For Part One Click Here
This
breeder was cited by an inspector, and a subsequent inspection report stated
this situation was corrected. We aren’t
sure how it was corrected.
This
is Lana just after she arrived into rescue from a really bad puppy mill where
they had over 400 dogs. Unfortunately,
she only survived a week because she had such a severe uterine infection from
being bred so many times without a break between litters.
Inside the Capitol Dome
My
reason for participating in Iowa Humane Lobby Day is to make the Legislature
aware of the treatment of animals in commercial breeders. Most commonly known as Puppy Mills. There are also commercial breeders for cats,
but there are only 3 in Iowa, so my main focus has been on dog breeders. Any legislation passed for commercial
breeders will also affect cats and other companion animals.
WARNING
Some
of the photos below are quite disturbing.
These were taken at various commercial breeders by inspectors, therefore
they were obtained legally.
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This
is a commercial breeder in Belmond, Iowa.
This breeder has 106 adult dogs according to their 2012 inspection
report.
My
rescue is licensed and inspected by the State of Iowa. We are licensed for 22 dogs. We do not breed our rescue dogs. They are all spayed and/or neutered once they
arrive in our care. I know how hard it
is to take proper care of 22 dogs.
During Hurricane Katrina we went over our limit, but we had volunteers
coming in to help us take care of the dogs every day.
This
breeder states that their puppies are ‘Farm Raised’. This is the truth of that claim.
This
is the same breeder claiming their puppies are ‘Farm Raised’. When is the last time you think these puppies
were let out of their kennels?
Now
I’m not claiming that all commercial breeders are like this. They aren’t.
However, the sad fact is that most of them are. There are approximately 300 commercial breeders in Iowa, with over 23,000 breeding dogs. Pure bred puppies are big money. And now with the new ‘Designer Breeds’ it has
gotten worse. A Labradoodle, while cute,
is a mixed breed dog between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A Puggle, also a cute dog, is a mixed breed
of a Pug and a Beagle. Yet breeders are
charging $1,500 or more per puppy. I’ve
seen them for as much as $3,000 per puppy.
I know I may be offending some people here and I am sorry…but I just
can’t see paying $3,000 for a Mutt.
A
reputable or
responsible breeder
cares for the betterment of the breed and will watch out for any genetic or
hereditary issues when breeding their puppies.
They will trace the bloodlines of the sire and dam to make sure the
puppies resulting from that breeding will be healthy. Here is a list of what a reputable
breeder does.
·
Chooses
breeding stock carefully, with an eye to physical and temperamental soundness.
·
Chooses
a stud because he is complementary to the bitch and not because he is nearby,
popular or cheap.
·
Does
genetic testing for defects such as hip dysplasia before breeding, as well as
pedigree analysis for less obvious faults.
·
Breeds
only for the purpose of preserving or improving the breed and never for ego
satisfaction, financial gain or "because she/he ought to be bred at least
once".
·
Provides
the bitch with a warm, safe, comfortable place to whelp and care for her pups.
Provides pre- and post-natal veterinary care for the bitch and her pups.
·
Begins
a medically-sound inoculation program before the bitch is bred and continues it
when the pups are the proper age.
·
Is
willing to supply previous buyers as references and not just those who bought
show dogs or who co-own dogs with the breeder.
·
Is
able to provide written certification of freedom from genetic diseases that
affect the breed.
·
Belongs
to a local or regional breed club and is willing and able to supply the names
of officers and members of that club as references.
·
Is
very concerned that all pups are placed in suitable homes. To that end, personal
interviews with buyers are conducted with information requested about
life-style, children, other animals, fencing and general knowledge of the
breed. Proper contracts, guarantees, medical records and pedigree are all in
writing and understood by all concerned.
·
Accepts
life-long responsibility for the pups' welfare, assisting when necessary in
finding a suitable new home for dogs whose family circumstances change.
·
Stays
in touch with puppy-buyers, ready with advice, referrals, assistance and
empathy.
Whoops…got
on my soap box there for a bit. This is
a very important issue for me.
One
of the most important parts of Lobby Day is to send your Senator or
Representative an e-mail or letter thanking them for their time. It lets them know that you do appreciate them
taking the time out of their busy schedule to meet with you. They are there to represent us and really do
appreciate their constituents stopping by to let them know how they feel about
various issues. But they are very busy
men and women and it’s nice to let them know you appreciate them listening to
you.
I
think it is wonderful that the State Capitol is open to anyone who wants to go
see how things work. You can sit in the
gallery to listen in on the discussions first hand. I’ve always had an interest in politics. I was even on the Student Senate when I was
in college. People sit and watch the
news and complain about how the Legislature handles things all the time. But if you don’t take the time to let your
Legislator know how you feel about issues they aren’t going to know if there is
a genuine concern.
House Floor from North Gallery
Here are some tips on how to talk to your
legislator. Even after doing this for
four years I still get very nervous. I
could hear the tremor in my voice while I was speaking to Mr. Ourth. I just reminded myself that he is a person
just like me and I was there to share my beliefs on the issue. Once I got to talking, my nerves went
away. Listening to the people they
represent is part of their job and they need to know what we are thinking and
how they can help us. Communication is key in any relationship.
Be
Well & Be Happy,
Pet~Pourri
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