LAW CHANGES NEEDED FOR OUR OKLAHOMA PETS

Oklahoma is the 2nd largest producer of puppies & kittens in the US and lacks uniform standards for pet breeding and housing facilities.

PROBLEMS

Puppy Mills:

USDA regulates facilities that sell as wholesalers but not as retailers. A non-USDA licensed breeding operation can have dozens to hundreds of animals and do business in Oklahoma with no oversight whatsoever.

Investigations of several Oklahoma breeding facilities found hazardous conditions such as lack of sanitation, lack of water, and cages in disrepair. Puppy mills are free to fool the public into believing they care about the puppies they are breeding.

Hoarders:

Hoarders are pet owners who take in animals unaware of consequences to the animal’s health and well-being. They often view "rescued" animals as surrogate children and form excessive emotional attachments to them. Hoarders often have erroneous beliefs about animal shelters or rescue organizations, and see themselves as the only one who cares. Their

responsibilities and expenses become too much to handle but they live in a state of denial that prevents them from seeing overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, or from understanding their animals are sick, dying or dead.

Internet Scams:

Consumers trying to find pets from reputable breeders often turn to the Web for advice.

SOLUTIONS

House Bill 1332 - PET QUALITY ASSURANCE AND PROTECTION ACT (click here to read the bill)

Your help is needed before March 2009