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Virginia Legislation Targets Puppy Mills April 24, 2008 : 8:54 PM HB 538 is law thanks to dedication, elected official and Best FriendsStarting January 1, 2009, large breeding facilities will be regulated by Animal Control Officers, with stricter requirements for proper care. There are many heroes in this story, but the key individual that persisted in the face of adversity is Teresa Dockery. Teresa is the Chief Operating Officer of the Margaret B Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic in Bristol, VA and she has been instrumental in helping get this bill passed. To read HB 538 click here. She has been working in the General Assembly for the past 20 years and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get this bill into effect. The last year and a half has highlighted the atrocities occurring everyday in puppy mills, because of cases such as Bland Co. to Carroll Co., the public is becoming aware of the substandard conditions, and she felt the timing was right. “Best Friends helped me move the process forward. Bland County took a big step in doing a Conditional Use Permit. But the rescue of those animals truly brought home the reality of the conditions these dogs live in for me. When we went onsite to Dogwood Kennels and saw the animals being kept in those small cages and then to see them transition to loving pets getting the treatment they deserve, it was so rewarding!” Teresa shared.  Mabel, rescued from Bland puppy mill, has a new life and a blog! “When we touched those animals and began helping them, they were the face of all the other animals. They represented the ones that were still kept in misery. I knew I had to help them, and felt hope that something could be done, thanks in big part to all the work of Best Friends in rescuing these animals.” “The publicity about the bill and the puppy mill seizures has made everyone much more aware of the situation the dogs are kept in. Many people didn’t realize the puppy that they bought has come from the conditions found in many puppy mills, and that the parents of their puppy still lives in squalor!” That became the greatest concern: to address the terrible conditions that the animals were living in, day after day. Teresa said that they were fortunate to get a sponsor of the bill that could articulate the concerns to the General Assembly. “Delegate Bobby Orrock, R-Caroline County knew the issue and presented it very well. He understood the problems and concerns and the message is powerful. He deserves a lot of credit!”  “The last 2 years has brought to light the conditions that many large breeding facilities operate under. I had been aware of smaller operations, but hadn’t seen anything like the kennels that supply puppies wholesale. But understand, the size isn’t the issue, it’s the conditions that the animals are kept in. This bill will enable Animal Control Officers to go in and make sure that standards are being met.” Del. Orrock said. Del. Orrock is an interesting choice to have become the sponsor for HB 538 – he’s Republican, comes from an agricultural background, and many of his constituents are in agribusiness. How’d it happen? “This is not a lifelong passion of mine, but I believe that we are responsible for stewardship of all God’s resources, whether it’s the land, wild animals, or companion animals, we’ve got to make sure they’re all cared for properly.” He saw from the recent busts that the animals weren’t being cared for, and he took a stand.  Pudding and Pye rescued from Bland, now in loving homes! “One of my first lessons I learned when I got into office was that there are two topics of legislation you don’t touch: bills that deal with fencing and bills that deal with dogs. It sparks such a debate, and outrage. I know I won’t be getting any Christmas cards from many of my colleagues, but this was important, commercial breeders need to be responsible to make sure the animals that they’re selling are healthy and make sure that the animals in their facility are cared for. If they can’t do that by themselves, it’s the government’s responsibility to step in.” While this bill is a compromise, the original proponents think it’s too weak and the opponents feel like it’s draconian, Del. Orrock even said that there are some people in the breeder camp that want to see him impeached! “It’s about getting a balance. To many people it’s about the money, not the animals. It was not easy, but I was lucky to have had Teresa Dockery working on it for the last 18 years. She is so credible and she spearheaded the coalition. I had support from some individual veterinarians but there was never any official support. The average citizen makes a distinction in an operation to make money between a hobbyist or breed enthusiast, and the people making money need to be held to standards!” Any final words on HB 538? “This has been the single most difficult piece of legislation that I have gotten passed and I’m thrilled to have hung in there long enough to see it through.” said Del. Orrock. “We’re going to create training for the ACO’s and take that training around the state, they’re on the frontlines and we’ve got to give them the tools to get the job done!,” said Teresa. To read about how Best Friends worked on the ground in Virginia, click here for the full report. 2 Ways You Can Help in Virginia 1. Support Virginia Animal Control Association, click here 2. Join the Virginia Partnership for Animal Welfare and Support, click here 6 things you can do to help stop puppy mills in your community: 1.) Join our coalition: It’s free, fast, and you will become part of Best Friends Animal Society’s campaign to stop puppy mills and increase pet adoptions. See that gold star on the upper right of the page—click it! When you sign up, you’ll also get our monthly newsletter “Breeding Bytes”. 2.) Get active in your own community: To download “What One Person Can do to Stop Puppy Mills”click here. 3.) Adopt your next pet: We understand you may have your heart set on a puppy, or a particular breed. Don’t encourage puppy mills puppy mills by buying pets in stores! We guarantee that your next perfect is waiting for you at one of the thousands of shelters or rescue groups across the country—and they’re not hard to find if you take the time to look responsibly. First, visit your local shelter. If you don’t find the right pet there, rescue from online: www.1-800-save-a-pet.com www.pets911.com www.petfinder.com One can also find a dog by contacting a local breed rescue organization by searching www.google.com. Enter a city or state, the breed you are looking for, and the word “rescue.” 4.) Tired of pet stores in your community? Let them (and potential customers) know: For information on how to hold a peaceful rally in front of a pet store, Click here.  5.) Wear your opinion on your shirt:Do you agree that puppies aren’t products to be manufactured in America’s puppy mills and sold in stores like inventory? Say so! To order a “Puppies Aren’t Products” shirt, Click here. All proceeds go to Best Friends’ puppy mill campaign. by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends images of puppy mill rescue and dogs by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer image of Del. Bobby Orrock, courtesy of the Delegate
View our archives here: Animal Welfare Issues Archives Animal Abuse Cases:For individuals who think there might be an animal being abused, we encourage you to contact the authorities. For cases in James City County call JCC Animal Control at 757-253-1800. For cases in York County/Williamsburg call YC Animal Control at 757-890-3601. For more Information on animal abuse and how to prevent animal cruelty/violence in your neighborhood visit the links below: www.lisaviolet.com/cathouse/cruelty.html www.pet-abuse.com
Spaying & Neutering Your Pet:FAQ about Spaying & Neutering your Pets
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