Ban Puppy Mills

On February 7, 34 dogs who once endured terrible living conditions in a notorious puppy mill operation in Holly Springs, MS, were transported to the Big Apple in search of new forever homes. The dogs, many of whom are small breeds, are not the cute, cuddly pups often displayed in pet shop windows, but mothers and fathers who were used as breeding stock at the puppy mill.

Earlier this month, members of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, at the request of the Marshall County (MS) Prosecutor’s Office, led the effort to rescue a total of 96 animals from overcrowded conditions at this notorious mill. Several other organizations, including the Atlanta Humane Society, the Marshall County Humane Society, the Olive Branch Animal Shelter and MS State University’s Homeward Bound program, all stepped forward to take some of the rescued animals. Many of the lucky pups, including several Chihuahuas, Dachshunds and Yorkies, are now ready for adoption at the ASPCA Manhattan Adoption Center.

These special pups have spent their entire lives confined to tiny wire cages, which inhibit natural behaviors like running, playing and even stretching. Trading the stark environment of a puppy mill for novel sights, sounds and sensations can be tremendously overwhelming for these sheltered animals. Simple behaviors like potty training, sitting on laps or even walking on a leash are challenging activities. Ample recovery time helps, so too does the dedication of a very special adopter—one who will provide lots of love and unconditional acceptance.

Think you have what it takes to care for one of these special pooches? Meet of a few of our extraordinary puppy mill survivors who are just waiting for laps to call their own.
http://www.aspca.org/news/puppy-mill-survivors.html

While you read this post, another 50 dogs and cats will be born across the country.

Over the course of their lives, only FIVE of them will find permanent, loving homes.

One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years.

Between 5 and 10 million stray dogs and cats live on the streets in America. Their average lifespan: 2 years.

Adoption should be your FIRST option.

In case you missed Spay Day 2010 yesterday GET SOME INFO FOR NEXT YEAR

I'd prefer a full out ban of commercial breeders but I know its probably not possible at this stage and this is a step in the right direction.

Missourians for the Protection of Dogs—a coalition made up of the Humane Society of Missouri, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the U.S.,—is sponsoring a ballot initiative that will ensure basic and humane conditions for dogs in breeding facilities. Called the Missouri Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, it would prohibit some of the worst abuses prevalent in Missouri’s commercial dog kennels. To get the act on the November 2010 ballot, the coalition needs to gather more than 100,000 signatures of support from Missouri voters by the end of April.

Volunteers are needed immediately to gather these signatures. If you are willing to be part of this pet saving effort, please attend the kick-off meeting nearest you:

- Saturday, January 16, 1:00-3:00 P.M.—St. Louis Kick-off (at Humane Society of Missouri headquarters, 1201 Macklind Ave. 63110)
- Wednesday, January 13, 6:00-8:00 P.M.—Columbia Kick-off
- Thursday, January 14, 6:15-8:15 P.M.—Kansas City Kick-off
- Friday, January 15, 6:00-8:00 P.M.—Springfield Kick-off

For meeting locations and to learn how the Missouri Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act would improve living conditions in commercial kennels visit www.missourifordogs.com.