On July 5, 2000, IDA formally launched a national boycott of Petland, Inc., one of the country's largest pet store chains selling puppies and kittens. Over a year ago I documented numerous Midwestern dealers and brokers delivering puppies acquired from "puppy mill" breeders to Petland stores. I sent Petland's CEO, Greg Hudson, a courteous yet resolute letter insisting that they sever all ties to the large scale commercial pet production and distribution industry. After nearly one month of silence I have learned that Petland officials are planning a trip to the Midwest to scout out some of their suppliers. Any subsequent announcements by Petland that they have dropped specific breeders should be viewed as inconsequential. The actions of Petland's officials clearly show that they value profits over the care and well-being of the unfortunate animals who are products of the puppy mill industry.
For over 15 years I have watched puppy mills flourish with animals housed in unimaginable and heinous conditions. As an Investigator for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), I documented and submitted cases against puppy mill operators for administrative hearings. In case after case, year after year, the USDA did not fulfill its responsibility to uphold the law. Policies have evolved that view puppy mills as an alternate agri-business. Enforcement initiatives clearly favor the vitality of licensees, rather than the well being of animals. I can't forget the images of filth, disease, despair and depravation so painfully evident at these facilities. Three years ago I joined IDA and have continued my efforts to expose and rectify the suffering and misery in mills. The magnitude of suffering and misery, however, necessitates a unified effort.
Please join us in our boycott against Petland and their puppy mill suppliers. Listed below are activities necessary to advance our campaign against the commercial pet production and distribution industry. The high demand for puppies and kittens will wane when "consumers" learn the truth about this cruel and heartless industry. Our campaign will also highlight the plight of millions of animals in animal shelters who are euthanized for lack of an adoptive family-another vile consequence of the puppy mill industry.
Campaign Update
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 Join us in our fight
to end the cruelty
Contact: Marshall Smith
Director of Investigations
Phone: (573) 636-9291
e-mail: msmith@idausa.org
Let’s keep the lives of these animals foremost in our minds and work hand-in-hand to end this suffering and misery.
What your organization/you can do »
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