Avoiding the Horrible Hundred

Adrian Hirsch — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:46:00 EST

Finally! A Top 100 list Louisiana has been fortunate to avoid.As part of its 7th Annual Puppy Mill Action Week, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recently released A Horrible Hundred, a report identifying 100 puppy mills.There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills operating legally throughout the country. These mass-breeding facilities produce puppies with an emphasis on profit over welfare; breeding dogs that often live in cramped wire cages with little or no personal attention, exercise or veterinary care. To allow consumers a glimpse into the industry, HSUS also produced the short-but-powerful video You Won't Believe Where This Dog Came From.The Horrible Hundred were selected based on publicly available inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and evidence from HSUS research and investigations. More than half of the puppy mills listed had more than 100 dogs and puppies on the premises; a third had more than 200 canines. “Louisiana did pass a law a few years ago that limits the size of a puppy mill,” says Kathleen Summers, HSUS director of outreach and research for the Puppy Mills Campaign. “The number of dogs cannot exceed 75 at a commercial facility, so that helps.”While none made the list, Louisiana's breeders aren't completely off the hook. Because their operations tend to be smaller, problems sometimes go unreported and undetected by regulatory agencies.“In Louisiana, a lot of these dogs are sold through the classifieds and flea markets,” Summers explains. “Typically, HSUS doesn't receive as many reports about bad kennels from Louisiana. When we do, we refer complaints to Animal Control. Unless they follow up with us, we don't know the outcome.”Even though there aren't mega-kennels in the Bayou State, some Louisiana dog lovers have been duped by unscrupulous breeders. Available at pet stores and on the Internet, these sick and poorly bred pups are shipped to buyers who remain unaware of the actual conditions in which their new pets were born and raised. The affects can be devastating when a family's new puppy dies or runs up astronomical vet bills.Even buying from an American Kennel Club (AKC) breeder does not guarantee quality or health. So, local buyers best beware.Besides simply naming the Horrible Hundred, HSUS is calling on authorities to increase monitoring of breeding operations and to urge legislators to pass stronger laws protecting puppy mill dogs. The national non-profit is also advocating its supporters sign a pledge not to buy an animal from a puppy mill, via Internet or at a pet store. Consider adoption from a shelter or rescue; or pursue finding a local responsible breeder.For more information and tips on finding a responsible breeder, click here.Among the quality dogs available for adoption locally are these great canines from YelpBR!

	Tank is a four-month-old Chiweenie mix. This beautiful, sweet little dog is very active. Not only does he get along well with other dogs, he's always ready to play.
	Jude is a terrier mix with the most hypnotizing, beautiful green eyes. He is very family friendly and enjoys the company of other canines. He just needs a comfy couch and a few tennis balls to keep him happy.
	Rudy is a three-year-old female Chihuahua mix. At nine pounds, she has the perfect size and temperament to be a great family dog.
	Bonnie is an eight-month-old terrier mix. This sweet, loving dog gives great hugs. She makes fast friends with every person and canine she meets.
	Cora is a Chihuahua mix with a very calm demeanor. Although it takes her a while to warm up to new people, she soon becomes a snuggler.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting from Yelp!Baton Rouge, email yelpbr@cprt.com or call 225-485-9200.

Posh party for pups and their people benefits city shelter

Adrian Hirsch — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:51:00 EST

On May 4, Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) presents its second annual Furball from 6:30 p.m.-10: 30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. "It's the most unique event you can attend," says event coordinator Dennise Reno. "Where you can party with your pooch in Baton Rouge."Once they make their way past the pup-arazzi photographer on the red carpet, the canines' companions can enjoy the Doc Holliday band, champagne and dessert reception, and a silent auction that features pet-centered merchandise and enter a raffle for a Tag Heuer watch. Meanwhile, pups can follow their noses to Petz Plaza's spa, which offers paw-dicures and other fluffing and buffing for Fido.WAFB's Lauren Westbrook and Greg Meriwether host the half-hour program, which includes a puppy parade from Yelp!BR and Friends of the Animals and a live auction.Last year, the city's first Furball was a howling success. Besides providing its pups and patrons with a posh party, the event raised nearly $85,000 for the city shelter. This year's goal is $100,000. Ticket sales have been brisk. By April 26, 67 pup passes, 375 people passes and nearly 30 tables had been snapped up."[Proceeds from the Furball] help fill the gaps between the city funding and grants," explains event coordinator Patricia Calfee. "Baton Rouge is well below the national average in the public money spent on animal services."Tickets for the black-tie optional event run $75 for patrons under age 35 on May 4; $75 per accompanied dog; $125 per patrons age 35 and older; $200 per couple; $1,250 tables of 10 humans and 2 dogs. For more information and online ticket orders, visit furballbr.org.These are among the beautiful dogs and cats available at CAA, who benefit from the fundraiser.

	Skeeter (Catio 8) is a volunteer favorite because he's truly and awesome cat. This Abyssinian/ tabby mix loves attention, affection and a nice comfy lap. At age one, he's still a little tike, who weighs about eight pounds.
	Gidget (Pass Foster program) is a five-pound Yorkie mix. This tiny girl likes other small dogs and is curious about cats. While she's just over a year old, Gidget is still basically a puppy, who likes to play. This Velcro dog loves to cuddle and follow around her family from room to room. She is still working on housebreaking and basic obedience commands. For more information, email pass@caabr.org.
	Adorable, affectionate, silly, and lovable, Lona (Catio) has been at the shelter since February. This pretty little torti weighs only six pounds and is estimated to be eight months old. She's easy to please and would make an awesome addition to any family.
	It's hard to believe Jake (Foster) was caught running loose on Government Street. This handsome lab mix is crate/kennel trained, housebroken, and gets along with dogs and cats. He also walks well on a leash and even exhibits a special bounce in his step and wag in his tail. For more information, contact his foster at 225-933-1287.
	Fanta (Catio 7) is a beautiful four-year-old orange tabby. It takes a while, but after gaining Fanta's trust, she's a real sweetheart and full of love to give.
	Charles (48A) is a sweet cute and cuddly guy. He gets along with all other four-legged friends and is coming to learn at two-legged beings aren't so bad either. This beautiful tri-color boy loves getting belly rubs and going for walks. He keeps his nose to the ground the entire time like any good beagle.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance, http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=LA65/.

Unleashed

Avoiding the Horrible Hundred

Posh party for pups and their people benefits city shelter