Here is the letter I sent to my newpaper. I hope they print it... It is in regards to the article they printed Sunday, about Puppy mills.. I'd attach the link,,but don't know how..
feel free to copy it to this thread, for anyone who didn't see it.
To The Editor:
I am writing in support of the Times Reporter’s recent article exposing local puppy mills. Hopefully these types of articles will bring about public awareness and end this horrendous abuse.
I have been aware of the animal abuse in the puppy mill industry and I am repulsed. After reading your article and the breeder’s comments on the life of these puppies, I felt compelled to respond.
As a pet advocate, my passion is that people understand the life of these puppies. Typically a puppy is taken away from its mother at an early age, usually between 5 – 8 weeks. Due to their early age, any illness, genetic or emotional problems that a puppy may have will not be detected. On the other hand, the mothers are forced to breed from their first heat and every 6 months thereafter until they are unable to produce. This abusive breeding cycle can last between 5 to 10 years. Another problem arising in this industry is the breeder’s lack of concern to maintain the breed standard. Too often breeders fall prey to the latest craze, which includes breeding “teacups” and “mini’s”. This is just a small portion of information that is available on what is really going on in this industry.
Until the public stops buying puppies from puppy mills, this industry will continue to thrive. The puppies and adult dogs will continue to be forced to live in these harsh and uncaring environments. Seven of the biggest puppy mill states are Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. Let’s not make Ohio number eight.
In lieu of supporting puppy mills, please check
www.petfinder.com for local dogs that are available. Every year 5 – 10 million pets are euthanized in shelters in the United States.
Again, thanks to the Times Reporter for printing articles about puppy mills and doing their part in increasing public awareness.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Rosenberry
Proud owner of a non puppy mill Yorkshire Terrier. Aka – Bailey
For anyone interested in viewing information about puppy mills, here are a few good sites:
www.puppymillrescue.com,
www.prisonerofgreed.com, and
www.millbusters.com
A site to write your congressman to stop puppy mills in your state:
www.house.gob/writerep I do have an address to report mills in Ohio...
http://www.columbusdogconnection.com...ngPupMill.html