I recently learned about The Pet Postcard Project while I was researching Nitro’s Law. Nikki Moustaki, who started the site, is also carrying out a campaign in which she plans to eat dog food for one meal a day until Nitro’s Law is passed (she started eating dog food on February 1, 2011).

With The Pet Postcard Project, postcards equal food for animals in shelters and rescues. You make postcards and for each postcard turned in, a pet food company agrees to pledge a certain amount of food to shelters and rescues. “Spokesdogs” or “Spokescats” (groups of people, represented by a cute furry face, such as Girl Scout Troops, clubs, or other organizations) choose a shelter that they want to receive the food and they ask others to help them send in as many postcards as possible.

Your postcards could also help you win cool prizes! Read the contest guidelines HERE.

The postcards are homemade by YOU and must feature a dog or cat in your life. They also must include a “funny, heartwarming, or profound” sentiment. The cards are in one of four categories: confessions/secrets, advice, wishes, or “you know you love your dog/cat when…” Once you have made your postcard, you mail it in an envelope to The Pet Postcard Project, 676A Ninth Ave. #321, New York, NY 10036.

To read the complete guidelines on how to make postcards, go HERE.

Some of the winning postcards also get featured on the web site, so if you are creative, get cracking to help feed hungry animals.

Nitro’s Law (now called HB 108) is a very important animal cruelty law waiting for passage in Ohio. The proposed law acts to create felony provisions for certain types of animal cruelty or provide felony-level penalties even if the crime is not specifically deemed a felony. Sadly, most of Ohio’s animal abuse laws are very outdated and only charge misdemeanor penalties for even the most disgusting animal cruelty.

Nitro’s Law was introduced after 15 dogs were found dead or dying at the High Caliber K-9 boarding kennel near Youngstown in October 2008. One of the dogs that was starved to death was a gentle Rottweiler named Nitro who had been left at the kennel by his beloved family while they helped an ill family member. The owner of the kennel, Steve Croley, received a plea agreement and pled guilty to four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, serving only four months in jail.

Because of this shockingly minor penalty for such a horrendous crime, Nitro’s Law was introduced and is still trying to make its ways through the halls of justice.

The Ohio Criminal Justice Committee held their second hearing about Nitro’s Law on Wednesday, April 6. It is now hoped, after this meeting, that Nitro’s Law will be out of the House and on to the Senate before Easter.

Speaking to the Committee, Nitro’s dad, Tom, said, “Nitro was not a democrat, republican, liberal, or conservative….he was my boy.”

Please continue to write your Ohio representatives and tell them to support this very important animal cruelty legislation. To find your representative, go HERE.

To read more about Nitro’s Law, please visit the Nitro Foundation web site, HERE.

You can also read Dr. Patrick Mahaney’s blog HERE and watch his YouTube video where he eats dog food to show his support of Nitro’s Law. He got this idea from Nikki Moustaki, a dog trainer, who posted a video diary of herself eating dog food and plans to continue eating dog food (she started on February 1, 2011) until Nitro’s Law is passed. Read about her campaign HERE.

Additionally, visit the Nitro Foundation on Facebook and the Nitro Fan page by clicking HERE.

No more dogs should die in Ohio from such disturbing abuse. The only way to stop the cruelty is to make our laws harsh enough that the abusers truly are punished for their actions, so others will think twice knowing there are consequences for their despicable deeds.

I had a posting to Facebook today from Mary O’Connor-Shaver who is working to end the puppy mill dog auctions here in Ohio. As many of you know, Mary and her friends at the Coalition to Ban Dog Auctions are trying to get an initiative on the 2011 ballot to prevent dog auctions in Ohio. Volunteers are gathering signatures before the December 1, 2010 deadline to introduce this measure to Ohio voters. 120,700 signatures are needed. As of June 30, only 19,358 signatures had been collected.

We collected signatures at the garage sale we had in July and we’ve also been collecting signatures at our adoption events.

You can read a very nice article in USA Today about “Animal Activists,” including Mary O’ Connor-Shaver: USA Today article

A meeting at BarkPark on Saturday, October 2, will allow people from Delaware and Franklin counties, as well as the surrounding areas, to learn more about the initiative to ban dog auctions and how to go about gathering the signatures that are needed to present this to voters in 2011. The meeting is being hosted by Lenny and Marcia Perry Rhoades at BarkPark from 1-3 pm. If you would like to attend, you must RSVP by Friday, October 1.

Here is the information that Mary sent, which includes an agenda for the day:

“Subject: Delaware County – Coalition Meeting on the Ohio Dog Auctions Act

“Marcia Perry Rhoades, who with her husband Lenny, are huge animal lovers and supporters of Central Ohio’s humane community. Marcia and Lenny have graciously agreed to host our Delaware/Franklin counties – Coalition Meeting on the Ohio Dog Auctions Act on their private property, BarkPark.

“Through the generous donations of their members and supporters, BarkPark reached their one million dollar goal in the summer of 2009. 100% of the funds raised through BarkPark were donated to 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organizations to aid in their effort to save animals and educate the public.

“(Click here to visit the beautiful grounds of their residence)
BARKPARK Photos

“DATE:
Sat., October 2, 2010
(R.S.V.P. by Fri., October 1, 2010)

“TIME:
1-3:00 PM EST

“LOCATION:
Bark Park
6755 Merchant Road
Delaware, OH 43215

“TARGET AUDIENCE:

“Registered voters in Delaware and Franklin counties who have an interest in supporting the Initiative Petition (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) to ban dog auctions and raffles in Ohio.

“GOALS:
Introduce the team who have been instrumental in leading and supporting the ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) campaign for Delaware and Franklin counties.

“Provide attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue on the proposed legislation.

“Provide materials and training for supporters interested in serving as Petition Circulators.

“SCHEDULE:

“1:00 PM
Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members for Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions and Special Guests

“Marica Perry Rhoades – Founder and Owner of Bark Park

“1:15 PM
Review of Ballot Initiative Campaign – 2009 Results and 2010 Re-Launch

“Mary O’Connor-Shaver – Treasurer, Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions

“1:30 PM
Review of Initiative Petition – Ohio Dog Auctions Act

“Mary O’Connor-Shaver – Treasurer, Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions

“1:45 PM
Q&A

“Committee Members, Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions

“2:15 PM
Closing

“Marica Perry Rhoades – Founder and Owner of Bark Park

“2:30 PM
Training Session for Petition Circulators

“Veronica Dickey – Committee Member, Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions”

To RSVP that you will be attending this meeting, join Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions on Facebook and become friends with Mary Shaver, so you can send a message to let her know you will be attending this.

On Tuesday, July 6, In Defense of Animals (IDA) is asking everyone to join together for an International Day of Action for South Korean Dogs. South Korean dogs are slaughtered and eaten and kept in horrible conditions.

I won’t get too graphic in this article, because my focus has always been to keep animal issues positive. I think many of us who love animals get burnt out and deeply distressed after seeing so many horrible photos and videos of animals in peril. Often, I think, the very people we want to educate are turned off by gruesome pictures. While there is a place for these kinds of things, it is not here on my blog, which I want to keep as a safe zone where people want to visit. I know I cannot force myself to look at photos of animals in pain. The images flash back in my mind over and over and I have nightmares.

So I am just asking you to keep the South Korean dogs in your thoughts on July 6. These dogs suffer endlessly as there is a belief that the more pain and torture the dogs go through prior to death, the more “virility” a man obtains from eating the meat.

To read more about the International Day of Action for South Korean Dogs, visit IDA’s blog site: Help South Korean Dogs

If you can stomach the photos, there are images of a dramatic rescue of some of these dogs on IDA’s site.

On July 6, please join activists around the world and send good thoughts and much love to the South Korean dogs.

Additionally, you can sign a petition to express your concern and ask that these dogs stop being tortured: Stop Killing Dogs Petition

The groups, United Dogs and Cats joined with Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA), responsible for this petition are trying to gather one million signatures to present to the South Korean government. They are about halfway there, so please add your signature, as well.

To learn more about IDA and other issues they support, you can also visit their web site: In Defense of Animals

McKenzie’s Law is named for the little Scottish Terrier in the picture above, who is a “puppy mill survivor.” This law is being sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Grossman, who is working with SK 9 Scotties, the Animal Law Coalition, and the people across Ohio who are trying to stop dog auctions and puppy mills by getting initiatives on ballots for voters. 

This potential law needs our support and you can give it by downloading and signing the Endorsement Form for McKenzie’s Law (the link is at the end of this posting).

In an email from Mary Shaver, who is leading the movement to stop Ohio dog auctions, she explained the benefits of McKenzie’s Law:

“WHY MCKENZIE’S LAW SHOULD PASS:

“There are less than 200 Ohio commercial dog breeding kennels licensed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, but there are hundreds more of these facilities in the state. Kennels that sell dogs directly to the public through ads or over the internet are not regulated by USDA and more are coming to Ohio each year. One commercial dog breeder claims in his county, Holmes County, the puppy mill industry earns $9 million annually. That is in just one Ohio County. The state and local government did not receive, however, tax revenue from those sales of dogs.

“BENEFITS OF MCKENZIE’S LAW

“(1) would use the present government entities, eliminating any additional cost to state and county government.

“(2) bring tax revenue into the State of Ohio and into county and city government as well.

“(3) will ensure the state and local government receive their share of tax revenues from these business.

“(4) allows state and local government to monitor and regulate commercial dog breeders ensuring tax revenues are collected.

“(5) limits commercial breeders to 50 breeding dogs which will make enforcement of standards possible and could reduce costs to county and city shelters.

“(6) protects hobby breeders.

“(7) protects reputable commercial dog breeders.

“(8) protects the consumer from commercial dog breeders or pet stores that sell puppies that are sick, diseased or have congenital defects or behavior problems.

“(9) requires all commercial kennels with more than five (5) breeding dogs to meet minimum standards of care.

“(10) does not have complicated, expensive state licensing and registration scheming.

“(11) restricts one kennel per property address.

“(12) would improve breeding dogs living conditions.

“(13) would require all commercial breeders obtain a business vendors license and report and pay sales tax on revenues collected on the sales. (ORC 5739.01 (B) (1) and ORC 5701.03 (A).

“(14) would require any Ohio commercials dog breeder with five (5) breeding dogs to obtain a local kennel license or zoning permit.

“(15) would eliminate dog auctions (WOOHOO!)

“(16) would provide for broad enforcement and cross-reporting 

“We are excited about McKenzie’s Law and feel confident the proposed legislation will end the suffering of the dogs, however we need your support! 

“Please take a moment and download the Endorsement Form available by visiting: http://www.facebook.com/l/870e7wrXy199CH81TX7hF8Ngb-g;www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1106.”

You can also read more about this law on The Animal Law Coalition’s Site. McKenzie’s Law is just one more step in the journey to stop puppy mills. 

Please download the Endorsement Form, fill it out, and send it back in. Changing our legislation can help thousands of animals.

I just had really good news from Kellie DiFrischia who works on puppy mill issues for Columbus Dog Connection. The Puppy Mill Bill, Senate Bill 95, passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee by a vote of 7 to 1. This bill has been around for four years and it has never made it this far. 

Senate Bill 95 would regulate kennels that produce at least nine litters of puppies and sell sixty or more dogs in a year. It would also create a new Kennel Control Authority Board to regulate the law and conduct inspections to hopefully stop the mistreatment of dogs and puppies in “puppy mills.” 

The next step according to Kellie is to bring the bill to the Senate Floor for a vote. Kellie is hoping that with enough public outcry, the bill can reach the floor this week or next. To do that, requires participation by everyone reading this. 

To push the bill closer to being a law, Kellie is asking that everyone send an email or make a call to ask that the bill continue to move and reach the full Senate this week. Please ask your State Senator to get the bill to the Senate Floor and vote YES for Senate Bill 95 (aka: “the Puppy Mill Bill”).  This bill is co-sponsored by Senators Hughes and Cates. 

Please copy Senate President Bill Harris on any emails to your Senator, as Senator Harris will decide which bills are heard on the Senate Floor. Senate President Harris can be emailed at: SD19@senate.state.oh.us

Kellie also advises that if you email or call to include your land mail address so the senators will know that you live in their district and are a constituent. 

To find your State Senator by zip code: www.OhioSenate.gov

This is a complete listing of Senate Members and their emails:

Senate Members

Steve Buehrer,   SD01@senate.state.oh.us,

Mark Wagoner,   SD02@senate.state.oh.us

David Goodman,   SD03@senate.state.oh.us

Gary Cates,      SD04@senate.state.oh.us

Fred Strahorn,  SD05@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Jon Husted,     SD06@senate.state.oh.us

Shannon Jones,   SD07@senate.state.oh.us

Bill Seitz,         SD08@senate.state.oh.us

Eric Kearney,   SD09@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Chris Widener,  SD10@senate.state.oh.us

Teresa Fedor,    SD11@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Keith Faber,     SD12@senate.state.oh.us

Sue Morano,    SD13@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Tom Niehaus,   SD14@senate.state.oh.us

Ray Miller,      SD15@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Jim Hughes,   SD16@senate.state.oh.us

John Carey,    SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Tim Grendell,  SD18@senate.state.oh.us

Bill Harris,       SD19@senate.state.oh.us

Jimmy Stewart,  SD20@senate.state.oh.us

Shirley Smith,   SD21@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Bob Gibbs,      SD22@senate.state.oh.us

Dale Miller,     SD23@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Tom Patton,   SD24@senate.state.oh.us 

Nina Turner,   SD25@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Karen Gillmor,   SD26@senate.state.oh.us

Kevin Goughlin,  SD27@senate.state.oh.us

Tom Sawyer,    SD28@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Kirk Schuring,  SD29@senate.state.oh.us

Jason Wilson,  SD30@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Tim Schaffer,   SD31@senate.state.oh.us

Capri Cafaro,   SD32@maild.sen.state.oh.us

Joe Schiavoni,  SD33@maild.sen.state.oh.us

The Ohio House of Representatives Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will have a hearing for H. B. 79 on Wednesday, April 14, at 9:30 am in the Statehouse in Columbus, Room 18. H. B. 79 would repeal the Ohio law that defines pit bulls as “vicious” simply because of their breed.

If you can attend the hearing, please do, as we need to overturn this breed discrimination law in Ohio. If you cannot attend, please write, call, or fax the committee members and ask them to vote YES on H. B. 79. To find info on the committee members, go to: Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

To find out more about H. B. 79, please visit: Animal Law Coalition

Please take the time to contact the Committee members and urge them to Vote YES!