The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions gears up for strong 2011

You've probably heard the term "puppy mill". Puppy mills are widely known as dog breeding operations in which the dogs are kept in small cages with poor sanitary conditions and little in the way of comfort. They often do not receive necessary veterinary attention or socialization, and they are bred repeatedly with little concern for the quality of the puppies to be sold or the health of the adult dogs. These dogs have no names, only numbers.

Often, when these adult dogs are no longer of use to their owners, usually because they are no longer healthy or productive, they are sold at auctions for as little as $10. Their owners hand them over in exchange for pocket change with not so much as a scratch behind the ears. What you may not know is that Ohio is the only state east of the Mississippi River that allows these dog auctions to occur--several times each year in Holmes county. This means that Ohio is key in the puppy mill industry. Unlicensed and inhumane breeders, many of whom have documented animal welfare violations, locate here or travel here from surrounding states to take part in these auctions.

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is fighting back. This grassroots, all volunteer group is collecting signatures to introduce legislation into the Ohio legislature that would make it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog and prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere. This law would put a considerable dent in the puppy mill industry. Signature gatherers have been working tirelessly, and as the weather improves in coming months, you're likely to see these volunteers out and about. You can get involved, download petitions, and find more info at http://www.banohiodogauctions.com.