Events

First of all, THANK YOU to everyone who made it to Senator Matt McCoy's Listening Post last night at the Animal Rescue League in Des Moines. A special THANK YOU to those of you who traveled far to share your story.

Please send Sen. McCoy (matt.mccoy@legis.state.ia.us) and Rep. Jim Lykam (jim.lykam@legis.state.ia.us) a message of thanks for hosting this event.

Now for the big news!!! The interim study was amazing! The day went like this:

Josh Colvin, Cruelty Coordinator for ARL, presented on his experiences with cruelty complaints involving Iowa's USDA commercial breeders. He talked about how our current laws make it difficult to get assistance with these cases.

Carol Griglione, IA Dir. of HSUS, spoke about all the work being done in states across the nation to reign in puppy mills.

I presented information on the analysis of inspection reports that we've done, including pointing out the glaring lack of violations reported by one inspector in particular.

Then the breeders spoke; Rob Hurd, Joe Gerst and Nancy Carlson. The bulk of each of their presentations consisted of information on their families and how their puppies make people happy.

Next we heard from representatives of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Dan Whitney of West Des Moines and Dr. Bill Williams of Altoona. There was a lot of discussion about the potential for implementing mandatory reporting of suspected cruelty. I will ask that if any of you use the vet services of either of these gentlemen, please talk to them about your concerns regarding puppy mills. They need to hear from you.

Next, Jonelle Hankner, DVM from Cedar Rapids spoke of her involvement with the vetting of several Kerry Blue Terriers from a Missouri auction. The dogs were from an Iowa breeder. Dr. Hankner testified via phone and it was difficult to hear everything she said, but it was still very impactful. If you've seen my Town-Meeting presentation you've seen the picture of the Kerry Blue with the missing eye and hole in her face. Her name is Shelby. She is one of the dogs Dr. Hankner vetted. The breeders had suggested that the photos I use were altered, so it was great that Dr. Hankner could dispel that!

Next, the creme-de-la-creme of presenters.... Lisa Deppe, DVM from Jewell, Iowa! Lisa gave an amazing talk on her experiences with dealing with adult dogs from puppy mills. I have no doubt that her presentation was primarily responsible for our success today. THANK YOU, LISA!! YOU ARE A BLESSING TO THE ANIMALS!!

Last, we heard from the Iowa Dept of Agriculture. They discussed their current inspection processes.

Then the legislators went to another room and discussed what they'd learned and came up with recommendations.

These recommendations may or may not end up in a bill to be introduced in January, but we're off to a great start!!

Here are the recommendations:

1. The state should be allowed to inspect USDA licensed facilities upon receipt of a complaint.
2. Fees paid by USDA licensed breeders for a state certificate to do business in Iowa should be raised.
3. The state should investigate ways of cracking down on unlicensed breeders.
4. The state should investigate whether or not breeders are paying Iowa state sales tax.

And last, but definitely not least, Sen. Merlin Bartz of north-central Iowa recommended that legislative leaders confer with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on the matter of the inspector whose incidence of reporting violations is unusually low! Since that inspector inspects the majority of kennels in our state I feel that this alone will result in significant improvements for thousands of dogs in puppy mills in Iowa. I am thrilled!

Please send a note of thanks to Sen. Joe Seng (joe.seng@legis.state.ia.us) and Rep. Jim Lykam (jim.lykam@legis.state.ia.us) for chairing this important study. Please also thank Rep. Mark Kuhn (mark.kuhn@legis.state.ia.us) and Sen. Pam Jochum (Pam.Jochum@legis.state.ia.us) for their amazing concern for this issue.

My apologies for the length of this message. I hope you find it informative.

It is VERY good news!! Many, many dogs are one step closer to a better life!

Thank you Thank you Thank you for all you do to help us keep the momentum as we hurdle towards the 2010 legislative session!


Mary LaHay, Director
Iowa Voters for Companion Animals

We're working so hard to educate the public about the issue of puppy mills. One recent practice of offering puppies up for auction at fundraisers is certainly contrary to what we're all about.

So, when we heard that a group in Clive, Iowa was choosing to use a puppy in their fundraiser, Iowa VCA Director Mary LaHay immediately contacted them, but was unsuccessful in swaying their decision to auction a puppy. They were adamant that this was OK "because we know who gets the puppy and we know the breeder" (they did say the breeder is in SE Iowa).

That's when the power of our group came into action. After requesting the help of our members, the director of the group was overwhelmed with respectful emails from Iowa Voter for Companion Animals members who let her know that although their group was certain the puppy will end up in good hands, an animal isn't an item to be auctioned... nor to be taken so lightly - and insisted that this practice must stop.

Within 24 hours, our members received this message from Mary LaHay:

"Well, once again you all came through with flying colors!! If you contacted this organization re: the puppy they planned to auction you've no doubt heard that they have decided to not auction it after hearing from so many of you.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! BE VERY PROUD!!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead


Mary LaHay, Director
Iowa Voters for Companion Animals