S.B. 95 - Dubbed the “puppy mill support and anti-rescue bill.”
All animal rescues would be regulated as well as people who foster animals for non-profit rescue organizations. But other than retailers, all commercial dog breeders that produce less than 9 litters each year or sell less than 60 dogs directly to the public whether through the internet, newspaper ads or otherwise, would remain unregulated.
“Certainly animal rescues should be subject to strong animal cruelty and anti-hoarding requirements and other regulations for standards of care,” says Laura. “Under this bill there are a lot of bureaucratic requirements, a lot of paperwork, though, for rescues which are typically small organizations simply trying to save animals from pounds and shelters or situations of abuse and neglect and put them in good homes. They would even be required to provide the state with information about people who temporarily foster animals for the rescue.”
Dog Auctions
Since 2004, Ohio Dog Auctions have grown into anything but run-of-the-mill. Breeders who participate in these auctions are raising large numbers of dogs and puppies with profit as the primary motive for existence. Many of them are found to be unhealthy, not screened for genetic diseases, do not show resemblance to the breed standard, and lack good temperament. Participants at this auction travel from many surrounding states, including some, such as Pennsylvania, where public dog auctions are illegal.
A Bright Light
GET INVOLVED AND HELP STOP BACK YARD BREEDING!
The one bright light in all of this is the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. According to Mary Shaver, a dedicated volunteer (and one of my heroes), the Coalition has so far collected 15,472 signatures. The Coalition needs 120,700 signatures to put the Ohio Dog Auctions Act—a proposed law—before the Legislature in January 2011.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
To help gather signatures (AND YOU CAN HELP!) or for more information, contact the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions www.banohiodogauctions.com
They have a Facebook page too.
