Let’s Make Puppy Mills Illegal!
Puppy mills are not illegal, but they should be. I watched Oprah yesterday, it was a very painful but important show about the Puppy Mill Industry. There are as many as 10,000 puppy mills operating in the United States. It’s a disgrace.
Lisa Ling joined Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue, as they toured several puppy mills with undercover cameras. They rescued as many dogs as they could, but there were hundreds left behind.
I had not heard of Main Line Animal Rescue until yesterday. I’m in awe of the work they have done. Bill has fostered relationships with hundreds of breeders across Pennsylvania in order to save dogs’ lives. He has managed to convince these breeders to call him before killing their unwanted dogs. They rescue and then rehabilitate these animals so that they can have a second chance for a better life. MLAR has rescued over 7,000 animals to date, 5,000 have been from puppy mills. Bill Smith is truly a saint, it’s not surprising that he won the ASPCA Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2007. Bill Smith is my new hero.
Bill Smith with rescue Charlotte below
photo by Michael Bryant/Inquirer Staff Photographer
NOTE: I generally like to keep my website upbeat and fun. I LOVE sharing the happy ending stories of the rescue dogs that I meet and photograph, however I feel so strongly about this issue that I knew it had to be included on my site. PLEASE spread the word and tell your friends never to even CONSIDER buying a dog from a store!
I encourage everyone to watch Oprah’s show from April 4, 2008.
Also, please see the links below for more information. Thank you.
Humane Society Puppy Buyers Guide
8 responses so far ↓
1 lisa // Apr 6, 2008 at 10:33 am
We’re an all-rescue family and we heartily agree!
Dreaming of a leash-free world~ always! woof!woof! lisa, Clementine & Cupcake + Bounce & Dave
2 Tami // Apr 8, 2008 at 9:58 pm
This story leaves hope and a real need for more
people like Bill across the country to help save dogs’ lives. I am so moved by this story that I want to help make a difference. I am going to seek out a rescue shelter in my area and volunteer my services!
3 Yes, Go BILL!! // May 4, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I have rescued two dogs from MLSPCA, and both are happy, safe, and kept up to date on ALL their health issues. If it weren’t for Bill, these family members would not be enjoying their comfy and safe happy lifestyle. Bill is the best.
4 Verysupercool Sue // May 7, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Wow, thanks for the comment! So you actually adopted some dogs that Bill rescued! That is so great! Adopting an animal in need is the best feeling. Give your two rescue dogs a big hug from me. XOXO
5 Sarah McEwen // May 30, 2008 at 7:47 am
I rescue neglected and abused dogs from bad homes and have taken 5 from a puppy mill in my area. I have tried to shut it down, but the state hasn’t done anything about it. I watched Oprah on May 29, and it outraged me even more. I can’t take this any longer… these people have to be stopped and prosecuted. I am asking everyone to come together and help me, and all the other people who are trying to stop this. Please e-mail me with any ideas you may have. slmcewen29@yahoo.com. Thank you all!
6 Verysupercool Sue // May 30, 2008 at 8:44 am
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for all the rescue work you do, that’s so wonderful. I really think you should go to http://www.stoppuppymills.org and go the section: Tell Your Story and share with them what you are going through. I think they can really help you in many ways if you ask them. Good luck to you and please give those puppies a hug from me. XOXO Sue
7 Very Disappointed. // Jun 3, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Not a fan anymore.
I’ve done animal rescue my whole life.
I still ahve 3 feral cats whom I love dearly.
I hada series of family tragedies and also lost my job.
Last year when I was flush I donated 4,000
to the rescue.
I recently asked them for some of it back, even as a loan so I can take care of my pets until my house sells.
They replied they cant help.
I asked for help with pet food and they ignored me.
3,000,000 raised for new clinic and they couldnt help me out temporarily.
I now will probably have to give up my beloved pets because I have COPD and am running out of any funds.
8 Ralph // Jun 12, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Wait a minute! Bill is my hero. Don’t know if I want to share. Seven wonderful dogs from MLAR rescue surround me. Most of the pack were a challenge to place in new homes. Being a sucker I brought them home. My gain. I love everyone of my mottly crew.
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