International Justice Mission celebrates 15 years fighting oppression – not for puppies, but for people

I wanted to share a non-animal story with you today, because it's so important to me - and if you're the compassionate reader I think you are, it will be important to you, too. This year, International Justice Mission celebrates 15 years of seeking justice around the world on behalf of the oppressed, the abused and the forgotten. Their team not only rescues people from oppression and slavery, but uses the legal systems in their countries to bring the perpetrators to justice. This is on my … [Read more...]

Gorham, NY approves one year moratorium on dog breeding

Last night, the town of Gorham unanimously approved a one year moratorium on wholesale dog breeding kennels, according to 13WHAM. And all animal advocates said, "YAY!" The wholesale dog breeding facility proposed in February by Curtis and Jolene Martin, and the town board's initial unanimous approval of their special use permit, sparked a controversy that quickly spread from coast to coast. (There is a list at the end of related posts about the issue.) Calls, emails and petitions flooded … [Read more...]

Why puppy mills and pit bull breeders both produce “disposable dogs”

My dog Bailey, the day I brought her home from the shelter. Had I not dont that, she would have been one more "disposable dog".

One of our local news station in Rochester, NY, 13WHAM news, did a two part story this week on the problem of backyard breeders and the astounding number of pit bulls ending up our local animal shelter. The two-part series was called "Disposable Dogs." In the story, reporter Jane Flasch shared information about the growing problem of irresponsible backyard breeding, which resulted with more than 1,000 pit bull puppies (some just days old) and dogs euthanized last year at Rochester Animal … [Read more...]

State police raid Wyoming County, NY SPCA following charges of animal abuse

Click the image to read the story at the BuffaloNews.com.

Just a week ago we were talking about animal cruelty and puppy mills, and in an ironic twist the New York State Police today raided the Wyoming County SPCA following allegations that "hundred cats were living under inhumane living conditions and funds were being improper handled." Police also raided an adoption center run by the Wyoming County SPCA in the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence, NY. According to the BuffaloNews.com, Erie County SPCA spokeswoman Gina Browning, who is assisting with … [Read more...]

McDonalds and Hormel to end use of gestation crates

Do you know where your bacon come from? Click the image to watch the video from the Humane Society of the United State's undercover investigation at two of the nation's largest pork suppliers

McDonald's Corporation and Hormel both recently announced that they will phase out the use of sow gestation stalls in favor of more humane treatment of pigs that become our food. A gestation create is a 2 x 7 crate in which a pig lives its entire live, virtually immobalized and unable to even turn around. impregnated over and over and over. A recent undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offered an inside look Seaboard Foods and Prestage Farms; Seaboard … [Read more...]

Gorham residents speak out on dog breeding facility; approval nullified for now

The Gorham Town Board opened their meeting tonight to comments from residents about the dog breeding facility proposed by Curtis and Jolene Martin. The board initially approved a special use permit last week for the couple, who currently own a commercial dog breeding facility in Seneca County. The residents and animal welfare activists from around the area responded to the news with an uproar of protests, sharing their thoughts in emails, phone calls, and across the internet. According to … [Read more...]

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reports on the Martin’s Seneca Falls facility

USDA APHIS Curtis Martin November 2, 2007

  Tonight the Gorham Town Board will hear from residents about the proposed wholesale commercial dog breeding facility proposed by breeders Curtis and Jolene Martin. The couple currently own a facility in Varick, NY where they breed roughly 300-400 dogs. (If you're behind, here are the posts about the proposed facility in Gorham, NY.) Over the last few days, I've listened while radio talk show hosts and even news reporters have mentioned the Martin's USDA violations at their Seneca County … [Read more...]

Gorham Town Supervisor recommends moratorium on dog breeding

In the wake of the last week of outcry over proposed plans for a commercial dog breeding facility for Gorham, NY, Town Supervisor Fred Lightfoote has suggested that the Town Board enact a moratorium on dog- breeding facilities. People from all over the country have emailed and called the town to voice opposition to the board's approval last week of a special use permit for dog breeders Curtis and Jolene Martin to open a large, wholesale commercial dog breeding facility that would house … [Read more...]

The Humane Society of the United States forms new dog Breeders Advisory and Resource Council

This news from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) couldn't have been more timely: The Humane Society of the United States announced the newly formed Breeders Advisory and Resource Council (BARC) which is composed of responsible dog breeders from across the country. Council members will advise HSUS on dog health and welfare issues, and talk to the general public about what constitutes proper breeding practices, promoting the health of the parents and the puppies. In the press … [Read more...]

What you can do about animal cruelty in your community (whether you live in Gorham or not)

This video from the Humane Society offers a glimpse at puppy mills and commercial breeding operations.  The story that hit the news this week that a dog breeder is planning to build a large, wholesale commercial dog breeding facility in Gorham, NY has struck a nerve with animal lovers across the U.S. Unfortunately, emotions run high in situations like this, and there are lots of people who are all fired up with nowhere to direct that passion. So before everyone goes off half-cocked and … [Read more...]