St. Louis, MO - Missouri is home to some of the worst puppy mills in the nation. A recent report released by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), "Missouri's Dirty Dozen", includes the name of one such puppy mill that is shutting down its business.
Bonnie and Herman Schindler, owners of Mettoville Kennels, aka Teacher's Pets, received a title of "dishonorable mention" by the HSUS. The good news is that these people will no longer be in the puppy mill business. The bad news is that they are auctioning off upwards of 800 dogs and puppies at the end of the month.
800 dogs and puppies that were not viewed as living creatures - instead, they were a means to a profitable end - livestock. Dogs that now are going to be sold off to the highest bidder. The list of available dog breeds is extensive - it includes German shepherds, Maltese, Papillon, Lhasa Apso, Pomeranians, and more.
Rescuers are scrambling to make arrangements for these dogs. They are fearful that the dogs will be purchased by other puppy mills and that their lives will be a continuation of the past hell that they have had to endure.
The auction is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 29, starting at 9:00 am, and continuing on Saturday, October 30, in Mexico, Missouri. One local rescue, Act Now! Rescue in St. Louis, is gathering funds and foster homes so that they can attempt to secure as many dogs as possible at the auction.
Other rescues are making arrangements to arrive with volunteers and vans - the common goal is to obtain as many dogs as possible before they fall into the hands of other breeders. Everyone is in agreement - these dogs deserve to know a life of love. They deserve compassion.
If you are unfamiliar with the conditions frequently encountered at a puppy mill, please read the HSUS Dirty Dozen report. It graphically describes dog after dog, kept in filthy, deplorable conditions.
Dogs housed in wire cages that cut into feet. Dogs kept outdoors in freezing temperatures without adequate shelter. Dogs suffering from filthy, matted coats. Dogs brutally murdered when they were no longer useful. The sad list goes on, and on, and on.
A Chip-In donation fund has been created for this massive rescue effort. Individuals interested in donating to this cause can click here. A Yahoo "Auction Dog Rescue" group has also been established. Individuals interested in learning more about how they can directly help the dogs can join the group.
The listing from the actual auction reads:
2 COMPLETE SELLOUTS! 2 FULL DAYS!
TEACHER'S PETS Herman & Bonnie Schindler (573) 581-4300
CONRAD'S CUDDLY CANINES Lori Conrad (573) 784-9817
12736 AUDRAIN Rd 841, Mexico, MO. 65265
DATES OF SALE: FRIDAY, OCT. 29th & SATURDAY, OCT. 30th, 2010
STARTING TIME BOTH DAYS: 9:00 AM
LOCATION: MEXICO, MISSOURI
Rain or Shine! Sales will be under Tent! Concessions will be available!
Please share this article with others. Even if you are not able to directly help one of these abused dogs, you can help to educate people about the dirty background of puppy mills.
If you have ever purchased a puppy from a pet store, you have more than likely purchased from a puppy mill such as those that are listed in the HSUS report. Do not support these businesses - they are cruel, inhumane, and they contribute to the massive over-crowding at shelters throughout the nation. Adopt your next companion - save a life.
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Comments
I wish the local rescue communities would rty to get the media at the auctions to shine the spotlight on all the creeps attending. Nothing drives away cockroaches like lots of bright light!
Maybe the fear of notoriety in the local papers and on tv would help to keep these other millers away.
The rescue that I drive transport for is planning on attending. They've dubbed the inventory of available dogs as "Schindler's List."
Thank You Buddy's Mom. You are truly an angel in disguise. Am hoping that every one of those dogs is rescued and learns that SOME humans can be trusted.
Thank you for this. In the next year, as Proposition B goes into effect, we'll need help from the rescues. You all are angels.
In recent weeks, the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions has received numerous inquiries and requests to this large dog auction in Missouri. We understand that these requests are being forwarded to animal rescue groups around the country.
These inquiries also raise great concern. We understand the sentiment of rescuers wanting to intercept dogs to prevent them from being sold back into the puppy mill industry, but firmly believe that bidding on dogs has the opposite of the intended effect. It is our belief that when rescues go to auction with money to spend, the breeders win, the auction houses win, and more dogs will be churned out of puppy mills to meet the demand — from rescuers.
The breeders and auctioneers all know that rescuers regularly attend their auctions. They’re just as happy to take our money as they are to take anyone else’s and they know that when we bid with our hearts instead of our heads, they stand to make a bundle.
Additional facts to consider:
1. Dog auctions take place nearly every weekend throughout the year. The Schindler auction is not an anomalous occurrence. (See the auction company’s website -http://www.swkennelauction.com/index_files/UpcomingAuctions.htm )
2. Even though the auction is billed as a “going out of business” sale, there is no guarantee this will be the case unless this breeder has lost his or her license and/or signed an agreement that they will no longer breed dogs. Breeders often have closeout sales and then start up again.
3. Dog auctions are a symptom of a bigger problem. Dogs will continue to suffer in puppy mills whether or not auctions take place, as they are simply another way for breeders to swap their breeding "stock."
The Coalition firmly believes that dog auctions are a tragic embarrassment to every state and it's humane-minded citizens. We have been asked if people should "buy" or "rescue" these dogs. We have studied the numbers from past auctions and believe that many of the dogs being offered at auction are not mill cast-offs but were, in many cases, purposely bred to supply auction buyers, including rescue groups. Buying at the auction will simply mean that it will be perceived as profitable. If it is perceived as profitable, it will continue and more dogs will be bred for sale at future dog auctions throughout AR, IA, KS, MO, NE, OH, OK, and WI.
With that said, we do understand compassion for the dogs being sold on October 29 and 30, and know that there will be some who will buy. We understand both sides of the situation, and hope that in the long run, not buying will produce the best outcome to end these auctions altogether.
I hope thesee animals are rescued by rescuers and fosters and not another puppy mill. Fosters please step up if you can foster. Arrange chip ins if you can to help provide finanacial assistance. Create a media stur if you have to. Just keep these sweet souls out of the puppy mills hands.
And don't forget to vote yes on Prop B which will alter how animals are treated in puppy mills.
Are puppy mills still legal in this state? Why is it legal anywhere? These 2 diplorable people should not be allowed to own animals ever again! Why would other Mills want to take them? The the economy.. people are giving up their pets...These Disgusting people pump out puppies like they are stuffed toys.. This is a life.. you cant just toss it aside when your tired of it. Thats how these people who USE animals to make a living,treat them. they have no soul and no compassion!.. NONE only for themselves..Dogs dying by the millions in shelters and these disgusting people pumping out puppies.. Boy I'd like to SPIT in the face of anyone who does this!.. 800 is alot of homes to be found
for all these poor doggies..! I pray each and everyone of them finds their way to a good home..
"The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men" ~Leonardo DaVinci~
I hope the people at this auction screen people thoroughly, but glad that mill has been found and the pups are givin another chance ! BLESS !
Our rescue, 911 Pet Rescue of Center Point, IN is trying to collect funds to go bid on these dogs to get them out of the millers hands and into real homes. We are a 501(c)(3) not for profit. Please help us by donating or offering to foster so we can save more! http://911petrescue.chipin.com/mexicomo-puppy-mill-auction
911petrescue@gmail.com
my concern would be that the people who buy animals and resell them to labs, etc would show up to buy them. I can't believe they're being allowed to sell these babies at auction. So Sad that these animals will have to put up with being sold as a commodity yet again.
Wow! The millres must be thrilled! The prices are going to be crazy at this sale with all the rescues BIDDING AGAINST EACH OTHER.
The rescue organizations don't bid against each other. They know each other and work as a unified whole.
But with Proposition b likely to pass, and restrictions beginning in surrounding states, I don't think there will be a lot of puppy mill purchasers, either. And yes, I would expect that the news organizations will cover this considering how hot Proposition B will be. I wonder how the puppy mill folks will feel while under the spotlight?
The general public needs to be educated. If there was no market for dogs and puppies from commercial breeders, they would close because they could not stay in business, they would not make money.
These dog auctions happen every weekend, hundreds of dog and puppies are sold this way.
When people see that cute puppy in the pet store then buy it, they are just making room for another puppies to take it's place and the commercial breeder makes more money and they produce more puppies.
As was mentioned, some of these babies will likely go to experimenters in private labs and universities. They're just "things" there, too. Poor little souls.
The prices are usually a joke...the auction starts at $1 and sometimes can even get to 5!!!! yes, 5 dollars.
If you were ever interested in getting a pure breed and didn't want to use a backyard breeder, not it's a chance. Pls contact your local rescue, I'm sure they are on their way.....
Conrad's Cuddly Canines is a broker, so I'm not sure what is being "sold out" at this place. I imagine that they will be dumping a lot of dogs from a lot of places.
It's important that people be aware of what to expect at this auction from the Schindler's. The USDA report can be accessed at:
http://acissearch.aphis.usda.gov/LPASearch/faces/pdfpage.jspx?custid=4320
This is not an easy inspection report to read. It shows how desperately these dogs need rescuing.
It's appalling that this breeder is still licensed. Just shows how ineffective the current laws in this state really are. With Proposition B, they'd be in jail, the dogs confiscated a long time ago.
Going To The Dogs Rescue is bringing a large vehicle to transport over 100 dogs from MO to NY for this auction and has been working with the person organizing the above Chipin and efforts to get more rescues involved. We hope to see more rescues step up to take the dogs so we can utilize our transport and that people donate to help pull more from this horrible fate!
The Ohio Coalition made some great points about puppy mill dog auctions and that's why I am so conflicted. You see, my Daisy was a breeding dog for a puppy mill. I saw her at the beginning. It took 3 long years of hard work but I know what she has become today is a far cry fro where she used to be... a normal dog with a few fears.
Without being rescued she would not have experienced the joy of chasing a squirrel, running through the woods, swimming in a river, getting belly rubs in the morning or love. For me, the conflict is a difficult one, but I err on the side of the dog.
As a rescuer, I agree with the Ohio Coalition - some rescuers will pay hundreds of dollars for some of these dogs. And yet we turn around and tell people not to buy their dogs from a pet store because it is just supporting the industry. If rescues refused to pay for these dogs, demand would go down and puppy mills would go out of business even faster.
I sure hope these puppies get to a good home. But everyone saying vote yes for prop b has either been informed incorrectly about what is actually in prop b or i guess doesn't actually care for dogs. have you guys actually read any of this. Instead of prop b we need something that will crack down on those who don't follow the current regulations. No where in prop b does it have that. Instead it will kill new born puppies who need to stay in a room above the temperatures listed in prop b. I hope you guys do some more research before you vote.
If any Minneapolis are rescues are going down for the auction, I have kennels, (4), collars -(many), bowls, and cleaning supplies I am willing to donate to help this cause. Call me 763-432-5770
HSUS is sitting on over a hundred million dollars. Why aren't they helping ? They just spent money hand over fist lobbying for Prop B, when MO. already has good laws in place. They just need help with enforcement. I thought when you donated money to HSUS it was supposed to help animals not support politicians & lobby for redundant laws.
The Schindlers will NOT be going out of business. This is only a small portion of the dogs they own. Unfortunately they have other "kennels" under different names.
By Reole 1:
The Schindlers have been causing misery to dogs for many, many years. It has been reported that they own upwards of 3,000 dogs in different mills about the state. They came to our town and found out fairly quickly we would not tolerate them here. They moved sights in town several times, but in the end 'word of mouth' & constant pressure worked to push them back into their home state Mo. We can win the battle against puppy mills state by state, case by case. Never give up. You hold the answer to redemption for these abused & forgotten dogs. Get to know your congressmen & fight on the Legislative level. Please do not be afraid to get involved. Thank you to all who persevered in this case!
My family and I are heading down to Toronto, Ontario to pick up 3 of the westie breed dogs that were thankfully given to our local rescue group Westies In Need (WIN). These dogs will NOT go to auction....Thank Goodness and will receive proper vet care and lots of love.
I can't believe this.. how in the world is this allowed to happen? Spread awareness!! Get out there and let your voice be heard! This can't continue! Good for you for making sure they knew you would not tolerate their abuse in your community. People need to stop thinking puppy mills are a joke or non-existent, it's a reality that my family and I have seen first hand and it has to be STOPPED! Thank you to all the people who are in there helping to save these defenseless dogs and for anyone who brings up puppy mills to another human being- awareness is key! The more people who know and are saddened and disgusted by these puppy mill owners the more that we can accomplish in GETTING RID OF THEM!
Thank God for rescue groups! do not give up!!!!!!!
Rescue One... 'Till There are None!
This is so disgraceful!!! Why don't we put these people in cages in the cold, with bare feet, no food or water and see how they like it. I made a donation to help save these wonderful dogs... We have to do whatever it takes to put a stop to these AWFUL PLACES!!!
Glad to see one puppy mill down!.. but Please ensure this 'auction' is monitored for lowlifes and all 'buyers' are check out..
"pet rescue" from londell missouri is nothing but a of loader for puppy mills in missouri..she says she is a so called non-profit..she is selling them for 300-500 at Petco in south county..her trucks and van has the worst odor so do all the dogs she has one was bleeding from his little incission from being nutered and she grabbed a rough paper towel stuck it on him so rough and was like hes 500 he has to get this fixed first ..she is all about money and i did purchase 2 dogs from her in the past which were my first dogs so i had no clue about puppy mills and so forth both were costly in vet bills and both died within 3 years and when i called her to ask about them she was like "i got them at an auction dont know".
When will people get a clue. A rescue group that buys dogs at auction is NO different than a pet store. They are customers of the breeder and the auction company. The commercial breeders and the auction companies would get out of the business if it were not profitable. They may be "saving" the dogs that they buy at auction but they're doing it on the backs of all the other dogs that remain at the commercial breeding facilities. And believe me, "close-out sales" they're a complete lie.
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