Despite
Law, Puppy Mills Still in Business
By Rena
Sherwood | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Tue, Feb 5,
2013
COMMENTARY
| Things looked good in 2008 when the Pennsylvania state
government passed H.B.
2525, popularly called the "puppy mill bill" to stop
inhumane puppy mills in the state. However, not much has happened to help stop
existing puppy mills and prevent new ones starting.
Lancaster,
Pa., was once the puppy mill capital of America, providing puppies for pet
stores, websites and for classified ads in the back of purebred dog magazines.
(Now, Missouri has this dubious distinction, according to the ASPCA.) Although
this year the Pennsylvania state government has"taken
action" for 37 puppy mills, this is just a drop in the puppy mill
bucket.
"Taken
action" does not necessarily mean "shut down." Shutting down a
kennel requires a long legal process that can take
years. Pennsylvania is a vast state and yet there are only
53 dog wardens. That's like having only 53 police officers for the state.
What
happens to puppy mill breeding dogs? They're electrocuted, shot or dumped in
the woods. One breeder in Puxatauney dumped at least 16 toy dogs (13
Pomeranians, two Shih Tzus and a Miniature Doberman Pinscher, according to
WJAC-TV) into the woods. Sixteen were rescued.
Why
are these criminals not in jail?
Because
our dog laws lack teeth. Pennsylvania, in 2013, needs to strengthen and enforce
its puppy mill laws.
--
Clifton Heights, Pa.
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