In October, a new law
to shut down puppy mill operators went into effect in Texas. Upon enforcing
compliance, two operators dumped (literally) a multitude of Spaniels and
Maltese dogs on the streets. A
local news commentator reported the mill owners were dumping their dogs because
the new legislation was “too strict”. I nearly choked on my doggie bone. These
dogs were dumped because they are not operating a lawful enterprise that
provides humane conditions for their animals.
Maybe I’m just a
dog, but even I can tell that the reporter isn’t acting like a well-informed journalist
whose job it is to report; instead, she’s acting like a jaded lobbyist whose
job it is to persuade. If she had
checked the facts first, then she (and her viewers) would have known the inconvenient
TRUTH: this legislation isn’t strict enough.
The law doesn’t hurt professional breeders; the law
eliminates disreputable puppy mill operators. Even my canine pals know the
difference. Professional
breeders' first priority is operating a clean, safe living environment for dogs
to breed within reasonable timetables. These breeders adhere to legislative
compliance to protect their animals while also allowing the owners to run a
successful enterprise. The puppy mill
operators have one priority, profit. Their dogs are housed in over-crowded,
unsanitary conditions without veterinary care, food, water, or socialization.
Most of their cages are stacked on top of each other so dogs below are drenched
in urine and fecal matter.
The new law
requires the mill operators to provide their dogs with nourishing food, access
to water, and an hour out of their cage each day. This ‘journalist’ must be
on crack if she thinks providing basic life needs is too much to demand.
My lesson for the week, this reporter
(just like Gore) should get their facts straight before sharing them with
others. - Doubly so when it relates to the treatment of
animals because the truth is, it is a lot more than just ‘inconvenient’ for
mill dogs to live in such abysmal conditions. As a dog, I can’t vote, so my
bark is bigger than my bite but most of my readers are humans who can make a difference. Support this legislation and go to www.THLN.org
where you can find out how to vote on other legislative issues that support
animal advocacy.
LETTER FROM A FAN
Dear Parker:
It got really cold last night and my pal Ringo was left
outside all day and night. He’s a tiny guy with short hair. Is he okay when it is below 40 degrees
outside? - Jax
Dear Jax:
In cold weather like this, even hairy big dogs need
protection, that includes shelter, to protect them from moisture, harsh
wind and lower temperatures. In general, smaller, short-haired dogs should be inside. Consider a coat, designed
for dogs, for your pal if he likes to be outside for long periods. And, make sure his humans are not
fooled by a dog’s ability to survive through
exceptionally cold nights. That
doesn’t mean it is easy, smart or pleasant. Even a bed in the garage next to a house wall that will emit
some warmth is better than forcing a dog to stay outside in exceptionally cold
weather. P.S. Tell Ringo I
love his band.
Your pal, Parker
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