HSUS Stop OH Puppy Mills Campaign Sadly, 2 to 4 million puppy mill puppies are sold each year while millions of animals at shelters are euthanized for lack of good homes. To feed this brutal industry, untold numbers of breeder dogs spend their entire lives confined to tiny and filthy cages, giving birth to one litter after another until their worn-out bodies can no longer reproduce. But The HSUS is determined to defeat this cruel underground business. Here's a glimpse of how they'll be working to stop OH puppy mills and dog auctions in the months ahead: Pass state laws to require licensing, regulation, and inspection of large puppy mills, which currently escape USDA scrutiny due to a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act. Reach out to prospective puppy buyers - using everything from billboards to word of mouth - to educate OH citizens about the cruelty of puppy mills and where these companion animals are sold (auctions, pet stores, etc). Puppy mills can only thrive if consumers are kept in the dark about the fraudulent tactics and inhumane conditions used to mass produce purebred and designer dogs.  Each of us has the power to shine a light on these cruel practices and prevent further animal suffering. Please spread the word to your friends and family and help us put this brutal industry out of business! To learn more about how you can help support this special campaign, we invite you to visit the HSUS website Stop Puppy Mills.  Your tax-deductible contribution will be used specifically towards fighting puppy mills in OH! Animal Rescue  On Friday,September 21, 2007, Mary O'Connor-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs was extended an invitation to share her story about Ohio puppy mills and dog auctions as a guest speaker on the new internet radio show,  "Animal Rescue: Where to go, What to do, How to help."  Hosted by Barbara Niven and Phyllis Botti, the show includes interviews on a wide range of topics with different animal rescue groups and animal advocates from across the country.  Each radio interview will be available on the Internet 24/7 on My Pet Station, and viewers can listen to each show online or download the MP3s.  To learn more about Ohio puppy mills and dog auctions, we invite you to listen to Mary's interview beginning Wednesday, September 26, 2007. Finding Sweetie During the April 21, 2007 protest, many of us had the opportunity to hear about the heartbreaking story of Sweetie, a beautiful five year old, female Westie who went missing August 23, 2006.  Sadly, it is believed that Sweetie may have been stolen and sold to a puppy mill breeder.  The father of Sweetie's owner (a truly wonderful gentleman!) has been traveling to dog auctions across the country in hopes that he may locate and rescue this beloved family member.  Locating Sweetie is very important, and the family is offering a $5,000, "no questions asked" reward for her safe return.  To learn more about Sweetie's story, we invite you to visit the family's wesbite Find Sweetie.

The State Auto Connection

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  A HUGE thanks to those of you who signed our Petition, made personal calls and wrote letters to the CEO, Robert Restrepo, Jr.  Because of YOU, State Auto has made the decision to discontinue their relationship with the Buckeye Dog Auction effective June 30, 2007! 

Many concerned citizens from around the country have recently learned that State Auto Mutual Insurance Company serves as the underwriter for the Buckeye Dog Auction (Certificate 6913179). State Auto writes business in 27 states from Michigan to Florida and from Utah to Virginia through more than 3,000 independent agencies. Their 2,000-plus employees work out of the corporate headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, ten regional and branch offices, and numerous claim service offices throughout their operating territory.

Voice your concerns to State Auto!  As Forbes magazine’s choice as the 2006 “Best Managed” Insurance company in America, request that State Auto end their business relationship with the Buckeye Dog Auction by signing the Petition Justice for Dogs Sold During the Buckeye Dog Auction.

Your signature will make a difference in the lives of canine companions who cannot speak for themselves.


WI Puppy Mill Project

The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project is another campaign launched by a group of dedicated animal advocates to address the horrendous conditions of puppy mills and dog auctions in WI.  Their mission is to educate the public about puppy mills, to prevent cruelty to animals, to foster understanding of responsible pet acquisition and ownership, and to promote adoption of homeless companion animals.

On March 10, 2007, representatives from the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project and rescues and shelters throughout the state of Wisconsin attended a puppy mill auction at Horst Stables in Thorp, WI.  Some went as observers, to find out for themselves exactly what goes on at these auctions; others went as buyers, to get dogs "out of the system" and into loving homes.  

At least two of the dogs sold at this auction had Canine Brucellosis, an infection which poses a risk to the health of both humans and animals!

To learn more about this campaign, we invite you to read the articles, "I-Team: Puppy Mills" published by TMJ4.com and "Call to Arms" published by Best Friends Wisconsin Network.