It's hard to believe that the ghastly news stories of horrific puppy mills you may have
seen on Oprah or Dateline are not isolated incidents...they occur all over the country including right here in
NEBRASKA!
Nebraska has approximately 380
commercial dog breeders, licensed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture
and/or the USDA. There are some that have no license at all and operate illegally.
The USDA is required to inspect these facilities only once per year; the Nebraska Department of Agriculture
is required to inspect only once every 2 years. With thousands
of suffering animals being rescued each year, clearly this is inadequate. In many states there are no inspection requirements
at all!
Inspections focus mainly on the physical environment, such as peeling paint, rusted wires, inadequate bedding, for
which requirements are minimal at best. There is little to no focus on the physical condition of the animals who may
suffer many months, even years, in these harsh conditions.
WE MUST...
- Decrease the demand for
puppies sold through pet stores, newspapers and the internet. Every puppy purchased contributes to the industry that
exploits them. Adopt don't shop!
- Demand stronger regulations
and enforcement of current regulations.
- Demand stricter
penalties issued to breeders who do not follow regulations. Anti-cruelty laws and penalties need to apply to puppymillers.
- Elect animal-friendly public officials who will carry our goals to the future.
