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Columbus Top Dogs advocates for animals across Ohio
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Examiner recently had time to talk with the “Pack Leader” of Columbus Top Dogs (CTD), an organization with a team of dedicated animal advocates who support community-based programs and services benefiting the animal community. They do this through sponsorship of various fundraisers held throughout the calendar year. Since May 2005, CTD has proudly contributed over $72,000 in financial and in-kind donations to 36 animal welfare organizations in Ohio counties.
Formed in 2005, CTD is a staunch supporter of animal welfare legislation in Ohio and is particularly involved with puppy mills and dog auctions. Here is an excerpt of the interview:
What does Ohio need to do to get tougher rules on puppy mills? Each Ohio citizen should contact their state and federal legislators and let them know that they’re concerned about the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills and want the puppy mill issue to be a priority for Congress. As a community, we should also be asking their assistance in expanding the reach of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to include kennels that sell large numbers of puppies directly to the public.
What do Clevelanders need to be aware of in terms of puppy mills? That puppy mills and brokers for these factory farm breeding operations reside right in their own back yard! It’s important for each Clevelander to know that a 2008 report issued by the USDA has confirmed Ohio ranks seventh among the top 10 states with the largest number of USDA Class A licensed commercial breeders.
Why do dog auctions happen? Who runs them? Who attends them? Where are they held? What can we do about them?
Most breeders who participate in this event are raising large numbers of puppies for profit in mills. Dogs sold at these auctions include not only puppies, but also those males and females used for breeding. There, old puppy mill dogs are put out to pasture or their pups are auctioned off so they can start a new breeding cycle. Many of these pups and adult dogs are hauled to the auction in tractor trailers like domestic livestock. Some breeds are able to fetch more than a few thousand dollars, while others can net hundreds of dollars for the seller.
The auction house takes in a registration fee for every dog placed on the auction block and the auction house earns a commission on every dog sold.
Breeders from across the Midwest look to the Ohio dog auctions as an opportunity to improve their “inventory” by selling puppies at eight-weeks-old to pet shops or brokers like the Hunte Corporation, a Missouri-based company which distributes dogs to dealers across the nation.
Our study and observations of dog auctions over the past four years has revealed the following:
- Dogs are sold from $1 to over $1,000. The typical female of “breeding age” is sold for $200 to $600. The higher prices are for “proven” breeders or expensive breeds with champion lineage.
- A typical dog auction sells at least 250 dogs. Some larger auctions sell over 400 animals in a single day-long event. Many of these dogs are deprived of food and water for hours on end, and many of them are cramped in cages so small that they are unable to sit upright or lie down normally.
- Many states have auctions, however in the Midwest, there is a dog auction held almost every weekend. A 2007 undercover investigation conducted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) confirmed that MO has the most, but auctions are also occurring regularly in AR, IA, KS, NE, OH, OK and WI.
Humane advocates from across the country are helping to place dog auctions and their relationship to puppy mills in the national spotlight. Businesses and groups from all over Ohio have been showing their support by writing letters, organizing and making their views known. Here are the steps each of us can take to address this important issue for our community:
- Educate others! Visit www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com and forward this website to everyone in your address book.
- Write your legislators! Contact your Senators and Representatives and let them know dog auctions are a concerns of yours; urge them to do something about it. Let them know that thousands of concerned citizens from across the country support a ban on public dog auctions.
- Recruit your veterinarian! Ask them for their support to create tougher laws governing public dog auctions. A vet should be every dog’s second best friend – ask them to help you help dogs.
How are dog auctions perpetuating the problem of homeless pets in this state?
Absolutely!
The sad truth behind the dog auctions is that there often lies a puppy mill. The documented problems of these mass breeding facilities include overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing of unwanted animals.
Consumer demand for purebred puppies, more than any other factor, perpetuates the misery of puppy mills. Unfortunately, a dog's lifespan is often longer than a consumer's desire to maintain their "product." As a result, millions of purebred dogs are sent to animal shelters every year, where roughly half will be euthanized.
It is my firm belief that until the public truly understands and appreciates the cruel aspect - not to mention the consumer fraud - connected with "dealing dogs", dog auctions will continue to generate millions of dollars for puppy mill breeders and their distributors.
Is it true that most puppy mills in Ohio are found in Amish Country? Can you name any?
There are 186 USDA "Class A" licensed breeders and 32 USDA "Class B" licensed dealers in Ohio, and more than 54% of these breeding kennels are located in Berlin, Millersburg and Sugarcreek, the heart of Amish country.
What advice do you have for those wanting to rescue a homeless pet?
Adopting a homeless animal is a big responsibility and one that should not be entered into lightly. In most instances, you will be caring for that companion pet for up to 16 years. Take time to speak and visit with representatives from various rescue groups, humane societies and animal shelters. Ask lots of questions to help you prepare for this very important event!
How do you feel the “state of pet rescue” is currently?
Given that the current U.S. financial problems are creating a catastrophic number of home foreclosures in Ohio, I am feeling that the state of pet rescue is one of great concern given that the situation could leave hundreds of cats and dogs homeless in 2009. The exact numbers of pets affected aren't known, but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates one in 159 homeowners is at risk of foreclosure and over 60 percent of homes have one or more pets. That adds up to a whole lot of pain and suffering for the families and the animals they love.
What advice do you have for those who want to become more involved in pet rescue or those who want to volunteer at a rescue organization?
As with the advice given to those who wish to rescue a homeless pet, take time to speak and visit with representatives from various rescue groups, humane societies and animal shelters. Ask lots of questions to help you prepare for your volunteer opportunity!
If people have no time to volunteer and no money to give, can they do anything to help homeless pets and shelter animals, and to help the plight of puppy mill dogs?
Yes, there are many ways Ohio citizens can help make a difference:
- Educate others! Visit HSUS’s website, www.stoppuppymills.org. Forward this website to everyone in your address book.
- Write your legislators! Contact your Senators and Representatives and let them know puppy mills are a concern of yours; urge them to do something about it. Let them know that thousands of concerned citizens from across the country support legislation that will protect animals from the abuse suffered in these factory farm breeding operations.
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