a positive social and ecological impact, and one that I hope will inspire others to do the same. For more information, please visit the Hero's P.E.T.S. website (www.herospets.com) or drop by their store to speak to a knowledgeable sales associate.

Shelters vs. Breeders – Divisive Tactics Threaten the Animal Community

With animal shelter populations on the rise and corresponding euthanasia rates at outrageously high levels, the animal community has reacted with a strong sense of urgency to promote animal adoptions over the purchasing of animals from pet stores and breeders. While most have done this in a responsible manner by educating the public about shelter dogs, working to find the right match between dog and family, and creating a sense of pride in having an "American Shelter Dog", I have been disappointed to see a few organizations take the more aggressive and less effective approach of condemning all breeders and the dog parents who purchase from them. These few, yet influential, organizations have managed to place responsible and caring dog breeders (and the people who buy from them) in the same category as inhumane breeders and puppy mills. This assertion is irresponsible, inaccurate, and entirely ineffective.

While I completely support and encourage the adoption of dogs and other animals from shelters, and have vowed that my family's next dog (and likely every dog thereafter) will be a rescue dog, I also fully support responsible dog breeders and the caring pet parents who buy from them. Responsible dog breeders play an important role in maintaining the lineage of pure bred dogs. Many of them are extremely knowledgeable about the history of the dogs, their specific medical and social needs, and their personalities. Often times, these breeders play an instrumental role in educating dog trainers, other dog professionals, and the public about what the breed needs, how it behaves, and what living situation it best adapts to. Understanding a breed can be an important part of relating to a dog and finding the appropriate family, lifestyle, and training to fit them, in order to maintain a happy, healthy, and well-balanced dog (a la Cesar Millan).

Responsible dog breeders should be welcomed members of the animal community. Lumping them in with puppy mills and other breeders who keep their animals in unsanitary, confined, and otherwise inhumane conditions is not only inappropriate, it is also poor strategy that serves to ostracize the majority of the dog advocate community. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, only 10% of owned dogs in America are adopted from shelters. While this is a terrific argument for increasing dog adoptions from shelters, it is also a reminder that 90% of dogs with homes belong to parents who bought them from a breeder. Thus, any strategy that is based on condemning all breeders and those pet parents who buy from them is at the very least unsound, and at most, a strategy to lose the parents of 90% of America's owned dogs as allies in the fight for animal welfare.

I have been truly inspired in recent years by the remarkable collaboration of shelters, sanctuaries, organizations, individuals, and adoptive families to aid in the rescue of dogs and other animals from the atrocities of animal cruelty and neglect. Multi-state busts of dog fighting rings and puppy mill operations, and the publicity they have gained, is impressive and a sign that this is a pivotal time in the fight for animal welfare. Although it is just the beginning, we have been able to make an unprecedented impact in the lives of animals, and we must stand unified in this effort. As a community, we must remain focused on our goals rather than distract ourselves with divisive tactics that fail to target the real issues. We must remember that the animal welfare and animal rights movements are founded on one basic principal – the love and protection of animals. Regardless of whether the animal in your life was purchased from a breeder or adopted from a shelter, it is the love and responsibility for that animal that is the foundation of our community and should be supported without question, disparity, or judgment. These are the values upon which K9 PAC was founded; we welcome all dog and animal advocates and strive to unite our community into one, significant, and unwavering voice that will be a powerful influence in the political system.

Orbee-Tuff®: The Everlasting Miracle Toys

While vacationing in Denver, I went to the Green Expo, where I met the very knowledgeable co-owner of Hero's Pets (www.herospets.com). The booth displayed an impressive selection of wholesome (mostly organic), ethically-sourced, and eco-friendly foods, treats, toys, and accessories from a wide variety of eco-conscious companies. Most of the companies that she buys from set aside a percentage of their proceeds to donate to various charities. As the owner walked me through the inventory of goodies, she pointed out the unique attributes of the various products and the companies that supply them. One of the products was a mint-scented Orbee-Tuff® soccer ball from Planet Dog (www.planetdog.com). In addition to being buoyant, minty, and having a small hole to insert treats like a Kong ball, the woman claimed that this toy was also indestructible. I was waiting for her to qualify that statement by specifying a weight range or small-dog-only restriction. Instead, she added to the already too-good-to-be-true assertion, and informed me that if your dog destroys the toy, you can return it to Planet Dog for a new toy and the old toy will be recycled! SOLD – that was the best sixteen bucks I've ever spent on a dog toy.

Our dog, Rebel, is the heavy-weight champion of dog toy obliteration. So, when it came time to test the durability of this toy, I anticipated a repeat death match between Rebel and his new soccer ball and I looked forward to getting a replacement in the mail. To my astonishment, the toy lives on! It has been 2 weeks and the soccer ball is in perfect shape, lasting through persistent chewing, throwing, and clawing. Another great benefit of the Orbee-Tuff soccer ball is that Rebel's new favorite toy also makes his breath smell minty fresh!

With excitement and astonishment pouring out of my ears, I couldn't wait to blog to the world (or, our loyal K9 PAC followers) about this Everlasting Gobstopper of dog toys. But first, I wanted to check my facts. So, I emailed Planet Dog and received a truly thorough six-paragraph response from Customer Support Specialist Jessica-Star, which clearly outlined their exchange and recycle policy. Everlasting toys, exchange guarantees, and excellent customer service all in one company??? Wow. To summarize the email that I received, Planet Dog has put this incredible return/exchange policy into place for two key reasons: 1) to encourage people to return the toys so they can be recycled; 2) to ensure that their customers are 100% satisfied. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that there is no time limit on your return and you do not need a receipt. It could be several months or years down the road; if your dog finally manages to win the good fight, send the toy in with the return form (http://www.planetdog.com/pdfs/returnsform.pdf) to get the full credit value toward a replacement toy.

Each of the Orbee-Tuff toys have a chew-o-meter rating (Rebel's soccer ball is 4 out of 5 chompers) that enables you to predict the right level of durability necessary for your dog. When you return the toy, you should replace it with one of a higher durability level. In addition to the chew-o-meter rating, the customer support specialists have the experience to advise you on different types and molds of toys that increase durability, depending on what type of chewer and/or breed your dog is. For example, Jessica explained that Planet Dog sells both single and double molded products; some dogs chew in such a way that they break the double mold (the soccer ball is double mold), in which case a specialist can recommend a single-molded toy.

Although there is a reasonable limit to the toy exchange policy, you will always get your money's worth. In most cases, the company has been able to find the right toy for the right dog within one or two returns. However, in the rare case that a dog continues to break the most durable of Orbee-Tuff toys, then the company recommends that you return the toy for a final exchange of a non-toy item like treats or accessories. I highly encourage you to buy your Orbee-Tuff toy today – it would make a great gift for friends and your canine family members. Check out more Planet Dog products on their website (www.planetdog.com).

Fart Busters Really Work!

Bark Stix (www.barkstix.com) makes a fantastic treat called Fart Busters which, you guessed it, are supposed to help lessen the occurence of dog farts! I decided to pick these up because our dogs have been known to clear a room once or twice, and I found that their gas issues are especially prevalent after treat-training sessions. To find a treat that would also counteract their nether odors seemed like a stroke of genius.

Our American Bulldogs typically transform into pushy piglets in the presence of treats, but when I opened the bag of Fart Busters, they reached a new level of treat-induced insanity that I have not witnessed before! I wondered if they could sense that these wholesome treats were made from pure, whole, vegetarian-fed, free-range chickens that are locally sourced from small farmers in northern California; or, if they knew that these farmers refrain from using any antibiotics when raising their chickens. It crossed my mind that they may have appreciated that the digestive enzymes are human-grade and would aid in lessening those smelly moments in life. Either way, they eagerly waited for me to pour the little enzyme packet into the treats and shake 'em up until they were nicely coated. The dogs, now drooling profusely, were more than willing to do a whole list of tricks for just one little bite-size nibble of the Fart Busters. After a successful training session, I decided to withold my final judgment until 24 hours later to see if these were simply yummy treats, or actual Fart Busters...I slept an entire night post-treats without being woken up by a aromatic slap to the face - success!

From the human perspective, I found the size of these treats to be perfect for training. Whether or not the dogs knew about all of the wholesome goodness that these treats had to offer, just the smell created an overwhelming enthusiasm that proved to be a huge asset in accomplishing their training for the day. I have noticed a marked improvement in their nightly "aromatherapy" sessions, which is terrific for my sweet, but frequently stinky, pups. In addition to a rave review from my canine team, wholesome ingredients, and terrific end results (pardon the pun), I was especially pleased to read that Bark Stix also strives to make a difference by donating 5% of profits to Greyhound rescue and adoption groups.

You can buy them online at http://barkstix.com/buy.htm#fart or at other retailers like Hero's Pets (blog coming soon) in Littleton, Colorado where I purchased mine while on vacation.

Ingredients: whole ground chicken, honey, sea salt
Enzymes: lactose, dried aspergillus oryxzae, dried aspergillis niger, and dried bromelain