Zazzle.com: Promoting The Killing of Dog Breeders

Zazzle.com, the popular website that allows anyone to create and sell products such as t-shirts, mugs, bumperstickers, etc, has crossed the line, and therefore a boycott is in order!

A user of that website by the name of "romeolover410" has created nothing short of a message condoning the murdering of dog breeders.  While taking a look at some other products, one is also available that says, "Save a Pitbull..Euthanize A Breeder"

According to Zazzle.com's user agreement , the products created for sale by "romeolover410" using the slogan, "Adopt A Dog Euthanize A Breeder", is in clear violation of their user agreement!

User Conduct


In using this Site, you agree to not:

upload, download, post, email or otherwise transmit any materials including but not limited to text, data, photos, graphics, stitch files, or any of these elements in combination as a design for products available on this Site or otherwise ("Content") that are unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, vulgar, harassing, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, profane, indecent, inflammatory, libelous, tortious, hateful, racially, ethnically, socially, politically, legally, morally, religiously objectionable or otherwise objectionable, or invasive of another's rights including but not limited to rights of celebrity, privacy and intellectual property.

What can we do??

Visit the product page (if you can stomach it) and leave a comment; there are several there already.

More importantly, contact Zazzle.com directly and let them know that this "slogan" is promoting the killing of human beings and you won't do business with any company that allows this type of message to be sold.

Of course, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that "romeolover 410" is part of the animal rights lunatic fringe....any doubts now how the ARs feel about dog breeders?  They have no qualms about seeing human beings KILLED. 

Don't forget "euthanize" is just the "cleaned-up" way of saying KILL.

What Are You Doing To Educate The Public on the Dangers of the Animal Rights Movement

What are you doing to see to it that the public understands the dangers of supporting the ideas of the animal rights movement?  Do you blog....talk about it to friends, neighbors...write articles? 

The AR movement didn't start overnight, and it will take all of us working together to defeat our enemy.

Visit "The Endangered Owner" on Facebook and join the conversation. (click on the Discussion link on our fan page)

Breeder Bashing: A National Pasttime

Breeder-bashing isn't a new concept.  However, with our rights to breed dogs under constant attack from the animal rights terrorists, led by none other than The Humane Society of The United States (which is in no way, shape or form a "real humane society", but rather an extreme animal rights organization), one would think that dog breeders could find some common ground, stick together, and dispense with the superiority complexes.  No such luck.

One would think that since dog breeding is being compared to drug-dealing, that we could learn to play nice.  Visit one of those damnable online "dog forums" sometime and you will see what I mean.  We seem to forget (or do we?), that many members of the pet buying public go to these message boards to 'learn'.  What are we teaching them?  Just for fun visit one of your breed's message boards.  Or better yet, Google your kennel name, or your dogs' names.  You may be shocked at what "fellow breed enthusiasts" have to say.

"I would NEVER do that, and any breeder that DOES is......"

Fill in the blank; "back-yard breeder" (or "BYB"), "puppymill" (a phrase coined by the animal rights terrorists to divide and conquer us...it's working, by the way), or a modification, such as "showmiller".

Simply put, if WE don't like a certain breeder, or said certain breeder does not DO what WE do, or WOULD DO, then they are less than human and should be banished to the deepest pits of hell.  Nothing a dog breeder does is EVER good enough; everyone that owns dogs, or breeds, has their own "ideas" of "what a breeder should do or be".  No topic is off limits, every action --or inaction-- is subject to being bashed by those that need to feel superior by being self-proclaimed experts while hiding behind a computer keyboard.

Newsflash:  such "superior" beings are NOT helping when it comes to winning the war for our rights to breed and even OWN dogs.  My advice, if one needs help improving self-esteem, read one of those self-help books, or see a shrink.

One topic pounced upon by breeder-bashers is "NO one should own more than--insert number here- dogs!"  Really?  Just who are you exactly to dictate to anyone how many dogs a person should have the right to own?  Of course, this same sentiment does not apply to rescues or fosters because they are "doing good", any other poor schmuck that chooses to have 10, 5, 20 dogs are "evil greedy breeders that should be sent to the deepest pits of hell" .

Another topic:  "Anyone who breeds MORE THAN ---fill-in the blank time again---litters per year is a ....."  Interesting.  So, according to the "experts" no one can be a good breeder if they breed 2,3, or whatever-arbitrary-number of litters per year?  As long as the puppies they produce are healthy, are good specimens of their chosen breed (which is subjective to each individual), and they sell them to good homes, what business is it of ours?  Can you say, "NUNYA".

And then there is the ever popular, "if a breeder is testing at such a young age, they must have something to be afraid of!"  Really???  Isn't the entire point of health testing what we produce (and their parents) is to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make sure those animals are as healthy as possible and to make sure that our puppy buyers know what they can/can't expect?  This seems to be a bashing point done by those that don't do ---for example---eye CERFS on young puppies in a breed where CERFing at a young age isn't the "norm". 

We're damned if we do and damned if we don't. 

Remember that saying about glass houses and stones.....

Before all you "breeding experts" run off to educate the public on what a "good" breeder is, don't do the rest of us any favors by preaching what your "beliefs" are as being "my way or it's wrong". 

We dog breeders seem to forget that WE created the anti-breeder sentiment in this country by bashing those that we didn't agree with or by bashing those that did things differently than us.  And look where we are now....the animal rights terrorists and the bunny-hugger followers have taken our "ideas" and are introducing them as legislation faster than a dandelion growing in summertime.  Yes, WE DID THIS TO OURSELVES. 

We created the "breeders are bad" sentiment by expecting all breeders to do as WE DO, or else they are "bad" if they do not.  We have "taught" the public this; we have "created" the monster. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, be careful of throwing those stones; you never know where they will land.  Or how they will come back to  haunt you.

Let's Highjack the HSUS Bus!

If we are to survive, we must hijack the Humane Society of the United States' bus!

What do I mean by that?  Simple.  Have you googled the phrase "puppymill" lately?  How about "finding a good dog breeder", or "spay and neuter"?  The animal rights movement dominates Google; and let me tell you, my friends, if ya' ain't on Google, YOU DON'T EXIST!  Google is where John Q Public (and those uneducated legislators) goes to "get educated" these days.  If all the public reads is the rhetoric put out there by Wayne and company, then guess what?  That's what they will believe and take as the gospel truth.

Yes, My Friends, You Can Help Save Our Animals!

The solution is so, so simple, and the very best part is.......WE CAN DO IT FOR FREE.  Yes, I said "FREE!".  Blogging.  Blogging is FREE and super simple.  If you can type an email, or write a document using Wordpad, or Word, you can blog.

The fact of the matter is that Google (and their little web-crawling robots) love, love, love BLOGS!  Blogs get indexed (listed in Google's massive index of sites) fairly quickly. 

I belong to many legislation-type email lists (Yahoo, Google, etc), and those have a purpose to an extent.  I've learned a great deal and met many wonderful people, but the problem is that those lists are "invisible" to the public.  They can't read what we type; they don't know "what we know", ya' know?!

So the next time you write a really, really great email talking about breeders, or the animal rights movement, or the current state under attack by HSUS--copy and paste that into a blog! (Removing any identifying information, of course; be smart!)

Where? When? HOW?

Probably the two best known platforms for blogs are Google (known as "Blogger" or "Blogspot") and Wordpress.  Both are FREE, but you do have the option of paying and getting some snazzier stuff. 

But for our intent (which is to get the truth into the hands of the public), the free versions work just fine.

You can make your blog posts as long as you want, or as short; you can blog every day, twice a day (if you do this, best to keep it short and simple), once a week....my point is, is that in the time it takes to write or respond to another email on a dead-end email list, you can publish that same great information TO MILLIONS of people searching terms like the ones I described above. 

Don't feel confident, or maybe you're techno-phobic?  Find a trusted friend to set a blog up for you; then simply send them the content you want published.

Imagine All The People.....

Imagine the sheer magnitude our side could reach if we had hundreds of blogs writing about THE TRUTH concerning dog breeders, the dire consequences of early spay/neuter, the myth of "overpopulation", the slimy goings-on within the animal rights movement, etc...

Imagine....something SO SIMPLE.  Imagine....turning the tide.  FOR FREE!  (not for the $19/month!)  We can save our animals and our relationships with them, but we have got to speak out. 

And we must "speak" where we will be heard:  the internet, or more importantly, "Google".

PLEASE HELP: We Must Stop These Phonies!

Dear True Friends of Animals,

I write this to you today with the greatest of urgency!  In case you are unaware, there is a huge scam currently underway in the United States. 

The Humane Society of the United States calls itself the world's "largest animal protection organization" and claims to "help rescue thousands of animals in need every year".  WHAT A CROCK!

Do not be fooled by their "wolf in sheep's clothing" leader, Wayne Pacelle; and do not think for one minute that your "$19 a month" donation will make it close to helping dogs and cats in need.  In fact, according to the H$U$ 2008 tax return, less than 1/2 of ONE PERCENT actually goes to the direct care of animals!

A donation to this extremist animal rights organization (cleverly disguised as animal welfare) will go toward such worthy causes as:

• Legislation to cripple animal agriculture and make the food that we eat more expensive
• Legislation to incrementally take away YOUR RIGHTS to own and breed dogs and cats
• Legislation to take away YOUR RIGHTS to hunt and trap
• Lobbying state and local officials for forfeiture and/or seizure bond laws in animal abuse cases (before anyone has been convicted of anything!)

And the list goes on and on!

So, dear friends, what can you do to help stop this atrocity???  It is very simple!

• Write your U.S. Congressman and urge him/her to contact the IRS Fraud Division and request that this phony "animal welfare" group be investigated
• Write the IRS Fraud Division yourself and request such an investigation
• Write letters to the editor of your local paper to alert members of your community that if they donate to the H$U$, less than 1/2 of ONE PERCENT of their money will go to actually helping animals in need in shelters
• Start a blog, and in the blog title or header include the phrase, "Join The Crusade Against HSUS"; search engines like Google love blogs.  The more blogs we link together, the higher up in rankings our message will be!

Most importantly:  Friends don't let friends donate to the Humane Society of the United States!

From one true animal lover to another, thank you for your prompt attention to this very grave matter.

And, your animals will thank you too; they depend on US, not a multi-million dollar phony "animal protection organization".

Sincerely,
The Endangered Owner,
blogger/animal lover/purebred dog owner, exhibitor and breeder

Dog Owners UNITE: We Must Help Ohio Farmers Beat HSUS at Its Own Game!

I've said it for a long time now:  if we are going to win the war for our rights regarding our animals, it's crucial that we all stick together and that includes farmers and dog people alike.

There is currently a war being waged on the very hands that feed us, yes, YOU! And your dogs.  The target isn't just dog breeders anymore, America's farmers are being threatened by the radical animal rights group, the Humane Society of the United States.

Just as the HSUS knows NOTHING about animal husbandry issues relating to dog breeding, they know LESS about what it takes to care for and raise good healthy food for Americans.  That's why the farmers in Ohio have taken the bull by the horns and are proposing the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board whereby decisions concerning the care and raising of livestock would actually be made by those that KNOW and not by a multi-million dollar animal rights front group, the Humane Society of the United States.

HSUS has waged war on Ohio farmers and now the FARMERS are fighting back.  THEY NEED OUR HELP!  If you are a resident of Ohio, it is CRITICAL that you contact your state Representative AND your state Senator and tell them YOU SUPPORT Ohio's farmers' and the Ohio Farm Bureau and to please VOTE YES on SJR 6 and HJR 6.  The vote is Wednesday, June 24!

Dog owners and breeders, this is a call to ACTION.  How many times have you lamented "What can I do?" "We have to stop HSUS!"....NOW is the chance to STOP the 900lb HSUS gorilla in Ohio.  Even if you are not a resident, please take a moment and write or call the Ohio legislators and tell them that you support farming and that decisions regarding farming and farm animals belong with those that know best:  REAL FARMERS, not the Humane Society of the United States.

Dog Breeders : Signs of the times

There is no doubt that America has changed in the past decade regarding animal husbandry issues.  (No) thanks to Animal Radical (AR) groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the words "dog breeder" is now another "4-letter word".  It has become a sin to "buy from a breeder" rather than "adopt from a shelter".  One is considered "mean, cruel and abusive" if a dog is made to live outside.  When did this happen?  Why have we allowed these Animal Radicals to dictate to us what is "bad"?  And yes, we DID allow this to happen every time a donation was made to the HSUS, PETA and their ilk.  We DID allow this change in public perception every time we remained silent when a fellow dog breeder was being raked across the coals for breeding their dogs and heaven forbid! For selling their puppies!

On a weekly basis, I read story after story of dog breeders living in fear and being harrassed.  For what, you ask?  Simply because they choose to breed their dogs, or they own "more" dogs than anyone could possibly "ever" care for.  According to whose judgement or to what standards?  Why is it automatically "assumed" that anyone who owns/breeds more than "insert number here" of dogs is "bad"/neglectful/abusive?  (I refuse to use the "P.M" word, tho that is what people are often called when one owns "more dogs"/"breeds more litters" than anyone "should")  Dog owners and breeders are being forced to go into hiding in Los Angeles, Louisville, KY, and points in between due to overzealous animal control and do-gooder Animal Radical sympathizers.  Makes me almost wish we could return to a time when all we had to fear from the 'net was stalkers...

I read on a daily basis where breeders have removed their addresses, phone numbers and other information that would identify them from their websites.  This is a double edged sword:  people are forced to do this in an effort to protect themselves, but it makes it even harder for potential puppy buyers.  Wonder where those puppy buyers end up going if they can't find a breeder in their area? 

In today's world with the power of the internet, information is a click away:  any information, including where you live, your phone number, aerial photos of YOUR house and property.  Information that is readily available to friends and foes alike.  Information that the Animal Radicals can easily access and use to find YOU and YOUR dogs.  It doesn't matter that your house and dogs and property are immaculately kept.  It doesn't matter if all of your ducks are in a row with paperwork about your dogs and breeding program.  All it takes is one whacked out Animal Radical that doesn't like the fact that your "poor doggies" are "forced" to breed, or are kept in a crate, or that they like to play in mud and you haven't had a chance to give them a bath yet. 

Are we, as a society, truly THAT weak that we have allowed groups such as the HSUS dictate to us what is right or wrong?  Remember folks:  this is still the United States of America, where the great Constitution and the Bill of Rights guarantee us the RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTY.  Too many people have forgotten that fact and are willing to throw away the RIGHTS that many, many soldiers have fought and died for.  And for what?  Someone "else's" ideas of how many dogs I can own or breed or sell? 

The times have changed, and as long as we allow the Animal Radical groups such as the HSUS to dictate to us how we should/should not breed/own, etc, our dogs, it will only get worse.  I, for one, am not willing to let that happen, and neither are the residents of the great states of Oklahoma, Colorado, Florida, Arkansas, and many other states that have stood up and made their voices heard loud and clear when legislation was introduced this year by saying, "NO! NO! NO! You will NOT tell me how many dogs I can own or sell or breed.  You will NOT force me to spay/neuter my dogs!"

We can change the tide:  just stand up and say, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"

Article Hijacked Evidentally The Truth Hurts, Especially Million Dollar HSUS Bank Accounts

Evidentally yesterday's blog post entitled, "How To Kill the 900LB HSUS Gorilla in 60 Seconds or Less" has gotten some folks upset.  So upset in fact that the link to that post has been tampered with.  It is still available on the main page, but links to that post do not work.

This tells me the HSUS does NOT want any reference to the telling WSB Atlanta expose floating around anywhere.  It also tells me the HSUS is running scared for the first time.  And with good reason:  their hefty bank accounts are being threatened because that little video expose told the truth about how their donations AREN'T used.

I won't back down.  I will not be silenced. The link to this post will probably get tampered with too.  That's fine.  I will keep posting and reposting a thousand times over if necessary.  PLEASE copy and paste this blog post into an email and forward it far and wide.  WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!  Keep spreading the truth!

 The truth is out there on the web.  Here are the links again to the video the HSUS does NOT want the public to see.

The PetPac copy of the transcript of the broadcast, including the statement that PetPac has been told to take the transcript down:
http://www.petpac.net/news/headlines/story_exposing_hsus_buried_read_transcript/

The high definition (55 meg) version on Vidoosh, an Iranian video sharing site:
http://www.vidoosh.tv/play.php?vid=4360

A smaller version (9 megs) in Windows media format (.WMV) on USENDIT:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/692013900/57c2dc3f3c9fe7230654e2004a6bc755

A still smaller version (8 megs) in .MOV format. This is the quickest of all to view if you have only dial up service.
http://tinyurl.com/opf2zg 

ANTI-H$U$ Gear Now Available!

Since the wonderful expose on the deceitful Humane Society of the United States aired on an Atlanta tv station, the heat is ON.  The greedy HSUS has been bullying their way around the internet pulling the video from YouTube and any site that dares to post it. 

Makes one wonder WHY?  Because the truth hurts(their bank accounts!), that's WHY.   The courageous expose done by WSB Atlanta did more to discredit the Humane Society of the United States than we have done in the past 5 years.  And the HSUS knows it.

Animal lovers can now take the ANTI-H$U$ message with them in the form of a quality t-shirt or decal!!!

These items are great conversation starters and will give your "GOT 50?" campaign a big boost!

To order your ANTI-H$U$ gear, visit the following e-bay store, Good Dogs USA

I received mine and am proud to wear it!  Help spread the word further...the public has a RIGHT to know just how deceptive the Humane Society of the United States really is.

Tennessee Sportsman Senator Doug Jackson Sponsors HSUS Anti Breeder Bill

How can a member of the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus (a group that looks out for the interests of hunters) ALIGN themselves with the BIGGEST ANTI HUNTING GROUP in the country???

By signing on as a sponsor of the HSUS driven TN Commercial Breeder Act, that's how.

It seems that Senator Doug Jackson has a conflict of interest going on here.  On the one hand, he is a member of a group of dedicated to "protecting" the interests of hunters against ANTI hunting groups.  While on the other hand, he has signed on as a sponsor of the TN anti breeder bill, pushed by the biggest ANTI hunting group of them all:  The Humane Society of the United States.

Perhaps Senator Jackson doesn't realize that sportsmen and hunters keep and breed dogs?  Perhaps Senator Doug Jackson didn't read the memo on which animal rights group (the Humane Society of the United States) is the BIGGEST ANTI HUNTING LOBBYING GROUP threatening U.S. sportsmen today?
"If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would." Wayne Pacelle, Senior VP Humane Society of the US (HSUS), formerly of Friends of Animals and Fund for Animals, Associated Press, Dec 30, 1991;   "Only 7% of Americans are hunters. That means there are more of us than there are of them. It is simply a matter of democracy. The majority rules in a democracy. We are going to use the ballot box and the democratic process to stop all hunting in the United States... We will take it species by species until all hunting is stopped in California. Then we will take it state by state." (Full Cry magazine, October 1990)

I think Senator Jackson needs a refresher course on WHO the enemy really is.  Perhaps polite email reminders of his apparent conflict of interest are in order?






As currently amended, the TN Commercial Breeder Act (SB258 HB386) will have a devastating impact on responsible sportsmen and hobby breeders:

"Commercial breeder" means any person who possesses or maintains under their immediate control twenty (20) or more adult female dogs for the purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals.

Just how will anyone PROVE to animal control or other inquiring entity, that one DOESN'T intend to sell the female's offspring?  OR that one DOESN'T even intend to breed in the first place?  The answer is:  you can't.

Under this ill written bill, ANYONE that falls under this definition is GUILTY.  It doesn't matter that someone would rather have intact animals vs sterilized ones.  It doesn't matter that someone may have only had ONE litter in the past two years and KEPT the puppies for themselves and not for sale. 

How does one prove these things?  YOU CAN'T.  This anti breeder bill has set the trap for sportsmen and hobby breeders alike.  And with the help of Senator Doug Jackson.  A person who has been entrusted to LOOK OUT for the interests of hunters in the state of Tennessee from ANTI hunting groups like the Humane Society of the United States.

And one more thing, sportsmen and Senator Jackson, this quote sums up the animal rights/anti hunting agenda pretty well:

"The entire animal rights movement in the United States reacted with unfettered glee at the Ban in England ...We view this act of parliament as one of the most important actions in the history of the animal rights movement. This will energise our efforts to stop hunting with hounds." Wayne Pacelle, CEO, Humane Society of the US (HSUS), London Times, December 26, 2004

The last time I checked there are dog breeders that breed hounds....hounds used to HUNT.

S.O.S KILL The HSUS Bills Phone-AThon Tennessee

There are some nasty HSUS backed bills in Tennessee that need to die.  So, on Monday, April 13, 2009, get ready to CALL, FAX, or at the very least email the committee members (as well as your own rep) to send the strong unified message that we are OPPOSED to these bills.  The ARs do this all the time...They stage call-in days and bombard the lawmakers with calls/faxes.  WE must do the same!

Please forward this post to any individual, group/club, groomer, pet sitter, breeder, dog owner, anyone that can lend a few minutes to send these H$U$ bills to their grave!

Animal Forfeiture Bill, HB 0626, will be heard Tuesday, April 14, before the House Calendar and Rules Committee   Bill Summary:  In animal cruelty prosecutions, if a defendant is ordered to post court security to pay for expenses of caring for the animal, s/he currently has 15 business days to come up with the money. If s/he can't do that the ownership rights are lost. This bill will change the time limit to 72 hours, which is very little time considering that the person will also need to find money for an attorney and bail, and the amount of money required for the security is likely to be considerable.

The bill will also remove the following wording:  " However, if the person from whom the animal was seized is not the owner of the animal and the person has not posted the court-ordered security within fifteen (15) days, the court shall order the governmental animal control agency or the humane society to make all reasonable efforts to determine who the owner of the animal is and to notify the owner of the pending proceeding. No animal shall be deemed to have been abandoned and forfeited to the governmental animal control agency or humane society until reasonable attempts to determine and notify the owner have been made."

This wording gives rightful owners an opportunity to reclaim pets that have been stolen or otherwise ended up in the hands of an (alleged) animal abuser.


The take home message here is that both of the above-mentioned changes will make it easier or more likely for an innocent person to lose his/her animals. They also could result in overzealous prosecution and/or abuse of process. More information concerning the problems with asset forfeiture programs can be found here: http://www.fear.org// .
 
Innocent people DO get accused of animal abuse, and, unless they are wealthy, they will almost certainly lose their animals and go bankrupt while defending themselves. As our legal system is based on "innocent until proven guilty," it would be better to have the person reimburse the costs if and only if found guilty.
 
HOUSE CALENDAR AND RULES COMMITTEE MEMBERS: (please contact each member and ask them to OPPOSE this bill.  The phone/fax numbers are for their Nashville offices)
Chair: Rep. Bill Dunn
R-Knoxville, District 16 - Part of Knox Cty: Phone (615) 741-1721 Fax (615) 253-0276
rep.bill.dunn@capitol.tn.gov
Vice-Chair: Rep. Larry Turner
D-Memphis District 85 - Part of Shelby Cty:  Phone (615) 741-6954 Fax (615) 741-3144
rep.larry.turner@capitol.tn.gov  
Secretary: Rep. Matthew Hill
R-Jonesborough District 7 - Part of Washington Cty: Phone: 615-741-2251 rep.matthew.hill@capitol.tn.gov
Members:  Rep. Joe Armstrong  Phone (615) 741-0768 Fax (615) 253-0316
rep.joe.armstrong@capitol.tn.gov  ; Rep. Stratton Bone JR D-Lebanon District 46 - Cannon, Trousdale and part of Wilson Cties: Phone (615) 741-7086 Fax (615) 741-2405 rep.stratton.bone@capitol.tn.gov  ;Rep. Harry Brooks R-Knoxville District 19 - Part of Knox Cty: Phone (615) 741-6879 Fax (615) 253-0212
rep.harry.brooks@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Glen Casada R-Franklin District 63 - Part of Williamson Cty: Phone (615) 741-4389 rep.glen.casada@capitol.tn.gov ;Rep. Kent Coleman D-Murfreesboro District 49 - Part of Rutherford Cty: Phone (615) 741-6829 Fax (615) 253-0332 rep.kent.coleman@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. John J. Deberry JR. D-Memphis District 90 - Part of Shelby Cty: Phone (615) 741-2239 Fax (615) 253-0294
rep.john.deberry@capitol.tn.gov ;Rep. Lois DeBerry D-Memphis District 91 - Part of Shelby Cty: Phone (615) 741-3830 Fax (615) 741-3992 rep.lois.deberry@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Craig Fitzhugh D-Ripley
District 82 - Lauderdale, Crockett and part of Dyer Cties: Phone (615) 741-2134 Fax (615) 741-1446
rep.craig.fitzhugh@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Bill Harmon D-Dunlap District 37 - Sequatchie, Van Buren, Grundy and Marion Cties: Phone (615) 741-6849 Fax (615) 253-0264 rep.bill.harmon@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Beth Harwell R-Nashville District 56 - Part of Davidson Cty: Phone (615) 741-0709 Fax (615) 741-4917
rep.beth.harwell@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Susan M. Lynn R-Mt. Juliet District 57 - Part of Sumner and Wilson Cties: Phone (615) 741-7462 Fax (615) 253-0353 rep.susan.lynn@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Judd Matheny

R-Tullahoma District 47 - Coffee and part of Warren Cties: Phone (615) 741-7448 Fax (615) 253-0226
rep.judd.matheny@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Joe McCord R-Maryville District 8 - Parts of Blount and Sevier Cties: Phone (615) 741-5481 Fax (615) 253-0220 rep.joe.mccord@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Gerald
McCormick R-Chattanooga District 26 - Part of Hamilton Cty: Phone (615) 741-2548 Fax (615) 253-0305 rep.gerald.mccormick@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Steve McManus R-Cordova District 96 - Part of Shelby Cty: Phone (615) 741-1920 Fax (615) 253-0232 rep.steve.mcmanus@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Gary W. Moore, SR D-Joelton District 50 - Part of Davidson Cty: Phone (615) 741-4317 Fax (615) 253-0360
rep.gary.moore@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Jason E. Mumpower R-Bristol District 3 - Johnson and part of Sullivan Cties: Phone (615) 741-2050 Fax (615) 253-0298 rep.jason.mumpower@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Gary Odom D-Nashville District 55 - Part of Davidson Cty: Phone (615) 741-4410 Fax (615) 741-7528
rep.gary.odom@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Curry Todd R-Collierville District 95 - Part of Shelby Cty: Phone (615) 741-1866 Fax (615) 532-8221 rep.curry.todd@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Joe Towns, JR D-Memphis
District 84 - Parts of Shelby Cty: Phone (615) 741-2189 Fax (615) 253-0201 rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov ; Rep. Mike Turner D-Old Hickory District 51 - Part of Davidson Cty: Phone (615) 741-3229 Fax (615) 741-4322 rep.mike.turner@capitol.tn.gov ; Speaker Kent Williams Carter Cty Republican-Elizabethton District 4 - Carter Cty: Phone (615) 741-7450 Fax (615) 253-0310
speaker.kent.williams@capitol.tn.gov

 Commercial Breeder Act [HB0368]: House Judiciary (full committee) on the 15th.


Commercial Breeder Act [SB0258]: Senate Commerce, Labor, and Agriculture Committee on the 15th.

PLEASE CALL/FAX/ or EMAIL BOTH of these committees and ask them to OPPOSE this bill (both identical versions) 

The National Animal Interest Alliance has set up the CapWiz on their website.  This will work for Tennessee residents ONLY...IT IS SUPER SIMPLE!  Click and send and your message will be sent to ALL of the committee members!!!  If you would rather fax, you may still use the NAIA site.  When your letter is complete, just print and fax! 

House Judiciary Committee (FULL committee)  (click for complete info on each member!)

Senate Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Committee  (click for complete info on each member!)

In some significant ways, these bills resemble HSUS supported anti-breeder legislation that has shown up in several other states so far this year.

The Tennessee Commercial Breeder Act:


* Applies to dogs and cats.

* Defines a commercial breeder as anyone who possesses or maintains 20 or more adult female dogs  for the purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals”.

* Limits the number of dogs/cats a commercial breeder can maintain to 75 unsterilized “companion animals” over the age of 6 months.NOTE: (In the current amended version, the 75 cap has been removed...as of 4/12/09)

* Requires annual licensing of commercial breeders and sets up a fee structure of $500 per year for those owning 20-40 adult companion animals, and $1000 per year for those owning 41-75.

* Empowers the Commissioner of Agriculture to grant licenses, oversee compliance with standards, rules and regulations, and suspend licenses for non-compliance or cruelty. Breeder will be given a 10-day
written notice of suspensions and may be granted a hearing to contest. Violations would constitute a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fine only.

* Licenses will only be granted to applicants of “good moral character” after a criminal background check and inspection of the premises. (NOTE: In the current amended version, the wording "good moral character" has been removed)

* Allows commercial breeder premises and records to be inspected at all reasonable times by the Commissioner, a representative of the Commissioner, or a legally constituted law enforcement agency.

* Requires commercial breeders to file semi-annual reports on the number of dogs/cats in their possession, the number of dogs/cats sold including the names and addresses of who purchased them, and the number of dogs/cats received by the breeder that were not purchased including the names and addresses of who they obtained them from.

* Grants the Commissioner authority to confiscate animals for failure to license and hand them over to local or federal animal welfare agencies or humane organization, like ASPCA or HSUS, and order the breeder to pay a security bond that could be transferred to the agency/organization for the cost of care.

* Subjects violators to a fine of $1000 per animal sold, offered or advertised without a license.

This Act reads as though its main preoccupation is to introduce a complex layer of state regulation that will generate revenue through licenses and fines, not directly improve actual care and conditions for animals.

Many of the definitions provided are unclear and inconsistent and consequently make hobby breeders, trainers, handlers, hunt clubs, boarding kennels and private rescue networks vulnerable to commercial requirements.

We oppose number limits because they are arbitrary, unscientific and have been found to be unenforceable and vulnerable to court challenges. Furthermore, they have never been successful in addressing irresponsible breeding or negligent rescue operations. Limits and caps drive pet owners and breeders underground where they are harder to oversee and prevent abuse.

We believe there are more effective solutions available to help eliminate substandard kennels, from greater enforcement of existing anti-cruelty and nuisance laws to educating consumers about how to seek out responsible and humane sources of healthy pets.

Politely explain that this legislation misses the mark. Offer your expertise as a Tennessee resident with hands-on animal experience who they can rely on instead of an out of state organization for their information about pet issues.


Please call, fax or email the representatives and senators that will be hearing ALL of these important issues!   Government officials work FOR the people...Politely let them know you OPPOSE these 3 bills !!!!

Sleeping With The Enemy in Tennessee

The HSUS Kool-Aid has made its way to Tennessee,  as evidenced by the state's ANTI breeder bill that is being supported by several of the AKC all breed dog clubs. ("We just HAVE TO get rid of those terrible "puppy mill" people"...yeah, whatever that means...)

Called the "Commercial Breeder Act", SB258/HB386  seeks to label breeders who "possesses or maintains at least 20 female dogs in order to sell their offspring as companion animals" as commercial breeders.  Once again, a "magic number" is being introduced....a number that can easily be LOWERED at the whim of the HSUS and lawmakers.   What's worse, the bill calls for WARRANTLESS inspections, guidelines for breeders to follow that aren't described in this bill.....AND .....before a license is issued it must be determined that the applicant is of "GOOD MORAL CHARACTER"....

Does any of this sound VAGUELY familiar to anyone???   Does this sound like the other dozens of ANTI breeder bills being pushed around the country??? 

How many "hobby breeders" co-own bitches with other people as well as "possess" bitches at their homes?   Under this bill, the burden of proving you are NOT intending to sell those bitches' offspring falls on your head...and, just how exactly, would a person do that?  The short answer is:  YOU CAN'T.  Think about it.  It's not hard to reach the magical "20" number. ( "But, Mr Animal Control Officer, those 3 bitch puppies over there....I'm holding onto them to see if they will be show quality or not.....and, well, I don't actually own those over there 'cuz they are just here for me to show and train...")


So, what if someone has, say 19...or 18...Guess that pesky detail will have to be changed next year, huh?  When are people going to wake up?  Obviously not soon enough, since the House version of this Anti breeder bill passed yesterday.  The Senate is expected to vote soon.  Rather than stand up and CONFRONT the bully that is the HSUS head-on, the dog fancy has chosen to "protect itself" and throw somebody else under the bus. 

Act now:  Write, call, fax the senators in Tennessee and tell them to OPPOSE SB258....Tennessee already has cruelty/neglect laws on the books, and Commercial Breeders are already licensed and regulated under the USDA.  Placing the "burden of proof" on the accused as this bill is written is unconstitutional as it deprives the breeder of due process under law.

Who, I wonder, will be left to stand up when the HSUS comes for you.....and your breeding program....hmm...

The Gospel According to HSUS

Unless you've been living under a rock this year, it's impossible to avoid the onslaught of "ANTI-dog breeder" bills that have been introduced in no less than two dozen states pushed by none other than the Humane Society of the United States.  These two dozen bills are worded almost identical in all states, with the common theme being to limit the number of intact animals a person can own and in most cases, allowing for WARRANTLESS searches of the breeder's premises.  Are these laws really about cracking down on substandard breeders?  Or is it a nationwide push to make dog breeding so troublesome and expensive that hobby breeders will just quit? 

According to Wayne Pacelle's blog,

• "There are perhaps more than 10,000 mills in the nation, with Missouri accounting for more than 3,000, and then Oklahoma and Iowa the next biggest." 
•  Last year Virginia was the "hub" of puppy mills (the "Virginia Is For Puppy Mills" campaign), and Pennsylvania is "the puppy mill capitol of the East"

Gee, with Wayne stating facts like that, it makes you wonder WHY legislation is needed in states like Nevada, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, Tennessee, Illinois, Maine, West Virginia, Arkansas, Delaware, Texas, California, Florida....you get the idea.  Are all of these states infested with "puppy mills" as well??   The real reason for these bills?  To ensnare the "other guy"...the hobby breeder; those breeders who are not required to operate under USDA guidelines. 

From the H$U$ website:  "Under current law in most states, and under current regulations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, individuals running breeding operations that only sell puppies directly to the public are not required to be licensed and inspected by an oversight agency."  (YEP, show folks, that's YOU!) 

And further:  "USDA exempts breeding facilities – regardless of the number of animals they have or financial thresholds they meet – where the puppies are bred and sold directly to private pet owners as "retail pet stores."........"Without oversight, the operations can easily fall below even the most basic standards of humane housing and husbandry."

A good breeding facility law: (According to H$U$)

• applies to all breeding operations with animals or animal sales numbering over a specified threshold.  (can you say "limit laws")
•  requires a licensing fee and pre-inspection. (Like $500 per intact animal fee...and "must be of good moral character", as we have seen in bills proposed this year)
• includes routine, unannounced inspections at least twice yearly. (Warrantless searches of private property, unconstitutional last time I checked)
• is enforced by an agency with adequate funding and properly trained and tested staff. (Oh yeah, we're just in the worst economic crisis since the Depression, but I'm sure Wayne and company would love to step in and take over this job, huh) 
• rotates inspectors to cover different areas of the state. (Uh-huh, I can see that happening...who would want to uproot their families to move to a different area...)
• is equipped with strong penalties when facilities are in repeated non-compliance, including but not limited to cease and desist orders.  (H$U$ translation:  raids, intimidation of breeders into "signing over" all dogs so said dogs can be sold for profit to further stuff their warchests)

Do you get it yet?  Have you connected the dots?  The current nationwide push to "end puppy mills" is NOT about protecting animals...it is NOT about cracking down on substandard breeders...it is NOT about regulating commercial breeders that are already under USDA guidelines...

What it IS about is ending purebred dog breeding.  Period.  Using incrementalism (limiting the number of animals someone can own, which can easily be lowered next time, in a new law), the Animal Rights group, the Humane Society of the United States, is pushing it's REAL agenda:  to eliminate the hobby breeder, who has now become "just another puppy mill" in the eyes of the public...There is no one left to throw under the bus.  The bus is headed straight for OUR breeding programs.

Are you willing to throw away years of dedication to your breed and your breeding program?  Are you still one of those breeders that thinks "this law won't apply to me"?  Now it does.  There can be no compromise, no backing down.  The only way to defeat the bullies is to get in their faces and scream, "HELL NO!! You will NOT take away MY rights...you will NOT tell me how many dogs I can own...you WILL NOT tell me how or when or to which dogs I can breed to!!!"

The "Anti-dog breeder bus" is roaring down the street...in YOUR state, or will be headed there shortly.  There will be no "other guy" to sacrifice like we have done in the past because we are now the "other guy".

NEVADA: Give HSUS The Boot April 7 Hearing

Heads up, Nevada....HSUS and company are ridin' into town....Gather up the posse` and send 'em back squealin! 

The following article appeared in The Wendover Times, and is posted here with the permission of the author. 

NOTE:  THE HEARING FOR THIS BILL HAS BEEN CHANGED TO APRIL 7!!!!  For more information and to join the FIGHT for your RIGHTS and ANIMALS, please contact:  info@savernvanimals.org     
http://www.savernvanimals.org/    

************************************************************************

David Meets Goliath in the Old West

by B. Kubichka

Dateline: Elko - Nevada

Most people don’t think too often about Nevada, well maybe Las Vegas comes to mind. But when the ranchers and other animal breeders and lovers in this sagebrush covered, windswept, high desert town, tucked in the eastern corner of the great Silver State, found out the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was a comin’ to town with their big city anti-animal breeder agenda, well that burr was too much for them to tolerate under their saddles.

That’s when the good and hearty folk - ranchers and the plain talkin’ townsfolk had enough! No big city D.C. city slickers were going to tell these good old boys--the tough and sun weathered independent ranchers and farmers --how to run their lives.

These D.C. big city outsiders from HSUS, decided it was high time they invaded this dusty Western state with their animal rights agenda and animal welfare laws. Just because these Old Timers don’t talk much, old HSUS decided, they must be asleep at the wheel. Well when these independent old frontier folk got wind of this plot against their freedom and their constitutional rights, and well, they got mad. Nobody was going to tell them how to run their lives, no siree!




Well then an amazing thing happened in this lonely corner of this vast desert state--the good and independent pioneer spirit of the Old West was galvanized! People woke up. People became red blooded, fighting Americans again! No way was HSUS going to tell the good people of this state how to run their lives. The good folk of the Old West were not going to take this outside interference laying down!

An amazing grassroots effort sprung up between these many disgruntled Nevadans. It eventually took a turn and turned into an organization of the people--just ordinary folk of Nevada, but with that independent and self reliant spirit.
 
One such person was a woman, Cheri. A slender, Western gal, golden by working outside in the clear blue skies and strong Nevada sun, more comfortable in jeans than a little black dress. Cheri, who is a small breeder of AKC purebred cattle dogs, was so outraged by the audacity of HSUS, of assuming they know what is best for her state and for her animals, she just knew she had to do something! So she became the Elko hub of the grassroots, just plain Nevadans movement, Savernvanimals.org.
 
According to Cheri, “No way is HSUS coming here! You will not come to our state and tell us how to run things!” She feels as many other Nevadans do, that local government handles these animal issues “just fine and to our satisfaction”. She stresses, “We don’t want or need your [HSUS] presence in Carson City [state capitol] telling our legislators how to think. The work for us!”
 
And another thing, Cheri says is, “We don’t want you [HSUS] telling the world that “Nevada is one of the five worst states in the United States.....and that you say “In Nevada, well anything goes...”. As a proud Nevadan and of independent spirt, Cheri was outraged when she saw this statement in the HSUS press release on their very own website.
 
“It’s insulting", she continues, she says they [HSUS] also says Nevada is a puppy mill state, when according to the USDA , who monitors and licenses commercial kennels, there are only two ‘commercial breeders’ in the entire state of Nevada, and they don’t even breed dogs”, she exclaims!
 
So Cheri got mad, very mad. She pulled together a coalition of ranchers, farmers, vets, and just plain towns folk who love their animals and their independence, and formed a caravan, a big caravan. And it’s planning on coming to Carson City on April 9th to attend the big rally against SB241, the Nevada Puppymill Bill proposed in part by HSUS and a Senator Townsend, who isn’t from around these parts. (NOTE:  The date has been changed to APRIL 7th, for more info, please email info@savernvanimals.org )
 
According to Cheri, HSUS and the collaborating legislators should be scared, “....because us old Cowboys won’t be asking you twice to pack your bags and leave our state and never come back. We are officially giving you the boot out of Nevada!”


+++
Sources:

[www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/worst_exotic_pet_states_031809.html]
[www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/efoia/index.shtml]breeder reports
Savernvanimals.org is a grassroots organization of Nevadans from all animal areas, be they rancher or pet owner, and is opposed to the loss of our constitutional rights as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and serves to help protect plain Nevada animal folk from the threat of bigger and bigger government, not to mention the unfunded mandates these proposed laws require of Nevada taxpayers.

HSUS Sinks to New Low, Even For Them

This week, Wayne and company (the H$U$), hit a new low by pimping out kids to lawmakers in Tennessee. Not teenagers, little kids belonging to Brownie Troop 550 in Nashville. (And just where were these kids parents, anyway??) This latest ploy had the kids lobbying on behalf of the H$U$ to "stop puppymills" in Tennessee.

We all know the H$U$ relies on emotion over facts and common sense, and sadly the majority of Americans oblige. There are several "visuals", that when put before even the most level-headed, will cause an opening of the wallet (sad little puppy and kitty photos, "Help us, please")....and the wide innocent eyes of young children ("Hey, Mister Lawmaker, would you make those bad dog breeders not be mean to those poor doggies anymore?")

It is no secret that Wayne and Insane Ingrid are trying to indoctrinate our youth and brainwash them in the ways of veganism. But, c'mon!!! Taking advantage of the innocence of YOUNG children that don't understand the issues involved...and aren't even old enough to vote! Parading them up and down the halls of the state capitol...using their innocence and their emotions to push your ANTI-breeder agenda... That's a new low, even for you, Wayne-o. Shame on you.

Tennessees' breeders are just one of the many states being targeted by the wealthy animal rights group. Senate Bill 258, sponsored by Sen. Doug Jackson (D-25) and House Bill 386, sponsored by Rep. Janis Baird Sontany (D-53) places breeding of purebred dogs under criminal animal cruelty statutes. The bills classify a Commercial breeder as any person who possesses or maintains twenty (20) or more adult female dogs in whole or in part for the purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals. If even one litter of puppies is produced, a commercial breeder licensing would be required. Ownership of 75 is the absolute limit. Background checks will be required for applicants, and the state will determine if the applicant is of good moral character and deserving of the license.

HSUS State Director, Leighann McCollum, responding on behalf of Sen. Doug Jackson confirmed that USDA regulations currently in effect under the Dog and Cat Dealer Act (44-17-101) will be required for the new commercial breeder kennels. Senate Bill 258 was referred to Senate Committee Commerce Labor & Agriculture Feb. 19; no hearings are scheduled at this time.

Everyone knows that most states are facing the most troubling economic times we have seen since the Depression, so does the H$U$. Wayne and company may be morally bankrupt, but they aren't stupid; they know what sells, and in this case, when the going gets tough, NO child is safe or above being pimped out for their breeder elimination plan.

Dog Owners: We are NOT Done MORE HSUS Bills Must Die

We aren't done in Illinois. While the anti dock/crop bill appears to have been defeated, there are still ***2*** MAJOR issues that need our attention.  We are a large, powerful group and the "KILL THE BILLS" phone-a-thon is working!  Keep up the pressure!  The first being the hearing TOMORROW, MARCH 11, in Springfield, HB198 and SB53, the anti breeder bill.   PLEASE use the links provided at the AKC for sample letters you can personalize to help KILL this BILL!  The Illinois Veterinary Medical Association and the AKC remain opposed.

The second bill requiring our help is the MSN ordinance in Chicago.   Hearing on Thursday, MARCH 12...The Chicago Veterinary Med. Ass'n, the Illinois State Veterinary Med Ass'n AND the AKC are OPPOSED to this ordinance and all of its amendments.

I have it on good authority from someone involved in the fight that the HSUS has PROMISED to take this MSN ordinance in ALL directions of the country, should it pass. It is CRUCIAL we all step up to the plate and help each other and preserve our rights to ***choose*** when, where and how invasive surgical procedures are done.

For great sample letters that you can personalize and send to the Chicago Aldermen, please visit the following AKC link by clicking HERE .

URGENT, ANTI-BREEDER BILL TO BE HEARD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, SPRINGFIELD, IL

 Please VOICE your opposition via fax, email and phone to save hobby breeders in Illinois.  This is another HSUS backed bill designed to eliminate breeders.  DO NOT LET THEM WIN.

The following is from the AKC.  For sample letters, for everyone both in and out of state, please click HERE

House Bill 198 and Senate Bill 53


These bills are supposedly an attempt to address “puppy mills” and irresponsible dog breeders in Illinois. However, these bills affect many small-scale hobby breeders and create unreasonable standards for
commercial breeders who are in compliance with current state and federal laws. Their passage will not improve enforcement or the lives of animals in Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture already has a licensing program in place which requires breeders with more than 5 intact females to be licensed. The “puppy mill” that sparked the introduction of this bill was not licensed as current law required and was being investigated by the Department of Agriculture.

Although draft amendments that have been circulating would allow the Department of Agriculture to administer the bill (current bill language establishes a new program in the Department of Financial and Professional Regulations), the provisions continue to be burdensome and will not improve animal welfare.

Enforcement of current laws is the most effective way to address animal care issues in Illinois.

House Bill 198 is scheduled to be heard:

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
2:00 p.m.
House Business & Occupational Licenses Committee
Illinois State Capitol, Stratton Building
Room D-1
Springfield, IL

Senate Bill 53 is scheduled to be heard:

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
3:00 p.m.
Senate Licensed Activities Committee
Illinois State Capitol, Room 409
Springfield, IL

What You Can Do:

* Call your Illinois State Representative and State Senator TODAY.
Tell them that you are a constituent and ask them to oppose HB 198, SB 53

*Personalize sample letters to send to your representatives. Due to the speed at which these items may move, we highly suggest sending your message in an email or by fax. Click here to find out who represents you in the Illinois State Legislature. (please go to link above to find your rep AND for sample letters)

When You Choose To Dance With The Devil...

I know there are many folks that read my blog that are new to the fight against the Animal Rights lunatic fringe.  Hell, when I first started my education into the 'dark side', I didn't know what to think or which side to believe.  After reading this post, I hope ya'll will now believe me when I tell you that the Animal Rights believers hate us: US meaning breeders, owners of purebreds, those of us that choose to buy our dogs from a breeder rather than a shelter.

Those that choose to support the lunatic fringe Animal Rights movement do not deserve our support.  That goes for corporations, small businesses, even authors.  One thing that us sane folks can do is send our message loud and clear:  If you support or sympathize with the Animal Rights groups, such as PeTA or the HSUS, we will take our business elsewhere.  If you choose to allow any Animal Rights group to "endorse" your business or product, there will be consequences:  such as taking our business and our hard-earned dollars elsewhere.  The following is posted with permission from Sharyn Hutchens.  The first is a letter that Sharyn wrote to the author.  The last is the response from the author herself, who has obviously drank waayy too much of PeTA's Kool-Aid. 

Date: Jan 22, 2009 10:03 PM

Subject: Your book
To: Alana Stevenson, MS, CDBC
Dog and Cat Behavior Specialist, Trainer

Dear Alana,

A friend recommended your book, "The Right Way the First Time," very highly to me. I was on the verge of ordering it when she called me back and said not to -- that there is an endorsement from PETA on the front of it and she was afraid PETA might be receiving money from it.

What does it mean when an organization that kills 97 percent of the animals it "rescues" endorses a book on positive training methods? I live in Virginia and have followed their antics and atrocities for years. Dogs are my life and there was a time when I would have loved to be a supporter -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals?  Gosh, that is exactly what I've promoted literally since I could talk!  But the more I looked into PETA's philosophy, the more I realized how truly sick this organization is.

Your association with PETA will only do you harm. It has already cost you this sale, the respect of my friend (a professional trainer) and the sales you'd have gotten when she recommended it to all her students. I know it is probably not about money to you, but I'm sure you don't want to be associated with people who admit freely that they do not believe in keeping pets at all and who routinely kill healthy animals who could be placed into new homes.

I don't expect you to change your allegiance to them due to a letter from a stranger, but I do hope you will investigate them further. You can start with the following quotations (all with citations) from their founder and CEO -- the first few are the PETA view about pet ownership. The next couple will give you an insight on just how twisted these people are. I cannot imagine anyone with your obvious intelligence willingly being used by these people.

"In a perfect world, animals would be free to live their lives to the fullest: raising their young, enjoying their native environments, and following their natural instincts. However, domesticated dogs and cats cannot survive "free" in our concrete jungles, so we must take as good care of them as possible. People with the time, money, love, and patience to make a lifetime commitment to an animal can make an enormous difference by adopting from shelters or rescuing animals from a perilous life on the street. But it is also important to stop manufacturing "pets," thereby perpetuating a class of animals forced to rely on humans to survive." PETA pamphlet, Companion Animals: Pets or Prisoners?

"I don't use the word "pet." I think it's speciesist language. I prefer "companion animal." For one thing, we would no longer allow breeding. People could not create different breeds. There would be no pet shops. If people had companion animals in their homes, those animals would have to be refugees from the animal shelters and the streets. You would have a protective relationship with them just as you would with an orphaned child. But as the surplus of cats and dogs (artificially engineered by centuries of forced breeding) declined, eventually companion animals would be phased out, and we would return to a more symbiotic relationship ­ enjoyment at a distance." Ingrid Newkirk, PETA vice-president, quoted in The Harper's Forum Book, Jack Hitt, ed., 1989, p.223.

"Pet ownership is an absolutely abysmal situation brought about by human manipulation." Ingrid Newkirk, national director, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), Just Like Us? Harper's, August 1988, p. 50.

"As John Bryant has written in his book Fettered Kingdoms, they [pets] are like slaves, even if well-kept slaves." PeTA's Statement on Companion Animals.

"The bottom line is that people don't have the right to manipulate or to breed dogs and cats ... If people want toys, they should buy inanimate objects. If they want companionship, they should seek it with their own kind," Ingrid Newkirk, founder, president and former national director, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), Animals, May/June1993

"Six million people died in concentration camps, but six billion broiler chickens will die this year in slaughterhouses." Ingrid Newkirk, founder, president and former national director, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as quoted in Chip Brown, "She's A Portrait of Zealotry in Plastic Shoes," Washington Post, November 13, 1983, p. B10.

"To those people who say, `My father is alive because of animal experimentation,' I say `Yeah, well, good for you. This dog died so your father could live.' Sorry, but I am just not behind that kind of trade off." Bill Maher, PETA celebrity spokesman

"Even if animal tests produced a cure [for AIDS], 'we'd be against it.'" --Ingrid Newkirk, national director, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA), as quoted in Fred Barnes, "Politics," Vogue, September 1989, p. 542.

"Until your daddy learns that it's not "fun' to kill, keep your doggies and kitties away from him. He's so hooked on killing defenseless animals that they could be next!'' PETA flyer quoted in
the Asbury Park Press, September 23, 2005

I would like to believe that you became associated with PETA through ignorance of their real motives. You are obviously a talented, educated person and a sincere lover of dogs. But you aren't doing the species any kindness by promoting PETA or allowing them to self-promote through your book.

Wishing you all the best...
Sharyn

And now, the response from the author:

From: Alana Stevenson

Date: Jan 23, 2009 9:43 AM
Subject: Re: Your book
To: Sharyn Hutchens

Wow, no offense. But *you're* nuts.

I have a MS in bio. I have been vegan for the past 20 years. I volunteer at a shelter and all my animals are rescues. I read the paras. and they are right on. What could you possibly have against them unless 1) you are breeding animals and selling their babies to make a profit and 2) you promote the buying and selling of animals, which is just plain wrong.

There are many "pet" lovers and "dog" lovers yada yada.  There aren't many people who give them responsible homes, spay and neuter them etc.

What Ingrid Newkirk believes in is what I believe in...we've have bought and sold and bred animals as slaves, which they are, just look at any dog being yanked around on a choke chain, pinch collar, shock collar or slammed in a cage against their will. We do not respect them. They are here for our purpose. But since there are so many, the animals cannot survive on their own, they need good homes. My cats certainly can't live on the street, nor can dogs. So Ingrid supports rescue and adoption.  Peta is against breeding and selling (hence "manufacturing") ...which is basically using them as products for our needs "pets." This is why animals are considered property, because people can buy and sell them in stores and make a profit. The majority of dog and cat owners shouldn't be allowed to have dogs and cats.  As many are pretty poor in their behaviors to animals, and those are the good ones. Breeders by the way are the worst and give out some of the worst information.

It's interesting how few people who are involved with animal shelters dislike Peta. It is always the breeders and these people who seem to profess a love for animals, then feel everyone has a right to own one and buy and sell them. That is why animals are property. That is why there are few serious penalties for animal abusers. That is why there is no licensing or really good mandatory national certification credentials for animal behaviorists and trainers. Animals are property.

Somebody professing to love animals and want dogs as pets and then forces dogs to mate, to sell their babies for money, is laughable. But unfortunately too common. If you thought of doing this to a person, people would be outraged.

Lastly, it floors me that anti-peta people, getting a lot of their information from an organization that is pro-hunting, trapping, breeding, meat-eating... will not read information or learn because somebody who they dislike likes my book. So that means if Bin Laden liked my book, yet my Jewish father also liked my book that one negates the other?

I'm sorry but Peta does not nearly kill as many animals as breeders. In addition, I have known Peta from their start as 2 activists with the Silver Spring Monkeys. Peta singlehandedly, by a long shot, has done more for animals in this country...then most of the national organizations combined.  And making me read quotes from Peta, that to me, sound great, as if I'd be in horror, is laughable. I've known about Peta and their existence about in the early 80's when they were just beginning.

I've read Animal Liberation by Dr. Singer and Free the Animals by Ingrid Newkirk.  In fact, it is because of the Animal Liberation Front and Peta that Dr. Jane Goodall became vegetarian and an advocate and activist for primates as opposed to just studying them. Dr. Jane Goodall is vegan, opposed to animal experimentation and I'd bet you 100% into animal rescue and anti-the buying and selling of animals. Most enlightened, educated people are. Including Dr. Michael Fox, among others.

I'm vegan, are you? I believe in adoption and spay/neuter, do you?  Obviously, not as you believe in breeding and make money from it. I believe that pet shops are disgusting and should be illegal and people shouldn't buy and sell animals, that is why animals are considered property and why anybody can do anything to an animal and essentially get away with it. I think breeders are part of this horrendous pet overpopulation problem and if you have ever been in the killing fields of shelters because of the surplus, you would see people's disdain for breeders (those who are in rescue and advocacy).

Have you actually seen a kill shelter in action my dear?  Have you seen animals thrown in gas chambers by the hundreds? Peta has excellent footage of all this stuff, which you are more than welcome to look at, and the people who work there (Peta) have seen a hell of a lot more than you and that is why they believe what they do. They video tape and watch first hand animals skinned alive for their fur.

As far as that goes, I am not affiliated with Peta nor does peta get money from me, though they do buy my book wholesale and sell it, as do other places and I think that is fantastic. The way we treat dogs and cats *is* an animal rights issue.

People who keep their dogs on chokes need to be educated.  And I am pro-spay neuter/adoption and pro-rescue/adoption from shelters. I am extremely educated and I find the people who are anti-peta and probreeding, "pet" owning, we need to buy and sell mentality, but profess to love animals, really hypocritical and ignorant or shallow. They are part of the problem, not the solution. And they are no different then anyone else's mentality over the years who want their cake and want to eat it too without thinking of the consequences. I can hunt, it's a free country. It's my kid, I can do what I want. We all have the right to carry guns. We all have the right to breed and sell animals. We all may have the 'right.' But it is *not* right.

I am actually happy you don't want to buy my book. I find the ignorant like to stay ignorant.

Have a Happy Day.
Alana Stevenson, MS, CDBC, CSAMT
Dog Behavior Specialist
Cat Behavior Specialist
Dog Trainer

***********************************************************************

And I find those that are meat-protein deprived are so far removed from the real world that we live in that perhaps they would be happiest secluded from normal society, since we are nothing but "ignorant animal abusers"...Anybody know an island for sale super cheap? 

This one just in:  ANOTHER email from the author...

From: Alana Stevenson

Date: Jan 23, 2009 11:39 PM
Subject: your harassing emails

You know, I really wish you would fight amongst yourselves or do something productive and leave me alone. I am tired of these harassment emails from your lists and your forwards. Again, I am not going to not sell my book to Peta. I like a lot of what Peta does, always have and I am happy the organization likes the book.

I do know that I get hate mail from breeders and that all these people profess to getting information from the "Center for Consumer Freedom." CCF is a fraudalent group. All this "controversy" has been going on for years and is not new to me.

Here is information for YOU.  http://pcrm.org/news/release080708.html  (note from The Endangered Owner:  This link is to the PHONY PeTA created group, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which will grant membership to ANYONE, no M.D. required!)

You found my emails insulting?? I am tired of being sent an onslaught of insulting emails over and over again because Peta likes my book, by people who profess to love animals, and I disagree with many of their views.

Have any of you watched animals being slaughtered for food?

Have any of you watched animals being stabbed in the heart by shelters, because animals are bred, and bred, and bred, and bred, and bred, and bred, and bred, because somebody likes the breed and everybody feels they should be entitled to have a pet?

I could send you just as many links from many organizations, that are far more reputable and have done a lot more for animals by miles. I am surprised you feel I have so much power, attacking me relentlessly.

Here are some people who support activism, are you going to attack them?  (note:  she listed many links to myspace pages, which I have removed.)

Or about watching undercover footage of:

There are many live video clips of animals being tortured and slaughtered and only Peta, and now fortunately HSUS, has done anything to stop it. http://www.petatv.com/

You're upset with my email?? Yet, somehow I am being slammed over and over again by people professing to love animals because peta supports my book?  

Why don't you harass Cesar Milan for alpha rolling dogs and jabbing them in the ribs, or the president of the March of Dimes, a corrupt organization that does essentially nothing for humans. Their childhood "spokesperson" who is handicapped is now an animal rights activist, and has been for over 25 years. Jane Goodall, vegan. Michael J. Fox, vegan. I have been involved in advocacy for over 25 years. I don't need to be harassed by people who are promoting forwards from CCF.

And it's just like people promoting CCF who would tell people to stay clear of my book when they've never read it.

If you continue to email me I will simply delete your emails, and yes get annoyed.

I will continue to do what I do, promote my book and the humane treatment of dogs. And it is just like people, claiming they love dogs so much, who would try to block a book so much or tell people to stay clear of it when it is all about their humane treatment and training.
Alana Stevenson, MS, CDBC, CSAMT
********************************

It's this simple, when you choose to side with the lunatic fringe Animal Rights groups and believe what they believe, YOU will hear from us.  When someone OPENLY allows an endorsement from a terrorist group on their book, perhaps it's time to find new friends?  Or move to that island far, far away.....

HSUS Agenda: Eliminate Pet Breeding

Nothing says, "Happy New Year" like introducing bad laws. Here we are just 23 days into January and the HSUS led Animal Rights foot-soldiers are introducing BSL (Breed Specific Legislation), MSN (Mandatory Spay/Neuter), and breeder limits/breeder 'permits' type legislation.

First The Good News: MONTANA

Since I always seem to be the bearer of bad news, I thought I would share some VICTORY news for a change! Just a few short weeks after being introduced into the Montana legislature, HB 191 has been rejected by lawmakers. The bill sought to ban 'pit bull type' dogs (Am Staffs, American Pit Bull Terriers, etc) from being bred or bought in the state...Thankfully, lawmakers quickly killed this bill stating that it was an ineffective way to combat dog attacks! Big paws up to those that wrote, called, or faxed their opposition !! There is strength in numbers, folks!

HSUS Agenda: Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law Introduced in FLORIDA

After the death of California's proposed AB 1634 (the bill that wouldn't DIE..and tried to mandate spaying/castrating of every dog 4mos of age and older), the HSUS (the Humane Society of the United States), vowed to take mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) across the United States. MSN has been signed into law in several U.S cities including Los Angeles, West Palm Beach Co, FL, and is being pushed in Chicago, IL.

The HSUS has yet to have MSN signed into state law anywhere, but that doesn't keep the wealthiest Animal Rights group on the face of the planet from trying. Florida's legislative session does not officially begin until March, but the Animal Rights lunatic fringe has introduced House Bill 451, which seeks to Require owners of every dog or cat in Florida to have each animal sterilized within 30 days of the animal reaching four months of age, or within 30 days of the owner receiving the animal.

The American Kennel Club, along with the National Animal Interest Alliance Trust of Florida, have issued alerts on this AR driven piece of legislation. Diane McKinney of The NAIA Trust of Florida has issued the following statement with permission to crosspost:

"Please let people know that NAIA Trust of Florida is working on talking points on this bill as well as several more....an announcement will be coming out as quickly as possible....another FYI, our legislative session in Florida doesn't even START until March 3, 2009! So it's not as though we don't have a "little" bit of time to get this stuff together.....I think we're doing pretty well considering that we JUST found out about this - what YESTERDAY? Let the games begin! "

I cannot stress to Florida residents how important it is to join together and defeat this bill. Our dogs are our property. That includes their reproductive parts. The decision on whether to spay/neuter should be left where it belongs: with the animal's owner and their veterinarian not with the government. There are risks to any surgical procedure, including spaying/neutering, and ESPECIALLY doing so at too early of an age.

HSUS Agenda Targets Illinois and Colorado

Bills have been introduced in Illinois and Colorado that will negatively impact dog breeders and owners. The Illinois bill (HB 198) is 45 PAGES and would limit the number of dogs they can own and requires licensing for anyone who maintains three or more females (even if they are not bred) "for the purpose of the sale of their offspring." The bill would also mandate unannounced inspections, fingerprinting, and require breeders to pay an unspecified license fee. It is important that ALL fanciers, responsible dog owners, and breeders work together to oppose this burdensome and ineffective legislation. Please visit the American Kennel Club's website for important contact information of Illinois Senators!!!! The AKC also has a sample letter that you can personalize and send!

The Colorado bill ,HB 1172, seeks to dictate to breeders how many UN-altered dogs they may own over the age of 6 mos. More HSUS/Animal Rights driven laws designed to make the breeding/owning of pets more expensive and restrictive. Don't let the HSUS win! Don't drink their poison Kool-Aid and fall for the ruse of trying to eliminate so called "puppymills"...The number of animals one can own is a personal choice and is different for everyone. The Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs is aware of this pending bill and The Responsible Dog Owners of the Western States (RDOWS) has sent a letter to the powers that be in Colorado asking for this lunatic fringe proposed law to be struck down.


THIS MEANS WAR!

The HSUS is waging war on OUR rights to own, breed and keep animals. The bills I have listed above are just a sampling of what we have in store this legislative session. The bickering and bitching and finger-pointing among dog breeders/owners has got to STOP if any of us hope to have a future with our dogs.

When one area of the country is targeted by HSUS backed legislation, we are ALL sitting ducks. Just because you do not see your state listed yet does NOT mean you are in the clear. The legislative sessions are just beginning in many states and soon it will be your turn to fight with whatever draconian law the HSUS has in store for you and your dogs.

Will you be ready? Do you know who your legislators are? Will you stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow dog owners and breeders to preserve the rights for all, including yourself? Or will egos and poison Kool-Aid prevail?

When the AR came for the unlicensed puppy mills,

I remained silent;

I was not an unlicensed puppy mill.

When they confiscated dogs from those who had one too many for their local ordinances,
I remained silent;
I was not over my local limit of dogs.

When they came for the Pit Bulls similar breeds,
I did not speak out;
I was not an owner of a Bully breed.

When they came for the Commercial Breeders,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Commercial Breeder.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out......(Author Unknown)