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2013 Puppy Protection Act Pam Sordyl Founder Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/ Humane Lobby Day, April 16, 2013 Version 3
The Bill s History PMA Moving to Lansing! February 2012 Press Conference Hanging out on the balcony of the HOR (meeting our reps!) Hanging out on the steps of the Capital Hanging out in Senator Hune s Office..
Fact Sheet
The Puppy Protection Act Will protect dogs in large-scale breeding facilities (15 or more intact females). Senate Bills 117/118 Sponsors Steven Bieda -(primary), Rick Jones, Michael Kowall, Glenn Anderson, John Proos, John Pappageorge, James Marleau Provide guidelines for housing, sanitary conditions, enclosure space, exercise, and veterinary care of dogs. Upper limit of intact breeding dogs = 50 Launched by Michigan Humane Society Supported by the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers, Puppy Mill Awareness, and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association 2012 Allegan Breeder with 350+ dogs
Types of Breeders Home Unsophisticated, accidental litters, limited advertising, mixed breeds, no registration papers Hobby Planned litters, one breed, do not advertise, waiting lists, belong to breed club, do not kennel, knows the breed, show dogs. Backyard Multiple breeds, multiple litters, breeds year round, heavily advertising, kenneling dogs outdoors, market dogs tiny, teacup, designer, hypo allergenic, unlicensed, rely on online sales. Commercial For profit, selling wholesale to third party, usually large-scale, USDA license required, can operate as a dealer/broker, minimal care provided, puppy farming.
Stop Puppy Mills from Coming to Michigan Michigan is not a big puppy mill state only 3 commercial breeders. 21 county licensed breeders with over 50 dogs. We are very close to the Puppy Mill Belt -sharing borders with states that have over 120 commercial breeders. 2012 Noble County Indiana 2012 New Michigan Kennel
Protect Animals in Large-scale Kennels Open Loopholes Some kennels currently individually license their dogs instead of getting the optional county kennel license with inspection. Some kennels move to counties with no Animal Controland under-staffed police, avoiding inspections and enforcement. St. Joseph County puppy farmer JRT Breeder relocated from Barry County to Missaukee County Inspectio n Date # of Individual Licenses 2008 25 2009 49 2010 44 2011 62 2012 58
Protect Animals in Large-scale Kennels CASE 1: Calhoun County USDA Breeder DEAD POODLE!
Protect Animals in Large-scale Kennels CASE 1 : Calhoun County USDA Breeder (continued) March 2012 - USDA direct violation. Dead poodle was lethargic and thin several days but operator did not contact veterinarian for treatment or euthansia. Four attempted inspections to address other indirect violations: No heartworm preventative. (repeat) no program of vet care. Housing: rusty kennels, no shade or windbreaks for dogs, sagging floors, Cleaning: excess feces, not sanitizing food and water every 2 weeks, debris and trash in the kennel. July 2012 more violations! (repeat) Pomeranian with soft redden swelling on foot. Did not seek vet car AGAIN! Records: Does not include to whom the dogs were sold. Local authorities not contacted. Two failed attempts by local Animal Control to check conditions. No County Licenses. Did not seek vet care DEAD POODLE!
Protect Animals in Large-scale kennels CASE 2: Branch County USDA Breeder Repeat Violator Under the Puppy Protection Act, this kennel would need to make some changes: reduce the intact breeding dogs from 85 to 50 provide solid floors provide exercise seek vet care provide rest between cycles and have un-stacked cages Rusty Wire Floor Untreated Eye Inflamations
Michigan USDA Kennels Goal: No Commercial Breeding in Michigan 7 3 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 1. M. Graber (18) 2. W. Mast 3. D. Wayrynen(64) 4. A. Graber (73) 5. A. Mast 6. M. Schwartz 7. D. Hochstetler (61) (IL) 1. cancelled 2. cancelled 3. D. Wayrynen(58) 4. A. Graber (73) 5. A. Mast (32) 6. M. Schwartz (61) 7. D. Hochstetler (62) (IL) 1. cancelled 2. cancelled 3. cancelled/active 4. A. Graber (73) 5. A. Mast (32) 6. M. Schwartz (85) 7. D. Hochstetler (62) (IL) 1. cancelled 2. cancelled 3. cancelled/active 4. cancelled 5. A. Mast (38) 6. M. Schwartz (87) 7. D. Hochstetler (60) (IL) 1. cancelled 2. cancelled 3. cancelled/active 4. cancelled 5. A. Mast (22) (CL) 6. M. Schwartz (63) (CL) 7. D. Hochstetler (60) (IL) (number of dogs) (CL) = County Licensed as well. (IL)= Individual dog licenses
Michigan USDA Kennels Goal: No Commercial Breeding in Michigan Active?
Limit the number of animals Four states have caps limiting the number of intact breeding dogs. The potential for neglect and inadequate care increases significantly with large numbers. Prevent the introduction of large-scale breeding operations into Michigan. Case 3: Allegan County In April of2012 authorities removed over 350 dogs from a breeding kennel in Allegan County that spiraled out of control. Mothers were nurses under layers of matted feces. The animals were found soaked in urine, with severe dental problems and fleas. 60 days in jail, two years of probation and psychiatric treatment for animal hoarding. Aren't allowed to own any animals and will be subject to random searches. April 2012 Allegan Breeder with 350+ dogs
Limit the number of animals State Limits on number of dogs Melanie Moore, MO Supplier to Petland, Novi MO 50 overturned IN 30 proposed* NE 75 proposed* NY 50 proposed* (2006?) VA 50 MI TN 50 proposed* 75 proposed* OR 50 LA 75 WA 50 DE MA Maine HI NH WV 25 proposed* 25 proposed* 10 proposed* 30 proposed* 50 proposed* 50 proposed*
Protect Consumers Sick puppies cost their new owners hundreds or even thousands of dollars in veterinary care. The lack of proper health screening and careless breeding at puppy mills often results in a prevalence of inherited health issues that trickle down to the unborn puppies. Some owners get rid of dogs because of bad behavior, not understanding the real causes behind the behavior. 2011 Livingston County breeder with 77 dogs in her home Insert genetic defect from Petland
State Action Is Needed 35 states have laws to license or regulate dog and cat breeders. 2012 Missaukee Unlicensed with 175 dogs In 2009, a Michigan kennel study showed that approximately 230 licensed kennels would fall under this new law. In 2012 a Metro Detroit area Classified Ads Study showed most internet sellers did not have a county kennel license which means no animal welfare inspections. Large scale commercial breeding operations should be licensed and monitored just like other legitimate small businesses in the state.
35 states with laws regulating or set standards CAP CAP CAP 2012 Ohio Passed a law to require licensing and inspections of puppy mills that sell more than 60 puppies or nine litters year. CAP
Industry Changes The Belt 2009 2013 www.awawatchdog.com/puppybelt Puppy Mill Belt Active in commercial dog breeding Contain some commercial dog breeders, but show a pattern of growing concern Puppy Mill Belt Active in commercial dog breeding Contain between 5-11 commercial dog breeders/dealers. * Most all states are decreasing the number of USDA licensed kennels except Indiana an Ohio.
The Pet Trade next door Number of USDA Active Dog Breeders/Dealers 900 Puppy Mill Capital 2011 2012 2013 800 700 678 600 500 400 300 248 200 205 195 149 146 129 100 74 62 58 36 34 32 28 25 - MO IA OK KS AR OH IN NE SD TX PA MN WI IL NY
Industry Changes More retail? n/a Number of Ebay/Kijiji Classified Ads With in 30 miles of Detroit January - March 2012 472 No phone number (313) 187 Detroit Area (586) 154 Macomb County (248) 146 Oakland County (734) 124 Wayne/Washtenaw/Monroe County (810) 128 Genesee/St. Clair County (517) 58 Lansing/Jackson (989) 7 Mid Michigan/North East Mich (231) 6 North West Mich (616) 4 Grand Rapids (906) 1 Upper Pennisula (310) 1 CA (407) 1 Fl (786) 1 FL (847) 2 IL (219) 1 IN (413) 1 MA (978) 1 MA (701) 1 ND (740) 4 OH (419) 1 OH (519) 3 Ontario (560) 1 unassigned 1,306 Total ads * * some ads repeat
Industry Changes Less Mega Mills 2007-2011 Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa have the largest kennels. Largest mill = 1,486 adult dogs (KS) Most mega mills have cancelled their license or reduced inventories. State USDA Number PSPName 2007-2011 Highest Inventory Latest Inventory USDA Active? MN 41-B-0190 Happy Tails Kennel 947 646 Active 2013 41-B-0133 Susalski 882 Cancelled 2011 41-B-0159 Bauck 805 Cancelled 2010 41-A-0281 Haag 670 460 Active 2013 41-A-0439 McDuffe 513 Cancelled 2010 41-B-0081 Menning Enterprises 509 527 Active 2013 MO 43-B-0091 Schindler 1,200 Cancelled 2010 43-B-0052 Cole 846 Cancelled 2010 43-A-2268 Hale 700 Cancelled (Yr TBD) 43-A-3357 Brown 607 514 Active 2013 43-A-1843 Griesbauer 582 537 Active 2013 KS 48-B-0225 Fortin 1,486 48-B-0081 B J's & Guys 844 694 Active 2013 48-B-0249 Featherston 773 695 Active new license 48-B-0329 48-A-1883 Cedar Lane Breeders 623 5 Active new license 48-A-1916 48-A-1849 Jackson 508 450 Active 2013 IA 42-B-0182 Kruse 1,166 250 Active 2013 42-A-0119 Grotewold 750 407 Active 2013 42-B-0159 Steele 596 458 Active 2013 42-B-0090 Van Doorn 570 340 Active 2013 OK 73-A-2621 Hurliman 639 516 Active 2013 73-B-1782 Cannon 574 Cancelled 2010 73-B-1812 Lourance 525 Cancelled 2012 73-B-1838 Franks 511 227 Active 2013 PA 23-B-0157 Myer 587 Cancelled 2010 23-A-0005 Zimmerman 545 491 Active 2013 23-A-0004 Nolt 528 Cancelled 2011 WI 35-B-0105 Havens 796 Cancelled (Yr TBD) 35-A-0270 Twin Valley Kennels 570 353 Active 2013 OH 31-A-0371 Hershberger 541 Cancelled 2012
2009-10 Michigan Kennel Study 951 681 1,951 Total Kennels Reviewed 188 4 1-15 dogs 127 27 Boarding Breeding Unknown Other County USDA
Breeding Kennel Sizes 20 234 large scale over small breeders 65% Only 3% of all licensed kennels may have over 50 dogs. Approximately, 234 licensed breeding kennels may have over 15 intact breeding dogs. 1-15 dogs 16-30 dogs 31-50 dogs 51-130 dogs Unknown/unlimited Unknown/unlimited do not show signs of heavy advertising or activity.
Number of Kennels Impacted by County St. Clair 23 Pending Puppy Protection Act Annual Inspections = $500 per inspection. Most counties have Animal Control conducting annual inspections. St. Clair County lacks a strong ordinance, standards, and enforcement. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 No ACO with 37 breeding kennels. 10 are advertising. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 10 11 1313 St. Clair Alger Alpena Cass Charlevoix Cheboygan Gogebic Iosco Iron Isabella Kalamazoo Marquette Monroe Montcalm Ogemaw Otsego Roscommon Schoolcraft Wayne Arenac Branch Clare Gladwin Kalkaska Luce Mackinac Genesee Grand Traverse Huron Mason Newaygo Oceana Calhoun Midland St. Joseph Clinton Crawford Eaton Hillsdale Oakland Ottawa Shiawassee Delta Gratiot Lenawee Livingston Saginaw Sanilac Tuscola Barry Muskegon Osceola Ionia Lapeer Van Buren Kent Allegan Jackson
Pop Quiz Who is the primary sponsor of the bill? Senator Bieda Will it require licensing and inspections or just licensing for large scale breeders? Both! How many dogs do you have to have to be considered a large scale breeder? 15 intact females What is the upper limit of intact dogs breeders can have? 50 Will kind of flooring will be required? Solid Will breeders be able to stack cages? No Will breeding dogs get a rest between cycles? Yes Will breeders be required to provide exercise? Yes Will breeders be required to see veterinary care? Yes How many large-scale breeders do we approximately have in Michigan? >200
Please Join Puppy Mill Awareness http://www.meetup.com/puppymillawareness/
LAST YEAR
THIS YEAR Introducing a retail ban of cats and dogs Webinar - Tuesday, May 7th 6:30 p.m. Webinar - Saturday May 11th 8:30 a.m.
2013 WebinarSchedule Changing Local Ordinances The Humane Pet Acquisition Proposal Tuesday, May 7th 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11th 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Tracking Backyard Breeders Ebay Classifieds Tuesday, June 4th 6:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8th 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Launching Pet Store Campaigns, Petitions and Protesting Tuesday, July 23rd 6:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26th 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Filing Animal Neglect Complaints Understanding the Laws in Michigan Tuesday, August 6th 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 10th 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. A Rescues Code of Ethics Ending the Cycle Tuesday, September 10th, 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, September 14th 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. The Puppy Friendly Pet Store (HSUS) and Mall Project Tuesday, October 8th, 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12th 14th 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Puppy Mills Are NotWelcome Here! Questions?
Back up Slides
The Puppy Mill Belt USDA Licenses by state
Industry Changes Less Commercial USDA A & B Certificate Holders 2007-2013 2,000 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 1,000 800 600 400 200 - MO OK IA KS OH AR IN PA TX MN SD MN WI FL NY IL
St. Clair County Problems St. Clair County lacks a strong ordinance, standards, and enforcement. No ACO with 37 breeding kennels. 10 are advertising.
Number of Breeding Kennels by County 25 26 27 11 12 12 13 13 14 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 16 16 17 19 21 22 23 23 37 82 Grand Traverse Huron Saginaw St. Joseph Arenac Mason Osceola Tuscola Clinton Crawford Gladwin Ottawa Genesee Calhoun Sanilac Eaton Lenawee Van Buren Barry Jackson Midland Ionia Muskegon Allegan Gratiot Shiawassee Livingston Kent Lapeer St. Clair Montcalm *UPDATE* Montcalm County only has two part time ACO officers, no kennel inspections. Land is cheap, distance between homes. 45 with <8
2012 Bills Passed in Other States Ohio Passed a law to require licensing and inspections of puppy millsthat sell more than 60 puppies or nine litters year. New York Passed a law requiring stronger care standards for puppy mill dogs, including provisions for stronger veterinary care and exercise. Nebraska This law requires any breeder with 4 or more dogs to be licensed; prohibits kennel staff from performing euthanasia or C-sections (veterinarian only); improves flooring, requires grooming; and prohibits anyone who was convicted of cruelty from being licensed as a breeder. HSUS worked closely with the local humane society to get this law passed in a state very hostile to animal protection. Maryland - pet store disclosure and lemon law Kansas -passed a law that ends greyhound breeders exemption from inspections Oregon -humane officers now have authority to inspect kennels, issue summons, effect warrants, and remove dogs from puppy mills Louisiana -banned roadside sales of dogs and cats, a major market of puppy mill dogs
Abuse Cases Sentences Year Mont h Description Name County Probation Jail Time Restrictions Communit y Service Mental Health Restitution 2005 Augus79 dogs seized Pamela Keehbauch Isabella 2 Years No Animals 200 hours Counseling $14,000 - $38,000 2006 JanuaOver 80 dogs seized Virginia Lawrence Calhoun 1 Year $2,000 2007 232 Dogs John & Suzette Barry 2008 67 Dogs seized Lori Nichiow Macomb 5 Years 90 days for 2008 Almost 60 animals seized Patrick & Dixie Plunkett Sanilac 3 Years 30 days (waived) One dog and one parrot 2009 June 70 Animals Seized Kim Koss Genesee 2 Years 2009 April 69 dogs seized Joan Skillman Ingham 2 Years >$8,000 2009 33 dogs seized Timothy Spurlock Washtenaw n/a n/a 2010 April 24 dogs seized Laura Springborn Livingston 2 Years No Animals 2010 June 54 dogs seized Donald and Kathe Washtenaw n/a n/a $891 2010 June 50 dogs ticketed Cheri Lane Genesee n/a n/a 2010 Augusover 75 dogs seized Roxanne Webster Livingston 2 Years No Animals, except horses 2011 April 29 cocker spaniels Washtenaw tbd tbd 2011 April 11 cocker spaniels dumped Washtenaw tbd tbd 2011 Septem11 Chihuahas Seized James Griffen Ontonagon 2 Years 40 days 2011 80 dogs seized Candace Shepard- Younce Montcalm tbd tbd Counseling 2011 16 dogs taken by rescue Newygo TBD TBD 2012 380 dogs seized Cheri and George Allegan 2 Years 60 days in jail No Animals Counseling $1,000 2012 July 10 dogs seized Linda Macomb 2012 April 275 animals seized (20 dogs and 70 birds, along with guinea pigs, hamsters, frogs, snakes, lizards, tarantulas, chinchillas, mice Ramzi Dakhlallah Wayne 5 years n/a Can not possess, harbor, or sell animals. He can not import, $20,000 20 hours n/a TBD estimated to be over $10,000 (low estimate)
Michigan Animal Abuse Cases 350 dogs seized (2012) Cheri & George Burke Allegan County 11 dogs seized (2011) James Griffin Ontonagon County 80 dogs seized (2011) Candace Shepard-Younce Montcalm County 16 mix breeds (2011) Newaygo County 29 cocker spaniels (2011) Washtenaw County 11 cocker spaniels dumped (2011) Salem Township Washtenaw County over 75 dogs seized (2010) Roxanne Webster Livingston County 54 dogs seized (2010) Mostly Whippets Washtenaw County 24 dogs seized (2010) Laura Springborn Livingston County 70 Animals Seized (2009) Kim Koss Genesee County 33 dogs seized (2009) Ackley Kennels Washtenaw County 69 dogs seized (2009) Joan Skillman Ingham County 67 Dogs seized (2008) Lori Nichiow (Lornich Kennels) Macomb County Almost 60 animals seized (2008) Patrick & Dixie Plunkett Sanilac County 232 Dogs (2007) John & Suzette Jones Barry County Over 80 dogs seized (2006) Virginia Lawrence Calhoun County 79 dogs seized (2005) Pamela Keehbauch Isabella County
231 dogs, 84 euthanized 2007 Barry County Case Summary: Barry County ACO seized and euthanized 85 dogs. Oakwood Kennels, operated by John Jones JRT John was over their 140 dog limit. The kennel sold 350 puppies per year across the Midwest. John Jones 57, a former dairy farmer was known to collect animals: New Guinea Singing Dogs, raccoons, sugar gliders, wolf dogs. In 2004 the kennel s permit was increased from 50 to 140 dogs. When they were over their limit they moved dogs to his mothers home across the road. During an inspection John asked that the dogs be taken because they could not be sold or placed. The problem is they keep breeding and the dogs are not that popular (Jack Russells). March 13 2007, arraigned on a misdemeanor - refusal to negotiate with authorities who are trying to limit the number of dogs. Dogs had severe manage, parasites and other health problems. They were not socialized. Status: Relocated from Barry County to Missaukee County (photo on right)
2007 John Jones Barry County
2007 John Jones Barry County
PMA Puppy Huggers In Action