PetSugar

Humane Society Investigation Links Petland to Puppy Mills

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:54:59 -0800

According to the results of a recent investigation, it turns out that the largest chain of pet-selling stores in the US is also the nation's largest retail supporter of puppy mills.

An eight-month evaluation by the Humane Society of the United States uncovered that Petland stores are purchasing and selling puppies from horrific conditions despite promises that the dogs come from known breeders with only "the highest standards of pet care." Many hail from massive commercial facilities or are purchased from large scale "pet distributors" (read: puppy brokers) . . . and the company itself may not even know what the standards of care were like in the first place.

See some shocking statistics and learn what you can do when you read more.

By the numbers:

Number of Petland stores across the country: 140
Number of puppies linked to Petland stores: 17,000
Number of stores visited by the HSUS: 21
Number of breeders and brokers visited by the HSUS: 35
Number of additional USDA inspection reports from Petland breeders evaluated by HSUS: more than 100
Number of those with "serious violations of basic animal care regulations": 60 percent

If this shocks you too, take action and sign a petition letting the company know this is unacceptable to us pet lovers!

The Scoop: House and Senate Pass PA's Puppy Mill Bill!

PetSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:00:42 -0700

Bow wowee! I'm super duper pleased to announce that both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the "Puppy Mill Bill" in Pennsylvania yesterday! Affecting any commercial breeder selling or transferring more than 60 dogs per year, the main change in the approved bill is that owners get three years to comply with the long list of regulations to make their kennels more humane . . . as long as they've not already been found guilty of violating these rules.Clearing the House with votes of 183-7 and the Senate 49-1, Rep. James Casorio, D-Westmoreland, the bill's prime sponsor, said:

This is the day that we eliminate Pennsylvania's reputation as the puppy mill capital of the East. The mistreatment of thousands and thousands and thousands of dogs kept in deplorable and inhumane [conditions] will no longer stand.

Although it's just the first step, it makes great strides in changing these horrible conditions and I hope an advancement for animal welfare that will one day (soon) prompt changes and policy consistency across the country.

Source

Chimp Snuggles With Baby Tigers: In the LINK of an Eye!

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:30:43 -0700

Anjana cuddles white tiger cubs - Snuzzy
Cheeky squirrel invades family photo - Dlisted
Big bear gets a big root canal - People Pets
Francesca eats (paper) Sharkey - The Daily Wag
600 dogs seized from Texas puppy mill - Dogster
Pet pig eats a woman's diamond! - Paw Nation
Q & A with professional pet photographer Edyta Szyszlo - moderncat

Breaking News! Oprah Winfrey Adopts a Puppy

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:53 -0800

I certainly remember when Oprah lost her beloved Sophie in 2008, prompting a special on puppy mills and a vow to adopt her next dog. Well, nearly a year later, she's made good on her word as an eight-week-old, blond-colored Cocker Spaniel joined her furry family on Sunday.Lisa Nowak, a rep for PAWS Chicago, confirmed to Usmagazine.com that Oprah fell in love with the lil pup – named Amanda by staffers – and was excited to bring the baby home. Not only did she keep that promise, she also has donated money in Sophie's name for a room at the no-kill shelter.

See more images of the state-of-the-art Lincoln Park center that aims to find homes for more than 3,000 homeless pets (!) this year when you read more.

View 8 Photos ›

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I Need Your Help . . . Company Calls, Puppy Answers by Biting

PetSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:15:27 -0800

As much as we may talk to them, sadly our pets can't talk back. So, there can come a time when a precious pal behaves in a baffling way, leaving us to speculate what's caused the change. The cute Penny, a three-year-old Min Pin rescue, has begun showing aggression towards strangers visiting her home for the past few months. TeamSugar member aembry396 explains:

Penny has taken to biting – well, trying to bite as thankfully pants and shoes get in the way – some people who come into my apartment. Usually it's people who have cats, but yesterday she attacked a friend who she has met before for no reason that I can think of. This time she actually bruised someone (no skin broken and we are not even really sure if it was the teeth that did it).

Since we rescued her from a puppy mill rescue league last fall, we are still learning new things about her. However, this seems like such a behavior change. Do you have any ideas why she might be doing this and how to help her not do it again?

Let's put our heads together and try to come up with some suggestions in the comments below!

Elephants and Donkeys: Some Views on Animals

PetSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:30:53 -0800

Considering all the things we hear and read about the presidential candidates, I'm first to admit that it can be very overwhelming to digest it all. I've picked up facts from Animals & Politics, and I wanted to share a few notes about candidates from both the Republican and Democrat parties with you. I'm by no means endorsing (or bashing) any candidates – so I've just selected positive points here. Stay tuned for my new pal, CitizenSugar, who will be joining us very soon . . . and can discuss and bring you up-to-date on the full picture!

Rudy Giuliani. During his time as NYC's mayor, he promoted and signed a bill to open a shelter in each borough as well as encourage spaying and neutering in efforts to curb the city's pet overpopulation. He's also the first Republican candidate to release a public statement on animal issues, and promising to continue to support education efforts, enforce animal protection laws already on the books, and to advocate for new animal-friendly policies
John McCain. In addition to cosponsoring bills to stop horse slaughter and to eliminate a $2 million subsidy for the mink industry, as a senator he has been a leader in the effort to stop global warming, and opposes drilling for oil in the animal-filled Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Facts about some Democratic candidates when you read more.

Hillary Rodham Clinton. Senator Clinton has cosponsored legislation to stop the processing of “downer” livestock and to crack down on abusive puppy mills where dogs are treated like production machines and has led efforts to stop the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals, which allow them to be crammed in overcrowded, stressful, unsanitary conditions on factory farms.
Dennis Kucinich. He's currently a co-sponsor of 14 animal protection measures in the 110th Congress and, in the past, has led efforts to secure more funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act at puppy mills, research laboratories, zoos, circuses, and other facilities. In November, he even hosted an online forum to discuss animal issues.
Barack Obama. In addition to voting to end the federal funding of horse slaughter in 2005, he's currently a co-sponsor of measures to stop horse slaughter and to upgrade the penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting, both possessing fighting animals and being a spectator at such events.

Source

Less Fortunate Dogs Could Bite Out of Helmsley's Billions: In the LINK of an Eye!

PetSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:30:54 -0700

Leona Helmsley leaves her entire multibillion dollar trust to benefit dogs in need! – New York Times

Check out Katt-Trappa's crafty cat ladder – Moderncat

ASPCA sends special forensic team to investigate Tennessee's largest puppy-mill raid – ASPCA Blog

Kylie may not be with Olivier . . . but is still with Sheba! – Celebrity Dog Watcher

Hipster hoodies straight from Paris to your hounds – PupStyle

FDA approves Pfizer antibiotic for cats and dogs – Detroit Free Press

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Forget Popcorn, Now Your Pet Can Have Pizza!

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 08:00:37 -0700

It must be totally awesome to be a dog right now! When I was a kid, dogs had to stick with their run of the mill dry and canned dog food in "yummy" flavors like liver, "meat," and chicken. But now there are all kinds of ways to spoil the tummies of your furry family. North had a total blast eating up all the homemade goodies we made this past holiday season, especially for our blow out party for Puppy Bowl, but then again, when isn't he excited for peanut butter?!Here's a special way to extend your "stay at home and order in" pizza night . . . to the dogs. To find out how, just read more.

It may not the real thing, but Blissful Biscuits promises that your pooch won't be able to tell a difference! These pizza treats, made especially for your pets, smell and taste just like your human pepperoni version! Heaven Scent Pizzas come in regular and a wheat/corn free edition ($7) for those with allergies. Plus, how cute are they in the little pizza box! I can't get over it. Each pizza is seven inches, so make sure to treat your pal to just one slice!