Kathy Bauck

[Animal Ark]

Some people may know that after being convicted of 1 count of animal cruelty and 3 counts of animal torture, Kathy Bauck, owner of Pick of the Litter Kennels, was fined $500 and sentenced to 90 days in prison. The 90 days were then reduced to just 20.

My question is this: what will it take to get meaningful legislation passed to that a chronic, serious abuser like Bauck would really see actual consequenses from their behavior?

[Heidi Hardin]

The answer is easy. We need to educate the public on the situation in a way that allows them to empathize and want to help - by contacting their representatives and legislators and expressing their desire for further legislation. Finding the way to do this is much harder. We have legislation pending, which has been tabled - again. Four years in a row, that's so sad. A couple of thoughts: county fairs, public events that are animal oriented and the like would be great ways to touch bases with a LOT of people. Putting together some information for them, such as a picture of an ethical breeder romping in the yard with their beloved dogs, juxtaposed with a picture of breeding dogs kept in small cages (NOT a horrible picture that deadens the mind, but rather something that simply reflects the terrible way these dogs are kept) and a simple tag line like "Where would YOU rather get your puppy?" would be a great attention getter without being an assault on the senses. Also, comparing pet store prices and ethical breeder prices I think would be a great way to catch the public's attention. Did you know that often the price of a puppy from an ethical breeder is HALF the price of a pet store dog? Most people don't and it's a great place to start flagging the publics attention. After all, given the choice, which dog would YOU rather have? For those not interested in a puppy, rescue is the obvious choice. The pricing structures of most rescues are not prohibitive and are certainly a LOT less than that puppy in the window. I'd love to hear other ideas on how to get the topic across to the public in a positive manner that will bring results when the 2010 session gets rolling and we have another chance at that bill!

[Lin Eckland]

The HSUS has great flyers on puppy mill dogs, that would be good to hand out at the county fairs. We can compile a list of dates, times, and places that they will be held, and ask for volunteers for each one. Education and communication are the only ways thatwe will be able to get the legislation passed. We need a steady campaign of letters and calls to the legislators from their constituents constantly so this issue stays in the forefront.

[RON STEIGER]

1--New and improved legislators in MN. For 4 or more years current legislators have "PRETENDED" to care about puppy mill cruelty. 1,000s of calls, letters, in-person lobby work, have had no effect on them.

2--Strong FEDERAL ANIMAL PROTECTION LAW for when state law makers & state courts FAIL TO PROTECT, ADEQUATELY PUNISH, rescue and care for rescued CATS, DOGS and other abused animals.

3--Disbarment & Prison time for judges who when given solid case evidence @ trial, fail to inforce animal cruelty statutes and in the case of K. JO BAUCK, properly sentence and rescue the animals.

4--Termination of employment and prison time for Sheriffs, prosecutors and animal Humane Investigators who do not properly investigate & prosecute cruelty reports.

5--CIVIL COURT LAWSUITS by rich and powerful law firms (see attached PETLAND Federal Case in progress now 11-2009). These law firms are fully funded, base their reputations on winning cases like this and so, will not stop until they have won and banked money on a puppy mill cruelty case like this.

YOU Can Help On This Case. It in the discovery stage adding people with abused & sick mill dogs, breeder operation owners, pet stores in addition to PETLAND, & dog wholesalers to be brought to trial for settlement (asset seizure).

WE celebrate, support, and contrubute to this litigation.

~RON