I participated in my first ever protest this morning! Minnesota is among the top producers of puppies in the nation, yet Minnesota has no State laws to regulate the dog and cat breeding industry. Petland is a known reseller of puppies and kittens from inhumane mass breeders. This type of retail encourages the mass production of puppies and kittens, where thousands of adult dogs and cats are kept caged their entire lives to be bred repeatedly. Purchases at these type of stores must decrease for business behaviors to change. Consumers must become aware of the problem. Protests help create awareness.
A friend and I bundled up and drove down to Shakopee to stand for an hour in the cold in an effort to help raise awareness about puppy mills and Petland’s policies. I was only there for a couple of minutes, when a family pulled up in a car and asked what was going on. Another protester gave him a short rundown of why we were there, and they were very surprised. They honestly had no idea that this type of thing goes on.
Education is the most powerful tool in sparking change. Many people don’t even know about puppy mills, and many who do aren’t taking action against them. I’m guilty of it myself. I see the Kathy Bauck stories on the news (it’s practically in our backyards) and I know that these conditions exist, but I’ve never done anything about it. I think I’ve always had the “what can I do?” mentality, coupled with the “someone else will take care of it” laziness. I didn’t know how to help, and never took the time to find out. When I heard about this protest, I felt compelled to participate. To add one more voice to the cause. Did we make a difference? I like to think so. We had many people slow down, read the signs, honk, wave…. I guarantee that family who stopped is now at least thinking about it, and aware of it. Will they take any action? Who knows. Maybe they tell a friend who tells a friend who feels compelled to come to the next protest.
I encourage you to check out the Animal Folks MN website or the Humane Society’s Stop Puppy Mills website and learn what you can do to make a difference. Maybe it’s as simple as reposting the information to your friends and family. Maybe you make a sign and stand up with others who share your beliefs and goals. Maybe you write a letter to your local lawmakers and congressmen. Educate yourself, and “Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.” – Albert Schweitzer
Another good informational website: prisonersofgreed.org
Click here for he Animal Ark’s listing of commercial breeders in Minnesota, and to read other people’s experiences.
A story from wcco in 2008 about Kathy Bauck. Complaints have been filed against her since 1996, and it wasn’t until December of 2009 that she had her license taken away.
Another great informational website: Companion Animal Protection Society
by sarah
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