Toy Pomeranian Reece, needs your help!

Saturday morning the ACO found this little guy running around behind the shelter gate. He was either thrown over or pushed underneath. A volunteer with CCLAS rushed him to West Park Animal Hospital for an exam and treatment. This senior pom, now known as Reece, is an unneutered blond toy Pomeranian with bad teeth and possibly with testicular cancer. 

Reece, with his tail wagging, is just too sweet to let go. He was dealt a bad hand with an owner who would spend money on lion cut grooms for him, but neglected to neuter him and care for his teeth.

To help with Reece’s vet bills, please visit http://www.cclas.info/donate.html

Why Ohio needs better laws regarding breeding to protect companion animals

A lot of people are learning today about the unfortunate situation in Richland County regarding the nearly 280 Chihuahuas and 40 Shar-Peis that are being removed from deplorable conditions at the Windsong Acres Kennel.  Autumn Ziemba of FOX8 was able to report first hand about the heartbreak for the dogs, volunteers, and kennel owners.

Although charges will not be filled on the kennel owner due to the sad fact that she's dying in hospice of terminal cancer and her husband passed away suddenly this weekend, it doesn't change the reality that she took advantage of Ohio's relaxed laws regarding when it comes to breeding. 

A similar scene of today unfolded approximately three years ago in New Jersey. According to a press release by the Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey, "The scene was disturbing, but not entirely unexpected for Bruce Sanchez, General Manager at Associated Humane Societies’ Tinton Falls Animal Care Center -- over 200 little Chihuahuas stacked up in two-foot by two-foot cages and Shar Peis, some sick, many unkempt and all seemingly oblivious to their lifestyle." While the press releases focuses on the heartache and well being of the dogs, there are many unflattering warnings about the abusive nature of the Windsong Acres Kennels and by Edith Buchko. One post on http://dogrescuerslife.blogspot.com stated that she was convicted of animal cruelty in 1991 and in 1996; her ability to sell with AKC papers was terminated.

Regardless if Edith Bucko truly cared for the dogs or thought of them as products to sell, she knew if she moved to Ohio she would be able to "continue her breeding business as usual" due to Ohio's lack  "...any zoning or number restrictions."

Ohio legislation is consider a bill S.B. 130, which is also been coined by New Beginnings Animal Shelter of Pickerington, Ohio,  the "Puppy Mill Breeder Protection' Bill." Hopefully the story about Windsong Acres Kennel in Ohio will shed some light on why we need reasonable regulation and oversight when it comes to breeders of companion animals in Ohio.

Sources:

http://fox8.com/2012/08/16/nearly-300-chihuahuas-rescued/

http://dogrescuerslife.blogspot.com/2010/02/horrible-breed-just-moved-to-cleveland.html

http://www.ahscares.org/showarchive.asp?id=515

http://www.sharpeiforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=11286&p=146218

http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1355

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1973505&l=ade207b184&id=145437162135878

Photo Credits:

Lisa LaRose

Post by Dawn Pyne

CCLAS active volunteer, and former board president

Member of Lakewood Animal Safety Welfare Advisory Board