This is to announce the first Cavalier Symposium centering on topics of interest about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  The symposium will be held in Belgium on October 25^th. Organized by Arnold Jacques, this Symposium is the first of its kind.  For more information see below and contact Arnold Jacques at a.l.m.jacques@gmail.com. Please include a link to the symposium website on your website

From Arnold:

“The website of the International Cavalier Symposium is ready.
www.cavaliersymposium.com
May we ask you to spread this link, as much as possible, among all your friends.
May we ask you to create a link on your website, preferably by using attached banner.
We hope to welcome you on the symposium.

Kind regards

Arnold Jacques
www.cavaliersymposium.com”

We should never underestimate the resolve of animal rights organizations to bring an end to animal ownership and breeding as we know it today.  I trust all our readers have been following the progress of the APHIS proposed rule for regulating retail pet sellers.  The rule is widely promoted by HSUS, ASPCA, PETA, ALDF and others as merely closing a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and a means to run puppy mills out of business.  Never forget that in the eyes of these radical groups and their brainwashed followers we are all irresponsible puppy mills.  More than two decades ago, HSUS developed campaign materials promoting a moratorium on breeding cats and dogs and guidelines for mandatory spay/neuter laws. PETA stated long ago, “There is no such thing as a responsible breeder”; and went on to say, “Simply put, for every puppy or kitten who is deliberately produced by any breeder, an animal in an animal shelter dies.”   

This week the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) weighed in on the APHIS rule.  Their submitted comment should be a wakeup call to anyone who holds the illusion that any part of this rule is necessary or that a compromise should be negotiated.  

After the tried and true AR-speak statement that “puppy mills produce an estimated two to four million puppies each year often in deplorable and inhumane conditions”, ALDF proceeds to support the rule as a beginning and highlight their ideas for additional steps needed.  To summarize, ALDF opposed any expanded exemption from three to four breeding females for dog, cat, and small animal breeders; requested automatic license suspensions for repeat offenders; requested automatic confiscation of distressed animals. 

Finally, ALDF requests the AWA be amended by Congress to allow private right of action for enforcement with fee shifting provision. ALDF suggests to APHIS that allowing third parties to file suit against violators would enhance enforcement process and at the same time remove some of the agency’s cost burden.  The ALDF comment can be viewed online at the Federal Register.

The comment period for the proposed APHIS rule regulating retail sellers has been extended until August 15.  If you value your right to own and breed dogs without federal restrictions, please continue to submit comments and encourage clubs and businesses to do the same. 

Again, encourage organizations and businesses to join the SAOVA Opposition List. To add your organization’s name, send an email signed by an officer of the organization stating opposition to: Susan Wolf cubhill@earthlink.net.  Please include organization’s address.   http://www.saova.org/APHIS_Opposition.List.html

Cross posting is encouraged. 

Susan Wolf
Sportsmen’s & Animal Owners’ Voting Alliance
Working to Identify and Elect Supportive Legislators
saova@earthlink.net

A reminder to help stop the pending legislation (USDA/APHIS) which will badly affect all small and hobby breeders.  You can help:

**By August 13, please sign the AKC petition by control+click to follow link www.AKC.org/petition

**By August 15, 2012 Submit Written Comments to APHIS at:   control+click to follow link below

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0003-0001

ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY: PLEASE HELP SMALL AND HOBBY BREEDERS

To my friends especially those who have enjoyed our Cavaliers over the years:

There is a ruling being considered to lump small and hobby breeders who do not make any living from breeding dogs with commercial breeders.  This r**By August 13, please sign the AKC petition by control+click www.AKC.org/petition

**By August 15, 2012 Submit Written Comments to APHIS at:   control+click to follow link below

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0003-0001ule, if adopted by the USDA, would in effect stop ethical and reputable breeders like me from breeding and/or you from purchasing a purebred dog. It would not help stop the commercial and very substandard breeders from operating as there would not be enough USDA manpower to inspect and control.  The rule would limit a small and hobby breeder to keeping only four breeding bitches where they be just puppies, retired unsprayed girls, co owned girls not even living on the property, and girls currently in the breeding program.  At this point, Rattlebridge has only two girls to breed with three puppies waiting to hopefully be shown and/or bred but with no firm plans to do so.  Show breeders “run on” or keep puppies up to two years or more waiting to see if they will make the show ring, pass all health checks, and be worthy of breeding.  Puppies will count in the total of four. I am facing the end of my breeding/showing passion, but I would hate to see younger and very ethical breeders stopped from breeding. The Humane Society of the United States is pushing USDA/APHIS (the name of the actual legislation); the bottom line of the HSUS agenda is the elimination of all pet ownership. Please look at my blog to see entries concerning HSUS and animal rights activists. http://www.rattlebridge.com/blog Please help:

As usual I am late getting the word out but action is needed, but in short:

**By August 13, please sign the AKC petition by control+click www.AKC.org/petition

**By August 15, 2012 Submit Written Comments to APHIS at:   control+click to follow link below

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0003-0001

Explanation of United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)/ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):

LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT USDA/APHIS

COMMENT PERIOD FOR APHIS PROPOSED

RULE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 15, 2012

Submit Written Comments to APHIS by August 15, 2012 at:   control+click to follow link below

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0003-0001

The newly proposed rule of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) jeopardizes your right to breed, sell and purchase purebred dogs.  If adopted, it will adversely affect, directly or indirectly, virtually all breeders, show exhibitors and purchasers of purebred dogs.

Under the proposed Rule, all pet breeders with as few as five “breeding females” who sell an animal over the Internet or by phone or mail will be subject to rigorous federal licensing, inspection and animal care requirements under the Animal Welfare Act.  Non-commercialized “hobby” breeders of purebred dogs were never intended to be regulated by this federal statute.  APHIS’ proposed Rule will strip hobby breeders of their current exemption from stringent federal licensing requirements on the pretext of closing an alleged “loophole” for Internet pet sales.

Contrary to APHIS’ claim, the proposed Rule will not eliminate unscrupulous breeders or “puppy mills” with abusive practices who are driven by financial profit.  Instead, it will force many responsible breeders, such as show or hobby breeders of purebred dogs who turn no profit, to downsize their breeding programs or close shop. 

The federal animal care standards imposed by the APHIS  Rules, which were originally designed for laboratory animals, are virtually impossible to meet in a home-based kennel environment.  If adopted, the proposed Rule will subject hobby breeders to unreasonable costs and invasive home inspection requirements which ultimately will drive many responsible hobby breeders out of business.  Do we need more Governmental regulation because of actual abuses, or is the APHIS proposal another veiled attempt by animal rights’ activists to eliminate pet breeding entirely?

View the proposed APHIS Rule at:  control+click to follow link

http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;dct=FR%252BPR%252BN%252BO%252BSR%252BPS;rpp=25;po=0;D=APHIS-2011-0003

AKC CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROPOSED RULE—Please Read:

The AKC shares the USDA’s concerns about substandard internet pet retailers. However, the current proposal is overly broad, difficult to enforce, and does little to address the actual wellbeing of animals sold.

The AKC believes that the USDA’s “one size fits all” proposal is not in the best interest of all dogs, responsible breeders, or puppy buyers. It is unreasonable and virtually impossible for many small hobby breeders to comply with the strict kennel engineering standards that were designed for large commercial operations. It would create unreasonable hardships that could threaten genetic diversity, the future of a vast number of responsible small hobby breeders, and the very existence of some rare breeds.

It would require all who own more than four “breeding females” and sell even one animal “sight unseen” to be regulated as a commercial breeder and be subject to federal commercial breeder licensing, regulation and inspections. The term “breeding female” is not defined, so it is unclear how USDA or even breeders themselves would determine who falls under these regulations. The term also includes multiple species (including cats, dogs, and other small mammals). This means, for example, that a person would not have to own more than four intact female dogs to be regulated for the sale of a single puppy sight unseen.

In many cases, geographic distance makes it difficult for a purchaser to personally visit or pick up a puppy at a breeder’s facility. Such scenarios are particularly common for breeders and fanciers of rare breeds and others who may be purchasing a second pet from the same breeder or already have an established relationship with a breeder. Requiring such individuals to comply with regulations designed for large commercial breeder/dealer facilities may not be appropriate.

The Regulatory Impact Analysis provided in the proposed rule vastly underestimates both the number of individuals who will be impacted and the expense to occasional breeders to establish commercial-level facilities. The comment period for the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed rule that would categorize many small/hobby breeders as commercial breeders and subject them to unnecessary licensing, regulation and inspections will close on August 15.

It is imperative that any breeder or owner who is concerned about this proposal provide comments to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) before August 15.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

STOP THE PROPOSED APHIS RULE IN FOUR EASY STEPS:

Step 1:   Submit Written Comments to APHIS by August 15, 2012 at:   control+click to follow link below

• http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2011-0003-0001
• You may also submit comments online by clicking here.  To view comments already submitted, click here. You may also mail comments to:

Docket No. APHIS–2011–0003

Regulatory Analysis and Development

PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8

4700 River Road, Unit 118

Riverdale, MD 20737–1238

**Your written Comments are an important step to stop the proposed APHIS Rule.

APHIS is required to accept and respond to all timely submitted comments.  Multiple comments on different points may be submitted.  All comments should urge APHIS to withdraw its proposed Rule.

Note:  When the rulemaking portal is opened, there are two options for electronic  comment submission:

(1) Typing of comments in the box – which imposes a 20-minute time limit/

2,000 character limit.  If this option is used to submit comments of less than 2,000 characters, we recommend that you paste comments prepared in separate draft form into the box to avoid the time limit; or

(2) Attachment of comments prepared in separate document format via

the “upload” option.

– The “attachment of document” option is recommended, as there

Is no time or character limitation.

Suggestions for comments and sample letters can be found at:

http://saova.org/APHIS_comments.html

http://www.thecavalrygroup.com/letter1.php

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/4064127/the-cavalry-group-guidelines-for-making-comments-377k?da=y

Step 2:  Sign the AKC Petition opposing the proposed APHIS Rule by  August 13, 2012. (see below for AKC Concerns)

Signing AKC’s Petition is quick and easy.  Read more here and sign the AKC Petition at www.AKC.org/petition

Step 3:  Contact Your Federal Legislators

Congress determines the levels of funding for USDA and APHIS.  Let your Congressional Representatives know that you oppose APHIS’ proposed Rule and that the proposal would drive many responsible hobby breeders out of business, without solving the problem of unregulated rogue, unscrupulous breeders.  The proposed Rule would also adversely affect the economy and result in loss of job opportunities.  Breeders of purebred dogs and related dog events  substantially contribute to the economy and create jobs.  For example, in 2011, AKC sanctioned dog events alone generated over $1 Billion dollars in national revenue.

“The Cavalry Group,” activists to alert the public against unnecessary and downright bad legislation has developed a sample letter and contact form to simply this process.  Follow these links and take action with your federal legislators now:

http://the-cavalry-group.rallycongress.com/6980/urge-congress-take-action-to-support-cavalry-group-mission/

To contact your congressional representatives clink here:

http://the-cavalry-group.rallycongress.com/6980/urge-congress-take-action-to-support-cavalry-group-mission/

Step 4: Contact USDA Secretary Vilsack

2012 is a major election year.  The head of USDA, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who is appointed by the President, should be informed that putting pet breeders out of business is not the way to turn this economy around.  The Cavalry Group has prepared a sample letter and contact form to assist with submission of your comments to Secretary Vilsack.  Follow this link and send a letter today:

http://www.thecavalrygroup.com/letter1php

We also urge you to sign AKC’s petition to Protect Responsible Small Breeders.

Further questions may be directed to AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org

 

The Real Truth about This “Beloved” Organization—NOT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTrhQd9GHlE

From one of the dog lists: At the end of December, a local kennel donated 12 cases of Kirkland canned Lamb and Rice dog food. They said it was too rich for their dog because they all got sick. Did not think any problem with the food. I fed to my dogs, and to visiting dogs. Diarrhea for all dogs, puppy threw up 15 times. She survived… Tesla and Dino did not. I contacted the company on Jan. 3 to say all dogs got sick. They said they did not produce that food. Four weeks later, one dead dog, next week, another dead dog. Finally got a response with… tell Costco. I contacted Costco, and then they contacted the manufacturer. Who wants a sample of the food. Mind you…this similar food was recalled in 2007-2009 for melamine contamination. Over 400 dogs died. I filed a report and waiting for request for the sample of food. I need to put out a warning of possible food contamination. …is not verified yet…but the vet and I feel it will be. The*Kirkland Canned Lamb and Rice with expiration 2013. The cans I have say June 23, 2013*. Please let your friends know. It would have been purchased in Nov.-Dec. 2012. Please anyone that has a can to contact me directly. Do not return to Costco. We need to let everyone know so more dogs don’t die.

Most of us are familiar with Humane Watch, the group that holds Wayne Pacelle’s feet to the fire. The folks at Humane Watch have outdone themselves this time with this post about Pacelle’s war against HSSP, Humane Society for Shelter Pets, a new group that directs donations to local shelters instead of HSUS. Please, please go to the following  link  to find out how little of the HSUS actually goes to shelters and saving animals and how much goes to the HSUS for its own use which does not benefit shelter animals. Link is:  /http://humanewatch.org/index.php/site/post/hsus_hypocrisy

If you want to donate to help dogs and cats in shelters, please donate to the HSSP, Humane Society for Shelter Pets, to see that  your donation actually goes where it is most needed: the shelters themselves!

– DECEMBER 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED DOG FOODS: DOG POWER DOG FOOD

PET FOOD COMPANY: Advanced Animal Nutrition

Pet Food Products in the recall:

DOG POWER ADULT MAINTENANCE FORMULA 21-12
DOG POWER HUNTERS FORMULA 27-14
DOG POWER HI-PRO PERFORMANCE FORMULA 26-18
50 Lb. Bags, LOT K004 through K1322
Distributed in MO, AR, LA, manufactured Jan 4 through Nov 18, 2011
RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii AFLATOXIN

RECALLED DOG FOODS: RIVER RUN & MARKSMAN DRY DOG FOOD

PET FOOD COMPANY: Cargill Animal Nutrition

Pet Food Products in the recall:

PROFESSIONAL FORMULA RIVER RUN HI-NRG 24-20, 50 lb
RIVER RUN PROFESSIONAL FORMULA 27-18, 50 lb

RIVER RUN 21% Protein, 40 and 50 lbs
RIVER RUN Hi-Pro No-Soy, 40 and 50 lbs
MARKSMAN DOG FOOD 24% Protein 20% Fat, 40 lb
MARKSMAN DOG FOOD 20% Protein 10% Fat, 40 and 50 lbs
MARKSMAN DOG FOOD 28% Protein 18% Fat, 40 lb

Packaging Date Codes (lot numbers): 4K0335 through 4K0365, LL0335 through LL0365, 4K1001 through 4K1335 and LL1001 through LL1335

distributed in 15 states/territories – KS, MO, NE OK, AR, LA, MS, TN, W KY, SW IN, S IL, HI, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and limited areas FL and CA

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii AFLATOXIN

RECALLED DOG FOODS: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH SMART PUPPY

PET FOOD COMPANY: Procter & Gamble Company (P&G)

Pet Food Products in the recall:

ONE PRODUCTION LOT of DRY DOG FOOD

with Use By or Expiration Dates of February 5 or February 6, 2013

7 lb bag UPC 1901402305 Code Date 12784177I6
8 lb bag UPC 1901410208 Code Date 12794177D2 and 12794177D3
17.5 lb bag UPC 1901401848 Code Date 12794177K1 and 12794177K2

distributed to a limited number of retailers in Eastern US

AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, SC, VA
RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii AFLATOXIN

– AUGUST 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED DOG FOODS: DOGGIE WISHBONE

PET FOOD COMPANY: MERRICK PET CARE, INC.

Pet Food Products in the recall:

MERRICK DOGGIE WISHBONE PET TREAT Item # 29050,

UPC Code 2280829050, Lot 11031 – Best By Jan 2013
Single lot of 248 cases manufactured/shipped to distributors in 10 states

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans.

– JULY 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED PET FOODS: DRY CAT FOOD

PET FOOD COMPANY: NESTLE PURINA

Pet Food Products in the recall:

PURINA ONE VIBRANT MATURITY 7+ DRY CAT FOOD 3.5 Lb. & 7 lb. Bags

Best By May 2012, Production Code: 03341084 UPC 17800 01885 and

Production Code: 03351084 UPC 17800 01887
Bags from a single run shipped to 12 states in December 2010, then distributed in California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin where the product may have been further distributed to other states

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

– JUNE 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED DOG FOODS: PIG EARS CHEWS

PET FOOD COMPANY: BRAVO

Pet Food Products in the recall:

PIG EARS CHEWS (Bonus Bites) 50 Ct Boxes Bulk Oven Roasted Pig Ears

UPC 75-121 Lot # 12-06-10 – Products Shipped to East and West Coasts

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

RECALLED PET FOODS: DRY CAT FOOD

PET FOOD COMPANY: NESTLE PURINA

Pet Food Products in the recall:

CAT CHOW NATURALS DRY CAT FOOD 6.3 Lb. Bags – Best By Aug 2012
Production Code: 10331083 13 – UPC 17800 11320
FRISKIES GRILLERS BLEND DRY CAT FOOD 3.15 Lb. & 16 lb. Bags – Best By Aug 2012
Production Code: 10381083 06 – UPC 50000 08450 & UPC 5000057578
Approximately 870 bags shipped to Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

– MAY 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED CAT FOOD: FELINE CHICKEN & SALMON
PET FOOD COMPANY: PRIMAL PET FOODS
Pet Food Products in the recall:
CHICKEN & SALMON NUGGETS 4 LB. Package UPC # 8 95135 00025 0 Best By code 043112-17
Products distributed through retail stores in USA.
RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

RECALLED PET FOODS: PIG EARS FOR PET TREATS
PET FOOD COMPANY: KEYS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
Pet Food Products in the recall:
PIG EARS FOR PET TREATS 100 Count Cases Packed in Cardboard
Shipped to distributors in PA, VA, MO, IA, OH, IL, FL, KY, MI, AR, IN, LA, TX, MN

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

RECALLED PET FOODS: DIGGERS NATURAL TREAT PIG EAR PET TREATS
PET FOOD COMPANY: BOSS PET PRODUCTS, INC.
Pet Food Products in the recall:
DIGGERS NATURAL CHEWS PIG EARS
DNC PIG EARS Boxes of 100 UPC #0-72929-00038-6
DNC PIG EARS Boxes of 50 UPC #0-72929-99120-2
DNC PIG EARS Bags 2-Pack shipped in cases of 12 UPC #0-72929-99504-0
DNC PIG EARS Bags 4-Pack shipped in cases of 12 UPC #0-72929-00227-4
DNC PIG EARS Bags 8-Pack shipped in cases of 12 UPC #0-72929-99584-2
Boss Pet Products came from Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Products distributed to these states: MT, CA, WA, OK, TN, NY, KS, OH, TX, MS, AL, OR, UT, IA, MO, IL, IN, LA, MN

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA return product to the place of purchase for a refund.
RECALLED PET FOODS: PRIMETIME PREMIUM PIG EARS, and KC BEEFHIDE
PET FOOD COMPANY: BLACKMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
Pet Food Products in the recall:
PRIMETIME PREMIUM PIG EARS
PP PIG EARS 2 ct. UPC 7-48976-18316-6

PP PIG EARS 5 ct. UPC 7-48976-09040-2.
KC BEEF HIDE ALL Products distributed in KS, MO, NE, and SD

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA

Consumer should return product to the place of purchase for a refund.

– MARCH 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED PET FOODS: JONES NATURAL CHEWS/PIG EARS

PET FOOD COMPANY: JONES NATURAL CHEWS CO.

Pet Food Products In the recall:

JONES NATURAL CHEWS, BLAIN’S FARM & FLEET, COUNTRY BUTCHER DOG CHEWS
JNC PIG EARS 2 PK bag: UPC 741956001047 – LOT 2420

JNC PIG EARS Bulk – 100 CT box: UPC 741956001139 – LOT 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980
JNC PIG EARS Bulk – 50 CT box: UPC 741956001504 – LOT 2490, 2840
JNC PIG EARS Bulk – 25 CT box: UPC 741956001467 – LOT 2700
JNC PIG EARS 1 PK Shrink Wrapped: UPC 741956001146 – LOT 2700, 2840, 2420
JNC PIG EARS 10 PK bag: UPC 741956001405 – LOT 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840

BLAIN’S FARM & FLEET PIG EARS 10 Piece bag: UPC 741956001405 – LOT 2560
COUNTRY BUTCHER DOG CHEWS PIG EARS – UPC 741956001511 – LOT 2630 and UPC 741956001146 – LOT 24200
COUNTRY BUTCHER DOG CHEWS PIG EARS 12 PK BAG: UPC 741956001245 – LOT 2910
Recalled 2705 boxes of Pig Ears shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 in these states: CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, MN, NY, PA, VA, WA, AND WI.

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

– FEBRUARY 2011 PET FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED CAT FOODS: WELLNESS CAT FOOD

PET FOOD COMPANY: WELLPET LLC

Pet Food Products In the recall:

All Cans, all flavors, all sizes, "best by date" Apr 14, 2013 through Sept 30, 2013

Chicken & Herring, all sizes, Best by date 10NOV13 & Best By date 17NOV13
RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT: Possible  ii THIAMINE (VITAMIN B1) Deficiency

– JANUARY 2011 PET & PEOPLE FOOD RECALLS –

RECALLED PEOPLE FOOD: Toxic Waste® brand Nuclear Sludge® Chew Bars

FOOD COMPANY: Circle City Marketing & Dist., dba: Candy Dynamics

ALL FLAVORS, wt. 0.7 oz (20 g) package.  The product is imported from Pakistan.

RECALLED DOG FOODS: JR TEXAS TAFFY PET TREAT

Questions Call: 800-664-7387 M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm CST

PET FOOD COMPANY: MERRICK PET CARE (see Merrick 2010)

Dog Food Products In the recall:

Item # 27077 UPC #02280827077 – All lots up to & including #10364

RECALL REASON/INGREDIENT:  ii SALMONELLA caution: transmittable to humans

 

 

ILLINOIS BREEDERS BEWARE; IT COULD HAPPEN IN ANY STATE SO WATCH OUT!

Please pass this information along to whomever you know that is not yet a
member of IFDCO (Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs and Owners) so that they
will be informed of this action on the part of our state. I never thought I
would live so long to see "armed" escorts needed for dog breeders! Even
those breeders who do not need to be licensed need to have meticulous
records available in case of an investigation. I also question about the
sales tax license being for "general merchandise" . If anyone has a CPA or
tax attorney who can decipher the IL sales tax code please let me know.
IFDCO asked three different CPA’s about this when it first surfaced a few
months ago and received three different answers. The only common advice for
breeders was to keep good records.

While this is news for Illinois, those of you in other states need to be
prepared as well, it’s only a matter of time before this kind of activity
hits your state. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy that our revenue departments and criminal
investigation units have so much extra time on their hands they can afford
to drive to every dog breeder to "investigate" and collect sales tax. Craft
fairs, garage sales and lemonade stands will be next for an armed visit.

Michele Kasten

ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF DOG CLUBS AND OWNERS Legislative Liaison:
Belle City Kennel Club
Schipperke Club of America
Illiana Schipperke Club
Schipperke Club of Greater St. Louis
GSD Club of Southern Illinois
Midwest Schipperke Rescue
Schipperke Club of Greater St. Louis, President and Rescue Chair
President and Co-Founder, Midwest Schipperke Rescue

RESPONSIBLE BREEDER AND RESCUER, PROUD TO DO BOTH!

Permission to cross post:

Attention:

It has happened here in Illinois. A Senior Investigator and her armed
escort from the Illinois Department of Revenue Bureau of Criminal Investigations
has shown up on the door steps of a person who holds a Kennel License in
Illinois demanding to see their dog sales records and accusing them of
criminal wrongdoing. The investigator knew exactly how many dogs this
person had sold in the past 36 months. What they didn’t know is that most of the
dogs sold by this individual were sold to out of state clients, so no sales
tax needed be collected on over 75% of their dog sales. This is not a puppy
mill operation. This is a breeder of over 30 years who has quality dogs,
shows dogs, and has a boarding kennel. They are just like you or I. The
Investigator forced this individual to show up in Springfield, obtain a
sales tax license for the sale of general merchandise and then proceeded to
go thru their records from the Department of Agriculture for the past 3
years. By the end of the day, they had to pay all back sales taxes, fines
and interest on their fines.

We had heard last year that the Illinois Department of Revenue had
requested a list of all individuals who were licensed as dog breeders in
the state from the Department of Agriculture – I guess it is true. This person
was made an example. They were told that they were being made an example
and others would soon follow.

A person at the Department of Revenue told this individual that they had
been instructed to bleed anyone to get money as the state is so broke.

What can you do? If someone knocks on your door and shows you a business
card or a badge, have them wait outside and you should call your accountant
and or your lawyer. Don’t do anything without legal representation. Think
about only selling your dogs out of state – so that no sales tax needs to
be collected. Once they knock on your door, the statue of limitations is 3
years that they can request your records.

Steve Hayden
President, IFDCO

Ohioans:  Write To Your Senators About SB95 

To all Ohioans, pet owners or breeders, who care about being able to buy a purebred dog from a responsible breeder or to breed purebred dogs of excellent quality:  Well it is here, the committee vote on SB95 may be Wednesday, May 26th.  We will not even see the sub bill until it is introduced on Tuesday to know what has been changed and what is still in the bill.  Please look over the following points, change the wording to yours, and please email the following committee members.  Our future is at stake here!!!  The hearing will take place in the Grant Hearing Room (#110) in the Capitol Building in Columbus.  WE AS A GROUP HAVE BEEN APATHETIC; WE CAN NO LONGER IGNORE THE LEGISLATION BEING ENACTED BY SAYING "IT WILL NOT AFFECT ME."  BELIEVE ME, IT WILL AFFECT ALL OF US.  Please attend the hearing if you can as the animal rightists will be out in force.  Meredith

Dear Senator__________:

Please understand our concerns with the following points of SB95:

1) the sub bill, which we have not seen yet, must eliminate the overbearing standards in previous versions;

2) bond money should be returned if charges are dismissed;

3) allow court appeals to take place in the county where the infraction
allegedly occurred instead of forcing breeders to travel to a special court
in Columbus;

4) drop language allowing the new state agency to approve rescue
adoption fees

5) drop language requiring the owners of intact dogs to buy a regular kennel license if those intact dogs are not to be bred.To my understanding the bill defines two types of kennel licenses: a "dog kennel" or  just "kennel" and a "regulated dog breeding kennel." Under current law, all breeders who produce puppies for sale or hunting in Ohio are required to have a kennel license. The current versions of SB 95 requires that all breeders who produce more than 8 litters and sell more than 60 dogs and puppies apply for a license to operate as a "regulated dog breeding kennel." Breeders who produce fewer litters or sell fewer dogs and puppies fall under the definition of "dog kennel" or "kennel." The language specifying that kennel licenses are for breeders who produce puppies for sale or hunting is being changed so that owners of adult dogs "kept for the purpose of breeding" must have a kennel license. A breeding dog is defined as an intact adult dog. Since it is not possible to prove that an intact adult dog is NOT being kept for the purpose of breeding at some future date, it is reasonable to interpret this language as requiring a kennel license for even a single intact dog, bringing the cost of licensing that dog to five times the amount for licensing an altered dog.  This is really an attempt for to enforce mandatory spay/neuter which is NOT part of this bill.

Senator, please look at these points.  We stand for the rights of the show and hobby breeders who do all they can to improve the health and other points of their breeds; with the economy the way it is and all the anti breeding legislation out there, the true, dedicated breeders are stopping their breeding programs and then all that will be left are the substandard breeders.

Senator Jim Hughes (Chair and Bill Sponsor)
Senate Building
Room #038, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5981
Email: SD16@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Jimmy Stewart (Vice-Chair)
Senate Building
Room #040, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Phone: (614) 466-8076
Email: SD20@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Teresa Fedor (Ranking Minority Member)
Statehouse
Room #051, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5204
Email: SD11@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator John Carey
Senate Building
Room #127, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8156
Email: SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Timothy Grendell
Senate Building
Room #042, Ground Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 644-7718
E-mail: SD18@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Ray Miller
Senate Building
Room #228, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-5131
E-mail: rmiller@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Bill Seitz
Senate Building
Room #143, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8068
Email: SD08@senate.state.oh.us

Senator Nina Turner
Senate Building
Room #226, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-4583
Email:
senatorturner@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Senator Mark Wagoner
Senate Building
Room #129, First Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-8060
Email: SD02@senate.state.oh.us

 

Raisins:  with the holiday season upon us, please remember that raisins, even a few, can be fatal to dogs.  Please pass this word along.

Chocolate: while great for hormonal women, chocolate can be fatal to our dogs.  If you have a dog like my Snoop who grazes on top of counter, coffee tables, and pantry shelves, please be very careful of putting chocolate, even in boxes or wrapped in foil, out.  I have used hydrogen peroxide on my Snoop a couple of times now after spotting hershey kisses foil.  Serves him right!  I still have not forgiven him for the missing T bone!  I walked out of the kitchen for only a second on Thanksgiving leaving my unstuffed turkey on the counter only to return and witness Snoop pulling on one wing of the turkey while Wendy has the other. Looked like the turkey was being drawn and quartered.  I almost quartered the both of them!  However, a quick rinse under the sink and the still unblemished turkey was good to be spatchcocked (yes a real word and a real procedure. Go to Martha Stewart’s website and search.  Spatchcocking two turkeys for Thanksgiving almost ended our marriage!)

Snoop, the rescue that came to spend a couple of days and has stayed for over nine years now.  He truly is my pal despite his thieving ways.  Totally devoted to me, he is my constant shadow and would protect the Cavaliers and us if needed.  I just wish he would learn manners, but have given up. I think he was a gypsy dog in a past life.

 

 

 

Coyotes:

Coyotes have been appearing in more and more suburban areas and housing devlopments. Los Angeles is rife with them. Recently a coyote attacked a dog in its yard in Grosse Point, Michigan, a very upscale neighborhood.  Coyotes can scale high fences and have gotten very brazen as their habitat has disappeared and their hunger increased.  Coyotes are like chameleons adapting to any environment.  If you know that there are coyotes in your area, do not let your dogs out by themselves. Even with you there, it only takes a moment for a coyote to snatch a dog or cat.