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.
What you can do!
1. Meet with the owner or manager of your local Petland
and explain your determination to educate consumers regarding puppy
mills and how pet store purchases perpetuate mills. If there is not a
Petland in your community, please target any pet store that sells
puppies and kittens. Admonish management at these establishments to
offer adoptable animals from rescue groups and shelters rather than to
continue supporting the "mill" industry.
2. Contact local rescue groups and shelters regarding
the availability of adoptable animals. Find out how many are euthanized
annually versus those who are adopted.
3. Identify and promote local and national pet supply
stores that don't sell puppies and kittens. Pet supply stores that don't
sell live animals at all would be preferable.
4. Send letters to the editor regarding the campaign,
stressing the plight of puppy mill animals as well as the forgotten
animals who languish in animal shelters.
5. Organize volunteers to distribute educational
brochures, display posters, etc., as close as possible to a Petland
entrance. Coverage should be as consistent as possible, and should be
most prominent during peak shopping hours. Puppy and kitten sales
historically drop during the summer months and pick back up when school
starts; sales will intensify during the Christmas season.
6. To maximize our combined efforts in this crucial
campaign, display one of our banners on your organization's website,
including our "Boycott Petland" banner. (http://www.idausa.org/linktousf.html)
7. Please feel free to forward copies of local news
coverage (video or printed) that may be suitable for posting on our Web
page.
8. Email me with information about your campaign efforts
(which we will post on our website), and to order free brochures, flyers
and posters specifically created for this campaign.
The lives of millions of animals depend on our making
this campaign successful. I am confident that we can significantly
impact the pet industry and their commercial suppliers. The images of
mill animals permanently etched in my mind motivate my passion and
determination to advance this campaign. Please feel free to contact me
at (573) 636-9291, or e-mail me at [email protected] to get this
campaign in full throttle. Let's keep the lives of these animals
foremost in our minds and work hand-in-hand to end this suffering and
misery.
Sincerely,
Marshall Smith
Director of Investigations
[email protected]
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Independent Scientific Report on Animals in Circuses and Zoos
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