Minnesota Puppy Mill Approved

[shandoggy1]

Sometimes I just HATE people! Shame on them! Those poor dogs. The females will be bred every six months till they die. What a LIFE! What is the world coming to!

[Novel]

Reading through your comments this morning just makes me cry...

Those poor dogs... I can't even fathom how many puppies they could produce, and on and on the misery goes...

[mrsgrubby]

This makes me sick, literally sick!! Can we get an address for those commissioners so we can send them out letter directly? Does anyone have time to find this for all of us?

Thanks

[Sayuri]

This is absolutely disgusting. I'm also having a hard time finding the words to describe how this makes me feel right now. Where are we going in terms of animal welfare in this country? We have insane regulations being proposed for responsible, ethical, caring breeders, and then in this case we have a basic abusive-free-for-all?

[Novel]

Usually we do not allow the posting of addresses or personal information, however it was decided a bit back that government officials are exempt, as they hold a public office.
I think that Mrs Grubby has an excellent point. A letter writing campaign to them will probably make a big statement. Letters written to the county are also usually read during County Board meetings. I hope everyone takes the time to write a letter. It's never too late to protect our dogs!
Here is Morrison County's website. http://www.co.morrison.mn.us/wsite/

A listing of the Commissioners and their addresses: http://www.co.morrison.mn.us/wsite/c...missioners.htm

Jeff Schilling is the District 2 commisioner, where the mill is proposed to be built.

[Novel]

This was my e-mail to Commissioner Schilling. I could have said so much mroe, but I tried to keep it professional and appeal to him and his duties as a commissioner.
I also left a note at the paper's website, and I plan on sending a written letter to the homes of all the commissioners.

Commissioner Schilling,
I write this letter in an appeal to you to do all that you can to STOP the building of this inflamatory business. The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, the AKC as well as many other organizations spend millions of dollars educating people each year about the atrocities facilities like this perform. I would hate to see your county make a grievous error in regards to this proposal.
I am very concerned about what you have been told about the conditions these dogs are kept in, as well as the overall effect this mill will have to your community. You will very likely see a backlash that will far outweigh any potential benefits that you foresee.
Please, ask your community if they really want this type of animal abuse perpetrated at their back doors, and ask those that fight daily against these types of businesses why they work so hard to close existing mills down.
I would be happy to point you towards many, many newspaper articles about these types of businesses, and not one of them says anything good about them. I would also be willing to forward information to you regarding the ethical care and treatment of dogs, especially those used for breeding.
I'm sure you will agree, we have enough unwanted dogs in this country, do not add your county to the list of producers of more unwanted animals.
Sincerely,
*personal info withheld*

[mrsgrubby]

well, here is the letter I sent off. Thanks Novel for doign this leg work. Just didn't have time today, but think it is important to let them know how we feel, and the real facts about puppy mills.


Dear Commissioner Schilling,

I recently read an article about the approval of a dog farm in Belle Prairie, and I just wanted to let you know how disappointed I was.

I volunteer for a dog rescue organization that tries to keep hundreds of unwanted dogs from authorization each year by placing them in foster homes and later permanent homes.

Despite our best efforts, one out of every three cats in our local humane society, and over half of the dogs are euthanized each month.

One of our greatest hopes and goals is to shut down huge puppy mill operations that produce thousands of dogs each year, many in poor health, many with genetic defects, and flawed temperaments, as so many of these puppies grow into dogs that are later surrendered to shelters due to health reasons or temperament problems.

In addition to the problems with the puppies, many of the adult dogs kept in the puppy mills are kept in horrible conditions.

Dogs are not really livestock like horses and cows. Although dogs are "pack" animals, they like to be with their human families. In addition to that, it sounds like the dogs in this particular situation are small dogs, 10-15 pounds. These are not hearty dogs, they are small lap dogs and should not live in a setting with 600 other dogs.

Puppy Millers breed their dogs during every single heat cycle, from the time they are mature to the time they die. Breeding is a money maker for them, despite the fact that experts suggest dogs should not be breed in this way. Normally their dogs are kept in tiny cages without the ability to exercise or play. Often the cages are stacked on top of each other as well, so that the dogs on the top of the stack are actually defecating on the dogs below them.

Another very disturbing point is the promise to de-bark these dogs. Debarking is a very inhumane thing to do to a dog, and on top of that, puppy millers normally do it themselves, without proper medical treatment, or pain relief.

I am very willing to provide you with any additional information you might need in order for the commission to review their decision. I guarantee it was not made based on "sound" information provided on the part of the puppy mill, and certainly was not a good decision for Belle Prairie.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter, I hope you and the rest of the commission will rethink and revote on this proposal.

[Mom2Many]

Feeling so proud of living in Minnesota now...and Little Falls isn't all that far away from here.

[mrsgrubby]

Mom2many, Just write them a letter and tell them that. I think they would listen to you more so because you live in the state.

[Novel]

I agree, the more local people that can protest this, the better!

[Mom2Many]

Originally Posted by Novel

I agree, the more local people that can protest this, the better!

Good point. Time to start networking!

[poodlesmom]

Totally, completely irresponsible! Many pockets must be getting lined to have had this approved.

I posted comments after the article and will also be sending emails & letters and begging everyone I know to get involved too.

[schnzrluv]

I am angry beyond words. I too have sent commisioner Schilling a letter, along with a letter to CNN Headline news asking them to do a story on it. Meida is a great way to get the word out. I hope these people change their minds. Nice job to all who are comming through from GP to stand up for man's best friend!!

[mrsgrubby]

Thanks everyone for sending letter to the Commisioner, keep them coming!!!

[poodlesmom]

I have also sent emails to the ASPCA and the ADOA (American Dog Owner Association) asking both groups to do whatever they can to help out to get the permit revoked as well as to share the information with any other organizations who may have the power & means to help get this stopped!

Hopefully all the public outrage this is generating will put a stop to it.