by Raymond . September 24, 2009 . 12:01PM
Speaking Out
In case you haven’t come across it already be sure to check out the Milwaukee Pet Store Protest Group. Made up of a diverse group volunteers, MPSPG is speaking out against puppy mills and backyard breeders by organizing peaceful protests in the Milwaukee area as well as offering information on their site about the horrors animals face through neglect and outright abuse at the hands of dishonest breeders.
by Raymond . April 9, 2009 . 8:37AM
Taking The First Step
Wisconsin Rep. Jeff Smith and Sen. Pat Kreitlow recently announced their joint House/Senate bill to push for the licensing and inspection of dog breeders and sellers operating in Wisconsin. The work that has gone into this bill so far represents a year’s worth of effort and time by many stake-holders but it has a long way to go still.
This would a big step towards shutting down puppy mills located throughout the state that are run by uncaring people who see the dogs as nothing more than product that is run through the factory farming process. Pennsylvania, which has been considered to have the largest number of puppy mills in the country, has recently made similar legislative changes in order to stem the tide of animal cruelty and abuse associated with puppy mills there. Many puppy mill owners have moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin because of the serious lack of laws preventing them from freely operating here in the state.
The Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill (LRB 2448/2) is currently looking for as many co-sponsors as possible so that it has a better chance at becoming law. The bill will be introduced to the State Legislature on 24 April, so there’s just a short time to get the word out.
Getting Involved
If you want to get involved and urge your local representative to support the Commercial Dog Breeders Licensure Bill, be sure to visit The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project for further details on the bill and how to contact state reps.
The importance of this bill is huge and it can use all the help it can get.
by Dutty . March 31, 2009 . 3:00PM
We are excited that Morrissey will be here in Milwaukee on Friday April 3rd at the Eagles Ballroom. Morrissey’s active support for PETA has inspired many to give up meat and live a vegetarian lifestyle. Morrissey has committed his life and music to saving animals, and with so many fans, it may not mean much to say that we are humbled to have you in Milwaukee and keep teaching us what it really means to be cool.
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by Dutty . March 24, 2009 . 3:39PM
Most people who love their pets would agree they want the best for them, so to give the best possible care to any animal that you are thinking about bringing into your home you need to consider all the options before you finally make your decision.
Some things to consider before taking in any animal:
Are you ready for a pet?
It’s amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don’t forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelters are there because their owners didn’t realize how much time, money, and effort it took to care for them. Please, never purchase a pet for somebody as a surprise. Pets are for life, and should never, ever be purchased on the spur of the moment. Please think it through carefully & thoroughly before bringing a pet into somebody’s life.
Try adopting from a shelter
Adoption saves an animal whose life literally depends on getting a new home. There are far too many animals without homes and nearly all of them will be euthanized out of necessity. Purchasing animals from pet stores that are supplied by mills and Class B dealers or buying any breed of animal at a local fair or trading event only fuels the problem of homeless animals. Please read what the Wisconsin Humane Society says about mills.
Can you have the pet where you live?
Some adoption agencies require a landlord’s written approval before purchasing a pet, or proof of where you live that allows the type of animal in your neighborhood. Buying pets from stores or fairs usually do not require proof that you can house the animal; which means they contribute to the problem of buying on impulse. Some communities do not allow certain types of animals and it is best to check before you bring home your pet.
Can you afford a pet?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, and other expenses add up quickly. Some of the not so typical pets require special care so please check out how much attention is needed for specific breeds and type of animal you plan to make part of your family.
It seems to be a lot to consider, IT IS! There are many links on this website and so many others that show how animal neglect, abuse, or just plain inconsideration contribute to the main reason I am asking you to think about these things before you buy pets.
by Raymond . March 18, 2009 . 11:28AM
Anyone that considers placing a “free pet to a good home” ad on craigslist or in a local paper needs to realize the chances of the animal living out the rest of its natural life happy and healthy in a loving home are extremely slim. While there are decent people that answer these kinds of ads with the best of intentions, many more are looking for something else.
Free pets are often used as bait for dog fighting or gathered up by “bunchers” who then sell the animals to research labs where they are tortured and forced to endure unbearable treatment. Puppy mills also look for un-spayed or un-neutered dogs and used them as breeding stock.
Animals given away for free are often neglected and abused because in the eyes of their new owners, they simply have no value to them. New owners on the cheap like this will more than likely never spend the money it takes to care for a pet and keep it safe. If they don’t care enough to spend the money from the very beginning, they’ll never find it in them down the road.
Aside from covering the cost of their care, animal shelters charge money for adopted pets in order to avoid these issues. Responsible pet owners are more than willing to pay money because they value the life of the animal.
People have their reasons for giving up their pets, personally I can never see myself doing it and I find it hard to understand how anyone can bring themselves to do it and it’s really not for me to judge them. But I seriously cannot accept the idea of giving any animal away for free to total strangers because very little good can come of it.
Animals have value that go far beyond money and their lives should never be treated so thoughtlessly, regardless of the situation and should never be labeled as “free to a good home” simply because it makes it easier on the owner to get rid of them. Do the right thing.
