It's About Time!

Operation Bark Alert

The Humane Society of Missouri and Missouri Governor Nixon recently announced the launch of Operation Bark Alert, a website to report unlicensed pet breeders.

Missouri's commitment to address the problem of substandard breeding facilities has been a long time coming. It has been 17 years since the passage of the Animal Care Facilities Act which requires licensing and annual inspections for commercial pet breeders.

Unfortunately, problems with past enforcement have allowed thousands of substandard breeding facilities to thrive in Missouri. Overcrowding and filthy conditions in these puppy mills are horrendous, especially for the breeding female dogs, many of which are never seen by a veterinarian and not allowed out of their small cages to touch grass or to exercise.

Hopefully, Missouri can now begin to shed the shameful distinction of being the "Puppy Mill Capital of the United States ."

It's about time!

Three woofs & a whine!
Tucker

Lions and Tigers and Puppy Mills... oh my!

Misery in Missouri Art Exhibition 2009

"Lions & Tigers & Puppy Mills....oh, my!"

“Misery in Missouri” is an annual touring art exhibition, raising awareness about animal welfare legislation in the state of Missouri, and is sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. The goal of the exhibit is to shed light on current animal welfare legislation in Missouri through a visual means. This show will tour the state of Missouri April 18, 2009 thru August 2009

Preview the exhibit this weekend at the Kansas City Pet Expo - Saturday, April 18 to Sunday, April 19, 2009 at The American Royal Center, 1701 American Royal Court, Kansas City, MO

See the full exhibit at the Dunklin Street Gallery following Humane Day at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Dunklin Street Gallery, 121 W. Dunklin Street, Jefferson City, MO

Visit www.maal.org for more information on their "Misery in Missouri 2009" traveling art exhibit.

3 Penny Solution

Everyone at my house is upset. We live in Missouri - the state that is called puppy mill capital of the US. As though that was not shameful enough, we now know that we live in a barbaric county of that state.

Late last week the local Humane Society, along with the town mayor, appeared before the county commissioners to request funding from the county. The Mayor offered to expand animal control services outside the city limits, but of course, the city needs funding assistance to provide this.

Mind you, the Humane Society has been asking for funding assistance from the county for over fifteen years with absolutely no success. The usual reason: just not enough money in the budget. However, this year these three duly elected County Commissioners have a new reason which they shared.

According to these wise men, our county has no need for such services. Their noble solution to the increasing numbers of strays? Shoot them. Shotgun shells are cheap.

We shouldn't be surprised. Last fall the sheriff's office was called in to one of the local landfills due to a "pack" of stray dogs that were hanging around. Did they call the Humane Society? No. They shot them. There was a flurry of letters to the editor of the local newspaper after that incident. But that sheriff was re-elected to office soon afterward.

Howling mad,
Tucker

A Big Birthday

Wow! And I thought I was old! The ASPCA is celebrating their 143rd birthday! Founded by Henry Bergh after he saw a cart horse being abused by its owner. Boy, I like that guy!

I bring it up not only because I was amazed the ASPCA had been around that long, but also because April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. I plan to celebrate by taking some puppy food to our local animal shelter. How are you going to celebrate?

Woof! woof!
Tucker