There have been efforts over the last few years to try and get legislation but so far it has failed.  Due to concerns over cost along with opposition from groups who worry about unintended consequences and the effect on good breeders. Not sure exactly what they mean when they say unintended consequences, for who?

Here are the details from the Chicago Tribune.

State Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection spokeswoman Donna Gilson says Wisconsin has become a magnet for breeders because it has no regulations.

The bill requires any person who sells more than 25 dogs in one year, from at least three litters, to be licensed. Unlike previous proposals, it only applies to dogs and not other animals.

Let’s hope because the bill has been changed so it only applies to dogs some of the opposition will be eliminated.  It’s not like this is some crazy bill asking for outrageous things, it simply talks about licensing, which all breeders should be. If they’re a good breeder they should not have any issues with this.

Over the last few years we’ve come so far, but we still have a very long way to go.

*IMAGECHEF.COM

(L.A. Times) Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, wrote today that Kennedy was “a stalwart ally over the years on a wide range of legislation to protect companion animals, farm animals, animals in research and wildlife,” adding that the senator from Massachusetts was instrumental in the passage of animal welfare legislation including laws that cracked down on dogfighting and cockfighting, protected horses and other farm animals, and sent chimpanzees once used in medical research to sanctuaries.

The two pups closest to his heart were his own Portuguese water dogs, Sunny and Splash. His dogs were the impetus behind his book “My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington, D.C.,” which introduces young kids to the political process. The book is told through Splash’s viewpoint, making it both a fun and informative read for children.

Even if Sen. Kennedy’s political viewpoint differed from your own, and you didn’t respect him as either a man or politician,  he diligently fought for the rights of animals.  For that, we should be grateful.

*Pic courtesy Steven Senne / Associated Press

Sen. Al Franken is introducing a new bill which would give service dogs to injured veterans.

Franken’s legislation, which is an amendment to a 2010 military funding bill, would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a pilot program to train at least 200 service dogs through nonprofit organizations and give them to veterans with physical and mental disabilities.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Luis Carlos Montalvan, a disabled Iraq war veteran, suggested the idea to Franken months earlier at the presidential inaugural ball in Washington.

“It was really like a dream come true,” Montalvan, a journalism student in New York City, told the paper.

According to the paper, Montalvan told Franken that his service dog named Tuesday helps him deal with life after suffering fractured vertebrae and a head injury in an attack near the Iraq-Syrian border in 2007.

“There is going to be a clear return on investment here,” Franken told the paper. “My hope is that at the end of this they’ll go, ‘A ha! These dogs pay for themselves or more than pay for themselves, we have fewer suicides, fewer incidents of hospitalization, less costs in prescription drugs and more productivity.’ “

Our disabled veterans are definitely deserving of a service dog.  After the program has been in effect for three years the National Academies of Science will be compiling a report on the feasibility and benefit of providing veterans with service dogs.

* Hanson in his service dog attire.

In April we had a contest to win a copy of The Pet Plan and Pet Trust Guide.  It’s a “how to” legal plan for your pet’s future security incorporating the newest and latest laws to secure your pets future well being.

I was just reminded of the book when I came across an article about a pet trust fund bill being signed into law in Connecticut, making it the 41st state to pass a pet trust law.

ARTFORD, Conn., July 8 (UPI) — Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill to allow residents to set up living trusts with their pets as the beneficiaries.

The law, which was sponsored by state Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Ridgefield, state Rep. Russ Morin, D-Wethersfield, and state Rep. John Hetherington, R-New Canaan and Wilton, requires the trust funds to be used solely for the care of the beneficiary pets and can be used to care for a pet before the death of its owner if the human is no longer able to care for the animal, The Connecticut Post reported Wednesday.

“(Creating a trust for pets) is a good thing to do, especially because many pets outlive their families,” Boucher said.

Morin said he was unaware of pet trusts until the matter was brought to his attention by constituents.

“If it helps people and makes them feel good, then it’s really a good piece” of legislation, Morin said.

Congrats to CT., let’s hope the states where it isn’t a law follow suit.

* Order a copy of the book on author Debby Carman’s site, Faux Paw Productions.

It feels like every day I’m reading about another shelter being forced to close its doors or cut drastically back due to budget cuts.

The Humane Society Naples is now facing this issue and need our support to stop it from happening.

The Humane Society Naples urges public to save DAS adoption program

Media Contact: Stephen Wright, PR Coordinator, 643-1880 x 19

The Board of Directors of The Humane Society Naples has passed a resolution calling on the public to save Collier County’s Domestic Animal Services’ adoption program from proposed budget cuts.

Domesic Animal Services is the Collier County agency that handles violations of pet laws and ordinances, pet licenses, animal cruelty cases, and the prevention of animal diseases that spread to humans. It also has to accept surrendered pets, livestock and exotic animals. For many years, Domestic Animal Services had operated an adoption program for the stray and homeless pets in its care.

“We want everybody to let commissioners know how important this program is and that it must be saved,” said Michael Simonik, Executive Director of The Humane Society Naples.

Founded in 1960, The Humane Society Naples is a private, local no-kill charity that provides shelter and adoption services for the area’s local pets. It is not a government agency, nor is it a branch of any national organization.

Last year The Humane Society Naples adopted out more than 1,500 pets.

“We are just starting a major facility renovation this month,” said Simonik and though we will stay open, we’ll be operating at reduced capacity. If DAS loses its adoption program, there is no way we could handle their overflow of homeless pets,” he said.

Simonik explained that results of the county animal control agency eliminating its adoption program would be devastating for the community. Of course, the number of pets euthanized at DAS would jump significantly, he said.

“But then there are unintended consequences,” he said. Once people know that a pet surrendered to DAS will have almost no chance for adoption, they most likely will just let it loose to run in the community and have at least a small chance of finding a home, he explained.

Rampant pet dumping will result in more animal-to-people and animal-to-pet bites, he cautioned. “And besides the initial injury, there’s the spread of disease, too,” he added.
That’s why it’s so important for the public to call, write or visit commissioners and attend the upcoming county budget workshops, June 29 and June 30.

“If Domestic Animal Services loses its adoption program, it will be a disaster for everyone,” he said. “We can’t let that happen,” he added.

The Humane Society Naples resolution can be found on the organization’s website, HSNaples.org. If you are reading this online, you can click here to see it now.

A News Release from the county states that public comment regarding the proposed budget will be received starting at Tuesday, June 30, at 1 p.m. in Commission chambers.
Board of County Commissioners
3301 E. Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 252-8097
Fax: (239) 252-3602
E-Mail:
Send to Frank Halas
Send to Jim Coletta
Send to Fred Coyle
Send to DonnaFiala
Send to Tom Henning

Incorporated in 1960,The Humane Society Naples is a private local non-profit, no-kill animal shelter. Located at 370 Airport-Pulling Road North in Naples, The Humane Society’s Adoption Center hours are Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For adoption information, call 643-1555 or log onto HSNaples.org.

The HSN has saved so many cats and dogs, it’s a wonderful and very necessary organization.  As you read above the result of cutbacks would have a devastating effect on the community. Please take a moment to send letters/emails to the officials above letting them know a budget cut is not an option.

On Friday I posted the horrific story about Ella, the young German Shepherd who was left in a locked cage to starve to death after her owner moved out.

Christine Abrams, the woman responsible, was convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to 12 months probation, a $5,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. Out of the 12 months she was supposed to serve eight in jail, she only served about six.

Abrams who was just released  is currently appealing the case, post-conviction, on grounds that the police searched her house illegally. It is speculated she is appealing to get out of the imposed court fines and probation.

While it’s too late to do anything to save Ella it isn’t too late to change the outcome of future cases. We need to join together to help get Florida law changed, making animal cruelty a felony. Death by starvation is a horrible way to go, this should never have been allowed to happen and the person responsible got away with murder as far as I’m concerned.

In some states animal cruelty has been changed to a felony, but not all, which is a travesty of justice. Every Monday I post safety tips from Anna Nirva , the founder of Sunbear Squad, who started her organization because of a case very similar to Ella’s which happened in Virginia.  A dog named Sunbear was locked in a shed and left to die, no one came to her aid until it was too late. The owner was eventually tracked down, arrested, and charged with a misdemeanor. There was an outcry from the dog lovers in Virginia, they got together and helped get the law changed so now animal cruelty is a felony in that state.

I have a challenge for all the wonderful Dogsters out there, to join me in the fight for justice for Ella. When I posted the original article it wasn’t to make people sad, although it is very sad, but rather to make people angry. I wanted you to be angry enough to take action, to make sure this doesn’t happen again.  I want to get the ball rolling by bringing what happened to Ella to the attention of the legislators in charge, those who have the power to  help make this type of change a reality. We need our elected officials to help us make sure a law is passed in Ella’s name.

My problem, I’m not totally sure where to start. I’m looking for people with experience dealing in legislation, with legislators, and petitions. As well as anyone who is willing to help spread the word, get petitions signed, and support changing the law.

You can contact me through the ‘Bark Back To Dogster Blog’ form on the upper right hand corner, the message comes directly to me. C’mon Dogsters, let’s make this happen for Ella and all the other dogs that depend on us for a voice.

Please post and cross-post this message, we need as much help and support as possible.

* Photo of Abrams & Ella courtesy FLORIDA TODAY

I want to thank everyone who left a question about dog DNA testing for Dr. Becker and Dr. Fretwell.

Good Morning America correspondent Dr. Marty Becker and geneticist Dr. Neale Fretwell are conducting satellite interviews on May 6th on the Wisdom Panel Test, the most comprehensive doggie DNA test available today.

With Wisdom Panel MX, mixed-breed dogs will receive the most reliable DNA breed test available.

* Blood-based sampling, scientifically proven to provide the highest quality DNA analysis
* Detecting 157 different AKC breeds (incl. 4 Foundation Breeds) and counting
* Proprietary algorithm providing 90% accuracy
* Backed by a decade of peer-reviewed veterinarian science research on dog genetics
* Detailed report illustrating your dog’s heritage, revealing breed traits and characteristics

This is the first of three segments, hear what the doctors had to say in response to your questions…

If you can’t see the video in your RSS feed, then click here.

I received a message from Dogster member Carol that really hit home.  On Friday in Wheaton, MO there is a dog auction that will be taking place to sell off puppy mill dogs.  If you’re wondering what a dog auction is you’re not alone. It wasn’t until we got our Berner Logan that I even heard of such a thing.

Our boy Logan was bought at auction by the Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition (BARC). He was around 4-years-old , lived his whole life in a 2×4 cage, had been horribly mistreated and used as a stud dog at a puppy mill. The breeder decided he was no longer worth keeping and discarded him as a flea and tick infested 64 pound sack of garbage. If BARC hadn’t come along he could have been bought by someone else who would have abused him, or if he went unsold most likely he’d have been put down.

So when you read this story keep in mind it’s about donating to save the life of an innocent dog, not to put money in the mill owners bank accounts. Sometimes to do the right thing you have to look at the end result, in this case saving a life, and not focus on how you got there.

As some of you may know, we protested Jessie’s Pet Paradise (whose owner is now in the criminal court system for – among other things – animal cruelty). The mill supplying Jessie’s was Prairie Bark Kennels in downtown Denver. The fact that this mill was in the middle of Denver outraged many dog lovers.

Without the pet store selling his animals, PBK cannot make it financially. So they are liquidating the animals at the SW Kennel auction in Wheaton, Missouri.

We are raising funds to help ‘buy back’ some of the old and feeble dogs at auction. A mill auction expert will help bid on our dogs. $20 will buy an old dog who otherwise might be discarded (murdered). Any and all money collected will be used to buy dogs and bring them back to Colorado where shelters and rescues are waiting to take them in and change their lives forever. No longer will they live in cages but will have the chance to be adopted into loving home.

Now I know what you are all thinking and thanks for even reading this. You are thinking no money should be given to these mill owners. Believe me we understand but many of us have laid awake at night thinking about this mill. We have worked with Isaac at Denver Animal Control and he has been going in there almost weekly advocating for these dogs. Some of us have gone down to PBK and have had dogs brought out from the back room and we have seen how feeble they are, how afraid of humans they are.

And somewhere, somehow people have got to stop it. Coloradans are coming together as never before to stop these dogs laboring away in puppy mills in Missouri.

Enough is enough.

Please help raise awareness about this issue happening in our own backyard. Auction is Friday, May 8th. RMAD is a charity so donations are tax deductible.

Please make checks out to RMAD-Dog Auction.
Rocky Mountain Animal Defense
2525 Arapahoe Ave #E4-335 * Boulder CO 80302
303-449-4422
www.rmad.org

If you’re not sure about donating all I ask is that you look at the picture of our boy Logan.  That’s what your money goes for, a second chance at life. You can donate online, just put Dog Auction in the notes.

I wanted to give the company a shout out because we just found out they won a Webby, quite the honor.

For those who don’t know, The Webby Awards are the biggest award you can win for something on the web. In our case, it’s for Online Reality Video Series.

Here is what The Webby Awards say about being an Official Honoree: “As a result of the superior quantity and quality of sites entered, the 13th Annual Webby Awards recognized sites and teams that demonstrated a standard of excellence.”

“Of the nearly 10,000 entries submitted to the 13th Annual Webby Awards, fewer than 15% were distinguished as an Official Honoree. This honor signifies an outstanding caliber of work. Congratulations to all of our Official Honoree selections!”

We want to send The Dog Files a big congrats and in honor of their nomination post one of their terrific videos for all to see. This is from their adoption series, Second Chance.

If you can’t see the video click here.

Articles abound on the internet about Bo, the new First Dog. I chose to comment on the Tails Of The City post because author Amelia Glynn seems to share my feeling of disappointment over the choice of a non-shelter dog.

Bo is adorable, and I’m happy there is a dog in the White House, but I can’t help feel an important opportunity was missed here. One that could have had great impact for other rescue dogs.

While this new, cute (and hypoallergenic) First Bundle of Canine Joy prepares to move into his new home at the White House this Tuesday, some shelters and rescue organizations across the country including Adopt-a-Pet.com are expressing disappointment at the Obamas’ choice to acquire a dog from a breeder – a decision that is in sharp contrast to the President’s earlier pledge to adopt from a shelter.

“This is a missed opportunity to set a pet-adoption trend among Americans,” says Abbie Moore, executive director of Adopt-a-Pet.com. “With pet relinquishment up 20 to 30 percent due to the poor economy, pets in shelters can use all the help they can get.”

So, now there is a purebred in the White House, perpetuating the myth that rescue dogs aren’t good enough, have too many issues, or that you won’t be able to find the dog you’re looking for. I am happy that Bo was at least a re-homed pup, things didn’t work out at his first place of residence.

Bo was born in October, along with nine littermates. His breeder was already a big Obama supporter and gave the litter a “Hope and Change” theme. Consequently, all of the puppies had registered names that had something to do with Hope or Change. Bo’s registered name is Amigo’s New Hope – perfect for President Obama’s dog, don’t you think? Senator Ted Kennedy, who also got a puppy from this litter, has a puppy with the registered name Amigo’s Change to Believe In.

When he was old enough Bo was sold to a woman in Washington DC who had just lost her old Portuguese Water Dog. But she still had another old Portie. She thought that the puppy, whom she named Charlie, would be good company for the old girl. Unfortunately, Charlie proved a little too much. For one thing, he tried to nurse on the other dog, which some puppies will do. The other dog was not happy about this situation. And, sometimes bringing a puppy into a home with an old dog, especially if they may be grieving, can be a problem. So the owner decided she couldn’t keep Charlie.

Although Bo is technically re-homed, he is by no means a rescue. He was sent back to the breeder she bought him from and would have been sold again, he is an AKC-registered purebred dog from champion breeding.

The Chicago Sun Times reports that since the Obama’s didn’t adopt from a shelter, they plan to make a donation to a Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) instead. So perhaps it’s not surprising that the HSUS issued a statement today that simultaneously thanks the Obamas’ for taking in a “second-chance” dog and warns of disreputable breeders who may take advantage of the public’s increased interest in Portuguese water dogs.

“There are reputable breeders of these dogs,” says Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS. “Yet sadly, we expect disreputable puppy mill operators to start producing them as well, intent on cashing in on the heightened awareness of this breed. President Obama can do even more for animal protection, helping us enforce existing animal welfare laws and cracking down on the national shame of rampant puppy mills in America.”

While I realize the Obamas needed a hypoallergenic dog, about a quarter of all dogs at shelters are purebreds. Over three million dogs and cats are euthanized every year because they don’t have homes. That is a number almost beyond comprehension, but we can make a difference one animal at a time. Adopt from a shelter, save a life.

*SOUZA/The Washington Post