Bill would prevent puppy mill owners from selling dogs online
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SEATTLE -- A bill introduced in Congress aims to close a legal loophole that allows owners of puppy mills to sell dogs on the Internet.
Dogs in pet stores generally come from large breeders who must be licensed and inspected by the USDA. But the Internet allows breeders to bypass that, as the law requiring the license was written before the days of online transactions.
"No inspections. And the Internet is the puppy miller's best friend," said Dan Paul of the Humane Society of the United States.
Wendy Laymon's dog-breeding operation in Missouri has newly-built kennels. But a number of rickety out buildings dot the backyard where substandard conditions have previously been found.
Laymon's facility has not been inspected by the USDA since the feds pulled her license. Her puppy mill in Snohomish County was raided in 1999, dogs seized, and Laymon sent to jail.
But now, Laymon sells online, and her website paints a warm and loving picture that many say is false. A Problem Solvers investigation chronicled scores of angry customers who say they bought dogs from Laymon that were sick or genetically defective.
Jennifer Izzi's dog, Frankie, is one of them. Izzi said her dog was so sick and unsocialized that he nearly died.
"I'm glad I have him, but she needs to be stopped, and people like her," shes said.
Under the new bill in Congress, Laymon and others like her must have a USDA license and inspections to sell on the Internet.
The USDA is also considering a similar rule change.
Opponents say the proposed bill is too restrictive, but the Humane Society says the proposed change is long overdue.
"It would be a huge, huge improvement, absolutely," said Paul.
The bill faces a tough fight in the agriculture committee.
The USDA, whose own staff has recommended the change, will make a decision soon.
Dogs in pet stores generally come from large breeders who must be licensed and inspected by the USDA. But the Internet allows breeders to bypass that, as the law requiring the license was written before the days of online transactions.
"No inspections. And the Internet is the puppy miller's best friend," said Dan Paul of the Humane Society of the United States.
Wendy Laymon's dog-breeding operation in Missouri has newly-built kennels. But a number of rickety out buildings dot the backyard where substandard conditions have previously been found.
Laymon's facility has not been inspected by the USDA since the feds pulled her license. Her puppy mill in Snohomish County was raided in 1999, dogs seized, and Laymon sent to jail.
But now, Laymon sells online, and her website paints a warm and loving picture that many say is false. A Problem Solvers investigation chronicled scores of angry customers who say they bought dogs from Laymon that were sick or genetically defective.
Jennifer Izzi's dog, Frankie, is one of them. Izzi said her dog was so sick and unsocialized that he nearly died.
"I'm glad I have him, but she needs to be stopped, and people like her," shes said.
Under the new bill in Congress, Laymon and others like her must have a USDA license and inspections to sell on the Internet.
The USDA is also considering a similar rule change.
Opponents say the proposed bill is too restrictive, but the Humane Society says the proposed change is long overdue.
"It would be a huge, huge improvement, absolutely," said Paul.
The bill faces a tough fight in the agriculture committee.
The USDA, whose own staff has recommended the change, will make a decision soon.
This won't stop commercial breeders and certainly won't put the substandard corner cutters out of business. Bigger breeders are already by law USDA kennels. Current animal cruelty laws already address any failure on the part of any breeder to adequately care for their animals. Lack of enforcement doesn't mean the laws aren't already in place. Selling over the internet isn't a form of cruelty under any reasonable definition, it is merely a marketing tool. I live on the east side and sell my pups on the more populous west side of our state. Buyers don't want to drive across the entire state to look at a puppy, so I post pictures on the internet and after multiple conversation with the prospective buyer, drive my puppies to the coast where we meet and they inspect the puppy (and usually the parents) and buy them. I only sell healthy pups and maintain satisfied buyers. My dogs come with a health guarantee and have brought joy to many people.
 PUPS would make such connections illegal and impossible! PUPS would make illegal not onlymy wonderful dog, but the many new and great friends I made through the wonderful breederof my dog. It's just beyond ridiculous to trash the Internet, when it actually creates community,connects people with other people. The Internet is "Because of Winn-Dixie" writ large.
As much as we would like to have a kneejerk, emotional reaction, this bill will most likely fail, AS IT SHOULD, because it interferes with commerce, which everyone has a right to engage in without impediment. Like it or not, dogs and all animals are considered property and people have the right to barter, sell and exchange them as they wish. This whole notion of banning puppy sales by 'puppy mills' on the internet sounds like a band-aid approach to the USDA not doing it's job properly. And isn't that just how our politicians are: 'Let's pass another law, since we cannot enforce the ones we have.' Now, if puppy mills are banned from selling on the internet, then rightfully speaking to make it fair to everyone, let's also ban sales on the internet of animals bred and lovingly raised by small breeders - you know, the ones who work to preserve rare or common breeds - the ones that track pedigrees carefully, donate to research to learn how to make their breed healthier, and in all, break even (maybe) financially in order to provide healthy loving animals to the public. And while we are at it, lets ban all shelters from adopting out their animals on the internet as well, because more than a few people have been 'stung' by a sick dog or one exhibiting bad behaviour there as well too. You see then what a slippery slope then this becomes? Let's ban all internet sales of animals completely and then everyone is 'safe' and well, then we have no more pets! Because no more pets will be exactly what it will turn out to be if breeders, no matter what size, and shelters are banned from internet commerce. Â
And, whatever happened to the concept of Buyer Beware? There is a certain element that the public must take to protect themselves. If they are going to spend big bucks on a dog, they owe it to themselves, the breeder, and the dog, to check out the source of their dog very carefully and do research. If you are going to spend that money, you go to the breeders home or facility and look at the living circumstances and how they are raised, research the breeder, as well as question others for satisfaction that the breeder has sold to. All of this in order to protect themselves and get the dog of their dreams with no issues. It's called watching out for yourself and personal responsibility. The public can shut down 'puppy mills' on their own by simply doing their research and not buying from them. A 'puppy mill' cannot operate if it doesn't have customers. It's simply not an excuse to say 'I didn't know.'
I must add here that the HSUS as an extreme animal rights organization dressed in 'respectable' suits and their goal is to eliminate all breeding and pets entirely. They don't care if it is a 'puppy mill', large respectable breeder, or small home based breeder. However, they do things in stages, that is how they operate. They start by working to eliminate the rights of the 'puppy mills', then work down from there, this in order to fulfill their ultimate agenda - and that is no more animals. If you don't believe me, check out the websites activistcash and humanewatch.
More about the HSUS: they are under investigation by the IRS for tax fraud - this because they legally are on the books as a nonprofit but raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year from ignorant folks into believing their money goes to helping puppies and kittens in shelters. Under investigation because they don't operate a single shelter (local humane societies are not connected with the HSUS) and donate less than one percent a year to any shelter. They are also under investigation by the IRS for excessive lobbying beyond that which their 501 c3 status allows.
One more thing about the HSUS, and this is probably the most despicable: Their going in to a community that has suffered a natural disaster such as Katrina and 'rescuing' the animals, complete with PR pictures to show how they are on the 'frontlines' rescuing pets during disasters, then when the media and their cameras leave, dumping those same animals at local shelters already taxed to the max dealing with the disaster and the fallout from it. The HSUS then leaves town.
So in conclusion, we need to resist this bill and write our representatives, putting pressure on them to vote against it while at the same time putting pressure on them to require that the USDA does it's job consistently and enforces standards of care at 'puppy mills'. That is the main problem. And while we are at it, let's do some research on the HSUS and warn our lawmakers about them too!
People like this woman are just cruel and wrong.
Komo.........can you please change that picture......it is most disturbing........ Of course that may be the point........but come on, I think I would rather see the pictures of the conditions they were in than that face........
@Susabelle It couldn't have been better said!!!!
Something definately needs to be done about people like her. Perhaps the solution is going to end up being penalties that will actually discourage this type of behavior. I can't even wrap my head around why people think it is alright to mistreat animals. In this case it's obviously greed with total lack of regard for the feelings of those animals. Perhaps the punishment should fit the crime.
Pet sales must be regulated as interstate commerce and sellers and buyers must adhere to strict rules in the selling/buying of live animals. It is more difficult to buy wine online form another State than to buy a live dog or cat. Poor kitties!
Long overdue... absolutely. It has been long. Let's finish this hell in our generation.
About time...
Selling live animals online has always been a bad idea. The stupid people pay online and have their puppy shipped never even visiting the place their puppy came from. "Papers" are often forged as it's easy to do with anyone. AKC and UKC don't mean as much as a health certificate. You can easily call to find out if the breeder has passed the qualifications for a health cert. Offa.org is where you would check. That is only if you are using a real breeder. There are plenty of shelter and rescue dogs too. I have both--a German Shepherd I paid well over $1500 for (he is OFA certified), a stray husky, 2 shelter malamute/shep mixes and a puppy of unknown origin. My shelter dogs were adopted at 8 weeks. They are littermates and one has hip dysplasia. His brother is healthy and has never been to the vet for an ailment. Dogs are like humans--some get sick, some don't. But if you buy a poorly bred one it's like making babies with your relatives--inbreeding isn't good. I know some rescues are ridiculous on their qualifications, but others aren't. Personally I am done with puppies. My net pack will all be adults from rescues or the shelter.Â
Yay, another knee-jerk reaction by another insecure politition needing to make it look like they've accomplished something. For all the nut cases out there who produce gazillions of puppies in squalor, there are thousand of good people selling everything from dogs to goats and cows online that are very well cared for. The cost for an ad in the daily news paper is out of sight now, so how do they suggest someone find a good home for puppies when the family pet comes up prego.
The best possible solution for prego is to neuter and spay. Anyone who lets their pets breed indiscriminately isn't being very responsible in the first place. In a country where millions of dogs and cats are being put down every year it doesn't make sense to let animals create even more.
@Whoanelly You have your family pet neutered BEFORE it comes up prego.
@Whoanelly the cows and goats and horses aren't shipped. you have to visit the farm to get them. That is the difference.Â
@Northend @Whoanelly of course cows and goats ans sheep and horse and chickens are shipped.. and they all have to have a health certificate when they are.. so does EVERY puppy that is shipped.or enters an airplane,.. even if you travel with the pet.. It must have a health certificate issued by a state qualified vet last time I shipped a pup there was a small zebra on board and a large flamingo type bird.. all had health certificates including my dog.. it is MANDATORY
Good! Altho, if shoppers were smart, you wouldn't buy them over the internet. Certain things that you should never buy on the internet, and this is high on the list, if not the top!
This is also one of the problems with shelters. Family member got a dog from the pound. Thought they were doing good rescuing a dog. He turned out to be a mess. The dog won the lotto in that he found a family who would pay for the huge vet bills he has run up. The only way I will get a dog is to be able to see the people who are breeding them and see the parents.Buying one sight unseen or that has been turned in to a pound or such is a huge risk.
Both of my breeder dogs had serious problems. One of them bought from a reputable breeder turned out to be a hemopheliac and we spent years and thousands keeping that dog alive. Just the slightest break in the skin no matter what time of day or night meant a trip to vet emergency. The other bought from a reputable breeder had kidney problems. Buying from a breeder doesn't always guarantee a trouble proof dog.
Yet another who thinks in order to reply they have to start out with a rude remark. You assume to much.Â
@Jatok
Yet another with no reading comprehension.I did not make any guarantees buying from someone you can see. I said if you buy ârescueâ you have no clue where the dog came from or what you are getting into.
@Alex ClaytonI have to admit that not all shelter dogs are good choices. Applying some intelligence, however, can make a huge difference. There is a book -- At Your Service, How to Select and Train Your Own Service Dog -- which I'll recommend even for a family pet simply for the very fine instructions on how to select a dog. This regards both breed characteristics and judging the individual animal. My present Medic Alert SD came from a shelter, we interviewed each other (has to be mutual) and both drew a royal flush.
Here's a link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/at-your-service-dawn-capp-ms-jd/1113645341?ean=9781257711741Â Â Note: it's also available as an eBook for nook or kindle
@Alex Clayton We have always had shelter dogs, have one now, never had a problem. There are way too many unwnted dogs and cats in the world already. My dog isn't a "posession " hes part of my family. I dont have a problem with legitimate GOOD breaders, but I wish every puppy mill in the world could be shut down. Dont paint shelters with such a broad brush, there are a lot of great animals there that need good homes.
@Alex Clayton. Not every dog in a shelter is a problem dog. And when did I say it was your problem. I choose the dogs I want too. I have a Husky that I got at the shelter 10 years ago when he was a pup. Hes the best dog Ive ever had. If thats a problem for you too bad. Get a grip
@Dieseldog
My dogs are part of our family. I choose the ones I want to have. Itâs not my problem that the place is littered with problem dogs any more than all the problem children who turn into problem adults.
@Alex ClaytonWhat? What do you think shelters are? They are for homeless dogs that idiots have dumped.  Do you really think no dog requires vet care? I paid a huge amount for my dog who still has his own personal issues. He is relatively healthy but not as healthy as my 2 mutts from the shelter who have never required vet care beyond the normal. Dogs are like humans some need to the doctor and some don't. Do not blanket statement shelter dogs. Also unless you are willing to pay well over $1k for ANY breed you are not getting quality bred stock. Paying $500 is paying a back yard breeder.Â
@Northend
Have someone who finished school read for you.
They will point out to you I never said anything about dogs never needing a Vet.
You also have no clue about breeds. People who have healthy dogs can breed them and have healthy offspring. Itâs easy for anyone with a brain to see when they go to look.
I never said all shelter dogs are a problem. I said I will never deal with one because I donât want to take the chance. I want to see the parents and the way the breeders raise their dogs. Not buy a pig in a poke and hope like hell I get a good one.
@Alex Clayton We had a horrible experience adopting a shelter dog, too. Bad habits that couldn't be broken even with intensive training.
For some of the commenters on this thread: Please don't confuse legitimate small breeders with "puppy mills". There is a big difference.
When we wanted to have another dog in our home I located a breeder and visited their location to see how the animals were kept, trained, etc before deciding to buy. Found a lovely, caring one down near Portland, OR and are VERY happy with the two dogs we've gotten from her. Our dogs are important, loved and pampered members of our family.
@MamasaurasÂ
Yep,
This is the ONLY way I will ever get another dog.
@Mamasauras @Alex Clayton
All I can say is I've lost count of the dogs I've brought home from shelters. No major health issues, no major temperament issues.
"Pound" implies a city run hole in the wall with little oversight let alone veterinary care.
Long past due, a hot bed of fraud and cruelty. Never buy, adopt and rescue. But shut these people down and shut them down hard.
While I would love to see these creeps jailed and shut down often the âhelpersâ are often causing the trouble. Many years ago when we were going to get a new dog I tried a couple of the ârescueâ. It left such a bad taste in my mouth I would never even consider it again. Self righteous idiots who felt like they were the only people in the world qualified to own a pet. The one wanted more for a dog a few years old than a papered puppy. I was still interested until they started in with the inquisition. They wanted to know more about me than the bank who sold me my house. Then wanted the right to come inspect me and my home. I finally walked. Went looking for breeders who we could meet so we could see the parents and how the dogs were raised.Has worked several times. We have a couple great dogs and a while back when one of the kids wanted one we did the same thing. Looked for a breeder in her area who would let us come to them and see how they were raising the dogs.
Seriously, the problem continues to be the people who buy the dogs. Â STOP buying puppies in Pet Stores, online and in parking lots. Â What do the "consumers" expect. Â In Western Washington we currently have 7 stores (maybe more) that continue to sell puppies in their store - next to the pet food. Â It's simple supply and demand - no demand, the supply will stop. Â I am stunned by the number of people I meet that have no clue that animals from puppy mills and backyard breeders overwhelming have seriously health and socialization issues. Â There are amazing rescue groups, pure breed rescue groups, etc. in our communities that can help anyone find the right pet. Â Boycott all pet stores that still sell puppies. Â Stop the demand. Â
She should dye half her hair black and then she'd be the next Cruella Deville.
she is VILE
Do we really need this? Come on
Yeah, good luck with keeping these lowlife scum from selling these poor animals online. I can't even look at the pets section of Craigslist without getting irked. People try to sell MUTTS on there for hundreds of dollars and they get away with it because dumbarses will pay it. Newsflash... if people didn't buy animals from backyard breeders or buy these "designer mutts" then maybe people would stop trying to make money off of them!
They probably place a higher price on the "muts" because it will to a point discourage those people who aren't really serious about pet ownership. Those people who don't want to pay that much for a dog probably aren't going to even give a second thought to vet care etc.
@Tattooed_Angel2Â And ultimately, the fact that people keep buying these dogs is the reason they stay in business. Â Do your research before you buy, folks.
I like how her facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/wendy.laymon.9 ) is all about how great God is. Really, lady? Â You really think you're glorifying God by abusing animals for personal profit? Disgusting.
She's holding blood money in her hand. Blood stained money.
"Opponents say the proposed bill is too restrictive"
Yeah, but that's only if you're not doing things the way you need to be.
@what? "Hobby" breeders don't like it. A "hobby" breeder may have one litter a year. The restrictions on using the internet are what they have problems with.
"The bill faces a tough fight in the agriculture committee."
Can someone explain why the agriculture committee would care about this?
I hope this bill includes all types of pets, not just dogs.Â
It's a start. Â I hope it passes. Â (Is it wrong that I want to slap that smug smirk off of her greedy face??)
This picture cracks me up...she's flash 60 dollars, which makes me wonder if she is heading out to buy the weeks supply of dog food? If she is only making $60 per sale, she needs to be shut down!!
@aintno1special Dog food? Probably to the casino...
@aintno1special Probably heading out to have her nails done.
@belsnickles @aintno1special If I was going to recommend a "beauty treatment" for her I would tell her to save a bit more and go for some teeth whitening.
@aintno1special @belsnickles She could be a "butter face"... (everything looks good, but her face)