Last month, ReLove board member Sara Yassin volunteered with Animal Rescue Corps on a puppy mill bust outside Nashville, TN. Of the 95 dogs, 71 needed medical treatment for serious issues like eye infections, respiratory conditions, and severe matting from urine/feces soaked fur – most didn’t even have access to adequate drinking water. The dogs were packed into small cages, barely able to turn around, and in pens with feces covering nearly every inch of floor space. Sara says she was enlightened by the experience and posted these observations live from the scene: “Many were timid. They are slowly stepping out of their shell. They really want human touch. I thought they would back away but most are not. They love to be held. Amazing to see.” ARC followed a tip and worked with the local police department to execute the rescue mission. It’s not an easy thing to witness, but we are grateful that Sara could volunteer and gain first hand knowledge and insights to bring back to the group. We at ReLove are working to spread education about ‘milled’ animals through our Education for Responsibility curriculum currently being presented in several schools throughout the area. We are also working to change legislation to ban sales in pet stores. Sara, who owns ‘The Reign of Cats and Dogs’ (a pet store in Leesburg VA that does not sell animals), is leading our efforts to change legislation and will be launching a campaign for Mother’s Day in honor of the mom dogs in puppy mills – the money will go towards puppy mill education. Stay tuned to our page for more updates and announcements! The TN woman who owned the facility was charged with 95 counts of animal cruelty. While she sold her puppies online, these types of facilities are also the source of puppies (and kittens) sold in pet stores - reputable breeders do not sell their puppies through stores. The parents are bred over and over to pump out as many babies as possible – when the animal can no longer reproduce it is sold off or disposed of. This woman was not licensed with the USDA, although their licensing guidelines for compliance are appalling – allowing facilities to keep hundreds of dogs onsite. All dogs from the TN raid were given medical attention, and will now enter a phase of being fostered in order for them to gain trust and social skills before being adopted out. Here are some very easy ways you can help! -share information with people who might be thinking of buying a dog or cat online or from a pet store - we can provide you with a list of informational links to pass along -volunteer with ARC – visit their website to learn more about this professional organization -report neglectful situations in your area – if you see something, say something -talk to your legislators and educate them on the source of pet store animals - urge them to support legislation to end sales
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:31:45 +0000
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