Seventy Malls Across the U.S.To Ban Pet Sales

GLOBAL ANIMAL EXCLUSIVE by Madison Rootenberg

Global Animal just received news that shopping center developer Macerich is banning sales of live animals in more than 70 malls across the US. This new humane policy designed to break the puppy mill business chain is taking effect nationwide within 30 days. Macerich confirmed that they will not renew the leases of existing pet stores that sell animals and in their place, are opening humane stores offering adoptions of rescued pets.

Some of the high profile shopping malls include Los Angeles’ Westside Pavilion, which is opening a rescue store this month in association with the nonprofit Friends of LA Shelters, Scottsdale’s Fashion Square, Chesterfield Towne Center in Richmond, Virginia, and Santa Monica Place.

Jennifer Peterson with a menagerie of dogs. Photo by J. Peterson

The mall developer’s pet sale ban was a year in the making and in large part, is the result of the efforts of animal activist, Jennifer Peterson. Hers is a story of how a personal experience can illuminate one’s calling and be a beacon for larger change.

Ms. Peterson grew up in Los Angeles adopting animals and surrounded herself with likeminded rescuers. When a close friend purchased a “designer” dog from BarkWorks pet store in Westside Pavilion, the animal lover became an animal activist.

“I had a gut feeling it was bad,” Peterson explains. The pet store dog became sick within a week of purchase, and Jennifer began to suspect a puppy mill connection. Jennifer Peterson contacted BarkWorks and according to Peterson, the pet store refused to take any responsibility for the sick pup.

Peterson began researching puppy mills and how the industry supplies pet stores with dogs who endure horrific conditions. She started a Facebook page called “Boycott BarkWorks,” where people could post their experiences and reactions. The page developed into a place to protest puppy mills and stores like BarkWorks that sell bred animals.

Jennifer reached out to her friend Randy Brant, who is Macerich’s VP of leasing property. Brant and others at Macerich knew little about puppy mills and were appalled by what Jennifer Peterson had shared.

“I thought if I talked to him about how terrible it is, maybe there was a chance they might go humane,” Peterson said. She contacted all 74 Macerich shopping centers to find out how many pet stores offered rescued animals for adoption versus those with dogs bred for sale. The numbers were disheartening for any animal lover.

Jennifer Peterson, Randy Brant and his wife, Dahli, worked for a year to help Macerich develop the companywide pet sale ban in their malls.

“Communities love and support adoption. We are hoping this starts a domino effect with other mall leasing companies across the country. Let’s get these shops out of business,” said Peterson.

Macerich is proud of their trailblazing pet sale ban and hope to demonstrate that animal welfare is good business. Encouraged by this landmark policy change, Peterson is redoubling her efforts to shut down the entire puppy mill industry. She’s certain it can happen by “ordinary” people getting involved.

“If you see a pet store, write a letter. Complain. Find out who the leasing company is and let them know about puppy mills. Get involved and reach out to who you know. I did something about it and I’m not special. Two years ago I had never even been to a protest. People can do it.”
[NOTE: There are two Macerich malls in Texas: Ridgmar Mall in Fort Worth and South Plains Mall in Lubbock.]

More Than 250 Dogs Seized from Floyd County Kennel

Reported by: Diana Holoman
Email: dholoman@fox34.com
Last Update: 12:44 pm

The Floyd County Sheriff's department served Alphatex Kennels, outside of Lockney, with a warrant, seizing approximately 250 dogs.

"The humane society came out here, and then they told me in their opinion Alphatex Kennels was in terrible condition and that something needed to be done," Paul Raissez, Floyd County Sheriff, said. "They asked me if I would help them get a warrant to get these dogs off of the property."

Sandra Smith, co-owner of Alphatex Kennels, was in disbelief and said her facility is run the right way. She said every dog and puppy is AKC registered and up to date on all shots.

"AKC comes out here every year and they give us a clean bill of health," Smith said. "In fact, they said we had pens much bigger than required by AKC regulations."

According to the warrant, german shepherds, golden retrievers and collies along with horses will all have to go.

"Can you say it is right to tear these dogs away from the only home they've ever known?"

She said some dogs will not thrive in life without the love of their specific family.

"We've got one german shepherd that only speaks German," Smith said. "She was imported from Germany and she only speaks German commands."

Debra Avery, with the Humane Society of West Texas, said the situation presents a mixed bag.

"There are some absolutely beautiful dogs out here," Avery said. "but there are some dogs that aren't well."

Avery said each and every dog will be tested and treated for diseases such as Parvo and Distemper.

"They have told me that some of the dogs have been sold and are waiting for shipment," Avery said. "So we will investigate and check the health of those animals to find out whether those sales can be delivered or not."

Smith plead with the sheriff to allow her to keep her house pets, and one in particular who has formed a special bond with the family.

"If he leaves him, he will die," Smith said. "German shepherds die if they are taken away from whom they belong to. They bond with you and they bond for life."

Smith said bottomline this is not as bad as it looks.

"What I'm trying to say is, this is not a puppy mill situation," Smith said. "Yes, it outgrew us and it outgrew us in a big way."

In addition to the dogs, one horse in particular is catching the eye of the humane society.

"The horse is malnourished, and the horse is sick," Smith said. "It can barely walk, and it cannot put any weight on its back leg."

A court hearing is scheduled for October 3rd, and Smith said they will fight to save their kennel.

"We will be fighting this to the fullest extent of the law," Smith said.

Until then, the Humane Society of West Texas asks citizens to step up in helping to give these animals a temporary home.

Selling Pit Bull Puppies in the Walmart Parking Lot

These photos were taken by a friend of Barrio Dogs' last weekend. Two men are selling pit bull puppies out the back of their car in the Walmart parking lot at I-45 and West Road across from Fry's. We are speaking to law enforcement officials to see if there is anything that can be done to stop this practice. If you see people selling dogs out of their home or car or out on the street, please take a picture and send it to us at watchdog@barriodogs.org.

UPDATE: It is illegal to sell animals by the roadside in Harris County. If you see anyone doing so, please report it to local police or Harris County at 281-999-3191.

Texas Takes First Steps to Comply with Puppy Mill Bill

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is taking the first steps to bring dog and cat breeders into compliance with the newly passed HB 1451, also known as the Puppy Mill Bill.  TDLR announced that a Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee (Committee) is now in the process of being formed to determine the rules and standards for large scale commercial dog and cat breeders as directed by the passage of HB 1451.

The Committee will be composed of nine members: two licensed breeders; two veterinarians; two members who represent Texas animal welfare organizations; two members of the public; and one animal control officer. Committee applications will be accepted through September 15, 2011. 

Governor Perry signed HB 1451, the Large Scale Commercial Dog and Cat Breeder Bill, popularly known as the Puppy Mill Bill, into law on June 17, 2011. HB 1451 is a regulation and licensing measure  for breeders and will provide basic protection for dogs and cats raised in breeding operations by providing humane housing standards , veterinary care, and inspections.

HB 1451 was championed by two highly respected legislators from Houston – Rep. Senfronia Thompson and Sen. John Whitmire.  Their commitment and persistence will provide protection for hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats in Texas puppy mills. "We're very happy Texas has joined the many other states in regulation of commercial breeders, and we look forward to working with TDLR in developing and implementing humane standards for dogs and cats living in these facilities," says Cile Holloway, THLN President.

TDLR will promulgate regulations by March 31, 2012. Those breeders meeting the thresholds in HB 1451 will have until September 1, 2012 to come into compliance with the provisions of the bill and subsequent regulations and to obtain the license.

To learn more about Puppy Mills in Texas, click here. To watch the THLN puppy mill video, please click here.  

About Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN): Established in 1975, THLN is a grassroots, 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that fights for the enactment and enforcement of laws to protect animals from neglect and abuse. THLN is the political arm and voice for every animal and animal welfare organization in Texas. For more information, please visit www.THLN.org.