Dog breeders: We’re not being heard

The last thing we need in Maine is more government regulation and higher fees (taxes)! Too many State officials want to control everything they can get their hands on. Maine is a small, poor State; we can't afford to have State officials micro-manage everything.

Norma Worley is the best thing that has ever happened to the Animal Welfare Department in the state of Maine. She is fair, open minded, and has the welfare of the animals as her number one priority. Far too long the state of Maine has allowed any Tom, Dick or Harry to add to the animal over population problem in the state without the ability to enforce extremely good legislation due to under funding. In this state right now there are several thousand animals that do not have homes, hundreds of rescue groups attempting to re-home breed specific pets, and still back yard breeders continue to overbreed their animals, many of them for just one reason, money. There are certainly some excellent breeders who simply want to maintain a good blood line, have excellent veterinary partners, don't have hundreds of breeding bitches confined to horrible conditions; however, there are far too many situations were dozens of dogs are housed in filthy conditions, are not house broken, socialized, provided veterinary care, and are simply used as a "cash cow" for their owners. When dogs are literally dying for lack of quality care, then the state NEEDS to step in and enforce the animal welfare laws. Kudos to Norma Worley and her entire team. It is a thankless job, a heartbreaking job, but she is the voice of the animals and we should support her and her department for the good work that they do.

I can't believe the lies Norma tells in her comments in response to the reporter. More of her "grandstanding" . I saw the slide presentation that Norma herself showed to the Agricultural committee in one of the work session last spring. The dogs at Buxton were not dying at their feet. Indeed, far from it. A few dogs needed medical attention, but it wasn't even close to a live or die .situation.. I am sure you could find equal problems if you raided a group of dogs at a dog park. I suspect the Buxton Kennel owners would have worked with the state to improve if needed, But Worley never gave that a chance. She needed a big headline to further her agenda. So often, the problems with dogs in Maine, and the rest of the US would be much improved with the less expensive and the more humane process of some basic education and help, rather that swooping in and grabbing all the animals and making it a criminal case for. It looks like she wants big headlines rather than helping the good people of Maine. Her California tactics mistakes should not be allowed to continue in Maine

I also wonder why the largest part of animal welfare is primarily supported by the responsible dog owners, thus she proposes raising our fees so much. What about using existing laws and expand compliance. There are less expensive and less intrusive ways to support animals welfare. I also wonder why she is afraid to spread the expense to other animals owners, such as horses, cats and other pets. If everything that needs a rabies shot paid a small fee, say $1.00, the AW dept. just might find itself with sufficient monies without trying to make responsible dog owners support the whole budget.

Kathy Wilson

The fact that Maine is a small, poor state does not release us from our responsibility to ensure the welfare of the animals we keep in our homes, kennels, and farms. I am pleased that some of my dog licensing fees are also helping other domestic and captive animals in our state. Since Norma Worley came on the scene, Maine has become a safer place for pets, we are a model for other states that have not progressed as far as we have, thanks to Norma Worley. I will be more than happy to pay more to license my own pet dogs if I know the extra money will help Worley carry on her work.

With the amount of license fees is just going to cause more and more strays. I personally will keep up with all the health requirements but I`ll be dammed if they are going to increase the fees to such a stupid amount. I`m suprised the don`t want cat licenses. People are worried about heating their homes and she is worried about herself. The people of Maine have to say enough is enough and no more. With fees like this owners just won`t be able to go to the vets as often. If anything just worry if they are being taken care of and forget the fees

Responsible, ethical dog breeders not only possess the knowledge, the expertise, the ability to be an important part of the solution of the problems that the Animal Welfare Department face - but they have the HEART and the passion to work fairly with all concerned. To suggest that the dog community, clubs, etc. are at odds with each other is a true fallacy with implications that indicate a lack of realistic understanding of just how very deeply connected this community is to the animals it loves and cares for, as well as the people who own and care for them. There is in fact, an ever growing connection among responsible animal owners of every species within this state who understand the need to remain united and supportive of each other, regardless of which breed, (mixed OR purebred) which club, or even which animal happens to be the subject of concern. Unfortunately, this is the one community that has been overlooked and consequently feels excluded at all levels concerning the development of fair solutions to problems the Animal Welfare Department faces. Shelters, rescue groups, humane societies, breeders, dog clubs, and all animal owners want to stand alongside of the AWD. It has appeared however, that Ms. Worley is only interested in working with a specific sector of this community to the exclusion of all others.

There is no such thing as a "pet overpopulation problem" in Maine or the entire northeastern US. There has not been an "overpopulation" problem for many years. The myth of "overpopulation" is perpertrated by the radical "animal advocacy" groups such as the Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. These "animal advocacy" groups are extreme in their beliefs and seek to end all use and ownership of animals. If there is an "overpopulation" problem, why are the impoundment facities in Maine importing dogs from other states and other countries?

No one is saying that anyone should be released "from our responsibility to ensure the welfare of animals." Existing laws are more than adequate in addressing this issue. More laws that are increasingly restrictive against repsonsible animal owners are not the appropriate solution. Laws that erode and/or ignore our constitutional rights make all citizens suffer.

If you "are more than happy to pay more to license" your dogs, will you pay everyone's increases, too? Be my guest and pay mine while you're at it.

I'm pleased this discussion is taking place. It needs to happen.

I hope that Mr. Kitchner is sucessful in his efforts to keep our fees for owning dogs down, I think the idea of raising a rabies shot by $1.00 for all animals may help, but to put the entire cost on dog owners, who are responsible enough to licence their 4 legged friends is unfair and adding government control and regulation where it is not needed. I will help any animal that needs help, but I do not think it should be mandatory.Many older retired folks can barely take care of themselves, financially, are we going to make it more of a burden for them to have a faithful companion in their later years. The $1.00 fee on all pets would not be as much of a burden, plus it is fair that all animals pay this to help all animals, not to just single out dog owners. Go Mr. Kitchner

With the passage of LD 2171 in July 2008, Maine passed some of the most restrictive animal laws in the United States. While you are entitled to your opinion if you think that's a good thing, I do not think it's anything to be proud of.

It seems disingenuous of Ms. Worley to talk about dissention among dog breeders when she prepared legislation for the next session without input from her

"stakeholders," who are investing time and energy in the process, while believing that their opinions will be heard. She is driving a wedge between her department and Maine's many ethical breeders. To what end? The vast majority of us perform rescue routinely, without pay, and without reimbursement for our expenses. We do it because we love dogs and care about them. We have common goals -- why does Ms. Worley try to keep us out of the process? We have plenty of laws, and the Buxton seizure, if justified, showed that the laws work. Why do we need additional layers of regulations, and increased fees to support them? And if Ms. Worley is interested in increasing fee income, why not enforce existing dog licensing laws? Vets must report all rabies vaccinations to authorities, providing a means of finding unlicensed dogs. I've heard that only 40% of Maine's dogs are licensed. Why not enforce this existing law, thus increasing income for her dept.? We don't need more laws, we just need fair enforcement. The new legislation would allow the seizure of property (and yes, dogs are property under the law) without a warrant. That's dangerous, and unconstitutional. Don't let it happen in Maine.

"There is no such thing as a "pet overpopulation problem" in Maine or the entire northeastern US. There has not been an "overpopulation" problem for many years. The myth of "overpopulation" is perpertrated by the radical "animal advocacy" groups such as the Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. These "animal advocacy" groups are extreme in their beliefs and seek to end all use and ownership of animals. If there is an "overpopulation" problem, why are the impoundment facities in Maine importing dogs from other states and other countries?"

Where do you live? In a cave? I work with rescue.. you would be amazed at the number of animals that are out there - discarded becasue they are too much trouble or "we can't be bothered anymore", etc - SPAY/NEUTER and there would be less overpopulation.. but it can't be enforced if laws don't provide regulations and penalties. You think Maine has strict laws? That's incorrect... Pennsylvania - notorious for puppy mills has just passed a law that has been long awaited to enforce and restrict the cruelty that animals are kept in... just for the almighty dollar. And how you can include the Humane Society with PETA is beyond me.... there is no comparison except they are all people... period.

"These "animal advocacy" groups are extreme in their beliefs and seek to end all use and ownership of animals." You have got to be kidding.. I agree to the fact that PETA is extreme... but the Humane Society? All they do is try to make sure that if you have animals.. you TAKE PROPER CARE OF THEM! How about I show you some pictures of the dogs we've rescued from so called "competent owners"... if you can stomach it.

"So often, the problems with dogs in Maine, and the rest of the US would be much improved with the less expensive and the more humane process of some basic education and help, rather that swooping in and grabbing all the animals and making it a criminal case for."

Go out and try to educate people on care of animals.. spaying and neutering, proper housing, etc... and see how far you get. Don't you think that education is being done? I guess you don't get the same emails I do of all the conferences and meetings being held all over the state.. and unless you work with the animal welfare agents or AWS and other rescue groups.. how would you know that some of the animals weren't in terrible shape? And how many notices and warnings are supposed to be given to people BEFORE action is taken to get dogs out of terrible situations? Are you of the opinion that animals are merely dumb creatures put here for our own pleasure and easily cast aside when it's no longer beneficial to us to have them?

This country has become a disposable society... whenyou are tired of it - toss it out... even if it's a living breathing feeling animal!

Norma Worley may not do everything right all the time.... who among us does? But she is trying to improve conditions for animals in this state.... there will always be responsible pet owners and irresponsible ones.. does that mean that the responsible ones won't take up the banner adn help out - no matter what? I for one will...

It is important to understand that the Humane Society of the United States is not a local Maine organization. It is a large animal rights organization that may have Humane in its name but that operates no animal shelters in Maine or elsewhere. They do place a paid lobbyist in nearly every state. Strange that their paid employee is a member of the Maine task force! Shouldn't this be Maine people instead of out of state groups? The people at the top of HSU$ are all about fund raising. They are also mostly if not all vegans. It is a no-animal-use organization. I personally view HSUS the same as PETA only in a suit coat. Good Maine sheltering and humane groups should never be confused with HSUS.

The problem isn't the laws that are in place. The problem is that they are not evenly enforced. The only thing more stringent laws will accomplish is to punish the people who are already responsible dog owners. Those who don't bother to license their dogs now certainly won't when the fee is raised. Likewise with placing more restrictions on breeders -- it will only affect those who are already responsible and conscientious. Backyard breeders and puppy mills will continue with their nefarious ways by shirking the laws, just as they do now. If we're going to fix the problem, we need to educate John Q. Public about where to get a dog. If people know better than to buy from a BYB or puppy miller, then they'll have no reason to keep breeding inferior quality pets -- there will be no more money coming in.

There are several common sense suggestions for saving money at the AWD. One suggestion, is to impose a tax on every animal in Maine. The second suggestion, is to work with people who have problems with animal ownership. This use to be the accepted method, and worked rather well. The state would certainly save a lot of money, especially since many of the recent seizures have resulted in lawsuits against the state. This is extremely expensive for taxpayers. The third suggestion is to utilize the local/town animal welfare officers. In many towns, these officers are often the local police. There is training in Augusta for AWO. Why does the state need to add more AWO to the state rosters? The local police are also quite knowledgeable of the people in these small towns, and again, would be in a better position to determine "probable cause", and offer help and support.

The unintended consequences are only going to result in more problems for the state: people not licensing dogs in even bigger numbers, people not obtaining their rabies shots, which is happening more frequently, driving more people underground to breed and sell dogs, often resulting in very poor quality pups. More and more monies will be needed, funded by a smaller number of taxpayers, to support an ever-growing agency in the state of Maine. This is a great example of government getting bigger and bigger.

I think the crux of the Maine’s Animal Welfare Program is their heavy dependence on only on a single tool to address animal welfare concerns, a very expensive tool; seizure. The AWP’s heavy reliance, almost to exclusivity, on the use of seizures has put the Program heavily in debt. The AWP is now turning to law abiding dog owners and small businesses (boarding kennels, pet shops) to bail them out the mismanagement.

There are times when seizure is necessary, as when there is eminent threat to life, but in more than one instance the AWP has seized animals, which while not in ideal conditions, could have been treated on site or kept on site until more suitable homes could be arranged. Some may argue that the AWP doesn’t have the staff to provide one on one support to such cases; I question how they can not when they just over spent their budget by over $660,000? How many staff would that amount of money support?

Before the AWP should be granted any bailout, there should be a demand for accountability and transparency. The Program should work with various stakeholders to develop a protocol to ensure not only the safety and welfare of Maine’s animals, but the wise and judicious use of their financial resources. It is painfully obvious that there is a need to change how businesses is handled at the AWP, and until assurances can be provided to law abiding dog owners and small businesses that their money will be more wisely used, no increases in fees should even be considered.

To say the dogs were not "that" sick at the Buxton location is an insult to the vets who worked on this case. Coccidia, mange, gardia..... in 50-60 dogs is not a health issue, in whose book? Have you ever tried to educate or talk with some of these backyard breeders on a rescue? They can look at a clearly sick and disease animal, then look you right in your face and tell you they see nothing wrong. I wish there was not a "rescue" issue in this state. I could save my time and gas money on monthly trips for my breed alone. Maine has turned a blind eye to its puppy mill situation too long. It has become the norm for most to see the pages and pages of puppies for sale in Uncle Henry's without really thinking, where are all these breeders and what happens to all these puppies? I commented years ago to Norma when she thought she was making headway in our state, you have not seen the iceburg yet! I think she has it now. Do I want to pay more to register my dogs - no. Would I like to see the animal control officer positions in our towns taken more seriously - most definitely. I think you get the 60% who do not register to follow the law, and we would be resolving alot of the money issue right there.

I have read the 13 page rewrite of the AW CHapter 19. In this re-write there are many revisions and definitions relating to pet shops and pet supply stores. In this one section alone would lumb all business selling pet supplies (no live animals) subject to increase licensing fees that pertain to stores that sell live animals. Small owner operated business would be OUT of business. Unlawful search and seizure of your family pet without due process (ready 4th Amendment here) would be allowed in this re-write. Facility licensing would double or triple for those who already operate within existing laws. Kennel licenses for multi-dog households would only be for those housing 10 or less dogs - go over that figure by one dog and you would have to purchase another kennel license. Fees would be going up from 42 to 75 dollars per kennel license. Most conscientious breeders - breed once a year or once every 2 years.

Also the program SPAY/NEUTER Maine - is OUT of funds to help lower income people spay and neuter their pets. Where did that money go?

The AWP is over budget - however - WHY must DOG owners and breeders bear the total costs of funding this department?

People that advertise puppies for sale MUST purchase a Vendor License payable to the State prior to publication in newspapers or Swap Sell guides.

Also the AWP has gotten the State of Maine to appove a special License Plate (to help fund the AWP) that you can put on your vehicle.

Many years ago (Before Norma Worley) the AWP attempted to levy a ONE CENT tax on ALL Animal feeds to fund the AWP - which was resouldly defeated by Maine voters.

The responsible ethical animal breeders and animal owners in Maine want to be part of the animal welfare solution; we are not nor have we ever been part of the problem! We abide by the laws, we vaccinate our animals and give them good food and shelter. Why will we be the people who will have to bail out the Animal Welfare Department for going over budget by over $500,000? Where is the accountability, who oversees these department heads?

It is typical that the blame for the “gridlocked” task force would be placed on the breeders. It’s spin doctoring at its best, as breeders we have 2 representatives on the task force, hardly a majority. If there was gridlock best to see where the problem really lies and fix the problem not the blame.

We do not need more government, laws or more state employees. What we do need is for the existing laws to be enforced in a fair and equitable way by well trained professional law enforcement officers.

Those of us who choose to breed ethically and responsibly need to continue to educate our buyers and the public, tell them that we volunteer our time, resources and expertise to our communities and to rescue wherever we can. We contribute to the economy with our animals and the activities we attend. We are not the enemy.

Blindsided again! Dog breeders have just been alerted to the NEW Animal Welfare Breeders Application, on the downloads at their website. There is information being requested of dog breeders which is intrusive, and UNCONSTITUTIONAL. The state asks for driver's liscense, sales tax id, criminal past, shot & worming schedules, drugs, vets names and addresses, out of state information, etc. Who developed this application, and WHY? There needs to be serious questions and answers from our legislators. Again, dog breeders have been totally left out of the process. This is a tactic that is wearing very very thin. It does nothing but create bitterness, and division.

This has been an extremely interesting exchange of ideas. First of all, it seems that dog breeders are the only businessowners out there who do not believe fees related to their business should support oversight of their business. If you apply for a liquor license, you pay a lot of money, and I mean a LOT of money for a license. The license fee supports the cost of the agents who enforce the rules. If you buy a workers compensation policy you pay a FEE to support the workers compensation commission. In almost every area of our lives there are fees that are assessed to the users of a service. But for some reason dog breeders think they are exempt from these fees, regulations, etc. I'd like to see the IRS get involved in this issue to see how many of these breeders actually report their entire income every year. I know there are good legitimate breeders, I know many of them personally. Most that I know abide by the rules and have absolutely no problem with new legislation because they are already doing everything by the book anyway. The ones who complain seem to be the ones who prefer to fall through the cracks !

Second of all, 9 million animals are euthanized in this country every year. Any person who says there is not a pet overpopulation problem needs to spend a year working in an animal shelter, any animal shelter, any town, any state. Stand with the staff who works for months to place a beautiful well trained dog and ends up in the back room, tears streaming down their faces, as they gently put this animal to sleep. No overpopulation problems? Come on.

Third of all, for the person who would not be willing to pay $20 a year to license their dog - you probably shouldn't have a dog. I bet you pay $20 a week for coffee at the local drive thru.

Fourth - for anybody who thinks you can educate these people, you are seriously misinformed. I have yet to see a case where an owner will even admit there is something wrong with their animal, let alone admit that they can improve their animals' condition with "education".

And animal control? Get serious - most towns do not properly fund animal control, they consider them a necessary evil, mandated by the state, forced upon them. In the northern part of the state most ACO's don't make $1000 a year, they have no equipment, no uniforms, and guess what, most of them do not want to seize animals from people they go to Church with or see in the grocery store so most of the cases are just ignored. If you want something done to protect the animal, you must call the state. The state IS underfunded, there are NOT enough state humane agents, and until the legislature realizes that this is a serious health issue to the community and resolves to fund this department through means other than dog licenses, kennel licenses and other pet related fees, this is the only way to bring money into the system to help protect those who cannot protect themselves. Norma Worley and all her staff are the voice of the animals. God Bless them for all they do.

Cassie,

Yes, this is an interesting exchange of ideas, and let's hope we can keep the dialogue open.

There are several issues with licensing. Very few dog breeders break even financially. In order to operate a profit -making dog breeding business, one must have a large-scale business, like those USDA kennels in the midwest, with literally 100's of dogs. The hobby breeders in Maine, almost all, lose money per litter. Just for an example, look at a typical cost analysis: food ($1,000's depending on the amount of dogs, but at least $100 per month for a small kennel of perhaps 4 or 5 dogs); vet care (this cost is variable, but a basic vet visit now, runs about $50, so multiply that per dog, for routine care. Then add in the HIGH cost of a problem. The average c section costs about $1,000+. Vet costs can run a kennel, easily $5,000+); show or exhibition costs - again, this runs in the thousands. A National Specialty show usually costs around $1500 with hotel, entry, grooming, food, etc, more with more dogs exhibiting); Grooming costs $25-100 per session. The costs of obtaining new dogs for one's kennel is high, depending on breed, and where obtained. Costs of whelping, feeding, raising a litter easily runs in the $100's if not $1,000 depending on breed. Most hobby breeders are not incorporated as a business, as it is next to impossible to make any money. If they added "Labor" costs to the picture, then most operate deeply in the red. This is why there has been exemptions for hobbyist in the past, by the IRS. This is why most breeders do not consider themselves a business. And if most kennels do become a business, and pay taxes, then they are forced to show a profit every few years, regardless of making a profit, or they will be audited. It is a catch 22 for most breeders. Some do run their kennels as a business, some don't.

Even backyard breeders who don't show/exhibit, will rarely break even.

Horse breeding is another good example of running an animal business. Most can not make a profit within the 7 yrs, and must fold. Only the BIG horse stables, syndicates basically, with shares bought, can operate at a profit.

The reality of the cracks, is that there are none. No money is really being made here. Just look at the figures. And, there are zero USDA dog kennels in Maine. Compare that to Missouri, where last recorded, there were over 10,000 USDA kennels!!!!!

Ethical dog breeders do rescue. Ethical dog breeders also require any dog produced by them, be returned if no longer wanted. Yes, there are some breeders who do not take back. Yes, there are tragic stories about neglected animals. 9 Million though, from some reports, may be an inflated picture. It is obvious in Maine, that importation of dogs from the south has been needed to fill the rescue operations. Cats are a different issue. And now that rescues are requiring spay/neuter prior to placing a cat, many people will not spend $100 plus for the spay/neuter, and shots,etc. My vet is overrun with cats/kittens, as people are simply not going to adopt at these prices.

The $20 dog fee, read TAX, is unacceptable. As I put forth earlier, tax every animal. Dogs should not have to shoulder the burden of all animal seizures in the state. If this were done, the $20 dog TAX would drop sharply. This is pure discrimination.

I have lived and worked in Washington County for over 30 yrs. I find your statements about local animal control agents to be off the mark. All I have known, have cared, and worked with people and animal problems. I am familiar with many situations over the years in this county. The local vets and agents have worked well together to correct problems. This is a good example of not growing government. There is training in Augusta, and they all must attend. Most are police officers and do a fine job. Why grow government, which is inefficient at best, when it works locally. The same case can be made for the jails and the schools in this state as well. There is a movement afoot, to grow government, and centralize it in Augusta.

Education is admitedly difficult. The same holds true of children, and child rearing in this state,and all states as well. How much should government be rearing our children, or saying something is wrong with our animals? There are many theories that are legitimate. Just to throw out an example, there is a movement in both the human and animal sector about vaccinations. Too many is the word of late. Now, this can be debated on many levels. The point here is that if the state feels a dog should have a vaccination for distemper at 6 weeks, this will go afoul of the latest scientific findings that 8 or 9 weeks is better for the immune system. This is the direction we are headed in with more and more and more regulation. The government needs to work with us, not against us, and this is not happening.

All dog lovers, please take a minute to research the issue of Animal Rights (AR) - vs. Animal Welfare - the former of which describes the beliefs of radicals who believe that any pet owner is guilty of "animal cruelty" just because they own and love an animal. The latter term - Animal Welfare - is the concern of all real animal lovers who want animals to be cared for humanely and to have their needs provided for - adequate food, shelter, exercise and companionship for companion animals. Recent tactics employed by the Maine Animal Welfare Department have not been aimed at the welfare of the animals involved. Instead, "spin" about those actions has blown the issues involved out of proportion, causing innocent dog lovers in the state to believe that we have a widespread problem. PLEASE, DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THESE MISLEADING TACTICS. They are meant to divide the opinions of true animal lovers, genuinely concerned about animal welfare, into two "camps". In the meantime the Animal Welfare Department is preparing to drastically change current law to penalize " the "good guys" - pet owners and small breeders who love their breed, their dogs, and dogs in general, and who are caring, responsible owners and breeders, for the purpose of greatly enriching the department. Enriching the budget (on the backs of true dog lovers) would allow further encroachment into dog owners' lives and take control of how they treat their pets, no matter how much love, interaction, and humane treatment you give your dog. Do any of you sometimes use a tether, to allow your dog freedom of movement in your yard, while keeping your pet safe from traffic etc. and of course giving them access to adequate shelter, water, and toys etc.? I implore you to check out Animal Rights driven legislation in other states - Massachussetts is the latest - and see how much freedom you would have with your own animal under this type of "regime". Maine is not the first - this is copy cat legislation driven by a very well organized AR movement. If you think I am exaggerating, or a conspiracy "nut" - don't believe me - check into what has happened and is happening in other states. American Kennel Club, and other well-respected animal organizations have been fighting this agenda on many fronts. Those of you with sporting dogs - check out the American Sporting Dog Alliance at www.americansportingdogalliance.org and see how your lives and your dogs would be affected if Maine goes down this road. Another good source is the National Animal Interest Alliance at www.naiaonline.org The first moves have already started - to brand more and more breeders as "puppy mills" - whether true or not, painting breeders with a broad brush, moving more and more of them into the "suspect" category, with headlines fabricated to mislead innocent dog lovers. Don't fall for it - be an informed dog lover - do your research and see where these heavy handed tactics can lead.

Dog lovers: Check out this website: www.rao-of-me.com

anyone who

Anyone who would listen to the talk about animal welfare workers and the governor being terrorists as stated on the rao of me site must be

an animal abuser. The person in back of this slander should cleanup her own act before she slanders other people. The truth of the matter is

some people want no laws so they can continue to mistreat their animals. These laws would not be necessary if people treated their

animals as they would like to be treated. No amount of education can help a real animal hoarder. Anyone owning a business is subject to

a tax ect which is deductable on your irs return. In some towns the over 62 population gets a discount on their dog fees.

To those that believe the HSUS is simply interested in bettering the lives of mistreated animals you need to follow the links provided by many here already. You are in danger of losing not only your right to own a dog as you've always know them but some of your constitutional rights too. Please take the time to do some research and find out the true agenda of those you are heralding as deliverers of mistreated animals. I promise, you will be shocked by what you learn.

Below are 5 points made about the way Animal Rights workers get laws passed and 2 quotes by Wayne Pacelle of the HSUS follow. The full article can be found at:

http://www.pet-law.com/future/whatis.html

How Animal Rightists Pass Laws

1. They invent problems or magnify small ones.

2. The animal rightists batter public officials to solve the problems

3. When officials say "Okay, tell us what to do," the ARs are there with examples of laws passed in other places. They cite misleading or phoney statistics, even outright lies about the success of the law and if pressed on the issue, simply repeat their views.

4. Since the new laws never solve the ‘problem,' the ARs seek greater punishments and still more laws to help enforce the old ones

5. As one law begins to spread, a new ‘problem' is identified and the next step begins – go back to #1, above.

Quote: Wayne Pacelle, President of HSUS: "One generation and out. We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals (posters edit: note it says DOMESTIC not just dogs). They are creations of human selective breeding."

Quote: Wayne Pacelle, President of HSUS: “I don’t have a hands-on fondness for animals…To this day I don’t feel bonded to any non-human animal. I like them and I pet them and I’m kind to them, but there’s no special bond between me and other animals.” Wayne Pacelle quoted in Bloodties:

Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 251.

Today, HSUS, PeTA, the ASPCA and dozens of less familiar organizations spend about $200 million a year sent by people who want to help animals, working against animal ownership.

Read the complete article at http://www.pet-law.com/future/whatis.html

(In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the quoted material is distributed without profit for research and/or educational purposes.)

Perhaps the local agriculture departments would listen to animal breeders if: a) they tried to speak to their officials without using the HSUS, PeTa ect as a excuse for no laws b)stopped insulting officials by calling them terrorists ect, c) put there foot down on the real animal abusers by telling them they need to stop their insults and told them to go home from the meetings! Maybe some real progress would be made if groups like roa of Maine were ignored, told they were radicals, the people found guilty of animal abuse were excluded from future meetings. Why not take a look at the court files and pictures of what the juries who found them guilty really saw and heard. It only takes a few people to ruin a good thing for everyone. Its like you people are sheep being led to slaughter!

Hi, my name is Jill Adler and I am trying to find yorkie breeder Kathy Wilson. If possible please help. Thank you so much! jilliebean64@msn.com

You 'rock' JayKitchener few people realize that they are backing Norma and her band of thugs. Mrs. Frasca (Buxton) actually saw someone sneak out of her kennel prior to the raid. PeTA loves to spread disease from glass vials and sneak away for a raid to follow! The FBI has them listed as Domestic Terrorists folks Worley (it has been said) laughed in the Frasca's faces when she told them she was cutting credit cards and freezing bank accounts folks.

jiglen...do your home work. Our beef is with the HSUS or Humane Society of the United States (on the FBI Domestic Terrorist list), not the Humane Society. HSUS has a clever marketing scheme to hide behind a legit organization.

BWoods knows how it works. Norma seized 20 horses and shut down a riding stable in Bar Harbor (just before budget hearings in April 2007). The Judge ordered them returned and the charges were dropped. She screwed that one up good, and got busted by the bailiff talking to sequestered witnesses. Go to the 'petitiononline.com) website and search Maine/Worley if you think she needs to go away as I do. The American Sporting Dog Alliance is planning to boycot Maine because of Norma.

When Norma took the reins there were less than 50 seizures a year and AWD worked with problem facilities, Norma 'bragged' that she had 714 seizures her first year in Maine.

I suggest a Google for 'When Vultures Rule' which a deeply disturbing series about the Maine Animal Welfare. There are about fifteen short stories.

I have read the issues involving people having kennels, what about the breeders that have a kennel right in town. Barking non-stop especially in the evening. I realize it is not the animals fault, but come on. Most people in my neighborhood have to get up to go to work. It makes it tough when the barking in constant. I have called Animal Control and got no results. I have called the town police repeatedly, that too has been usless. I know it is NOT the dogs fault, as I am an animal lover myself. I cannot seem to find any agency or anything that would be helpful without this woman losing her rights to have the kennel. She thinks I am being a (Profanity) and threatens to ruin my property if I call the police. I would certainly appreciate any info I can get that woukld help. I cannot even find out what the housing regulations are in the town of Pittsfield,(Maine). This place is a mobile home and to my knowledge there is not a concrete floor to be hosed out for cleanliness.