Taking a Stand for Animals

I get emails from HSUS all the time, usually around the time that seal hunting starts or there is an oil spill. I don't want to downplay cruelty issues with other animals (meaning animals other than dogs). All animal cruelty is unforgiveable and should be punished. But lately, I've gotten a few calls to action that hit very close to home and I wanted to share them with you.

Petland Puppies - There has been a long standing local outcry for Petland to stop selling puppies. These supporters tirelessly protest in front of Petland pet stores encouraging them to stop selling puppies. It's a nationwide effort, but I had really only had contact with the group in the local DC area, so it seemed as though these groups had little support beyond their local communities. Enter HSUS in November. HSUS had been investigating Petland for eight months and released its findings in November 2008. The investigation found that Petland is the nation's largest retailer that buys its puppies from puppy mills. Since then, there has been an explosion of support through HSUS, Facebook, Twitter - virutally everywhere - to put a stop to Petland's sale of puppy mill puppies. You can support this effort by spreading the word. Don't patronize Petland and at the least, don't but animals from them.

Dogfighting - Since Michael Vick has brought the issue of dogfighting to the public eye, HSUS has done a fantastic job organizing a campaign against people who choose to fight dogs. There is nothing cool, hip or tough about fighting dogs. Its repulsive and cowardly and I wish there was a way to make these felons feel the same pain, terror and suffering that these dogs feel.  HSUS has taken a strong stand not only against dog fighting but also toward making the laws and consequences much more serious in all 50 states. Help stop dogfighting in your community by reporting suspicious behavior.

HSUS Rewards - What I especially like about HSUS is that they put their money where their mouth is. If you report animal cruelty on selected cases that involve HSUS, they will give you a reward. Period.

Kudos to HSUS for doing such a wonderful job organizing the troops to fight these worthy causes. And please remember to support HSUS and other animal welfare organizations. Without them, these animals would be lost.