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Best Friends, member of Puppy Mill Task Force, says LA County Board of Supervisors decision to toughen puppy mill laws step in right direction
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Today's action by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will pave the way for the eradication of puppy mills, says a representative of Best Friends Animal Society.
Elizabeth Oreck, Best Friends LA programs manager said: "As a result of today's action by the board, they will be reviewing county regulations that govern dog breeding, and will recommend amendments to existing ordinances to tighten the loopholes that allow puppy millers to operate under the kennel provisions. This will mean stronger and more effective enforcement of the laws, and improvement in the quality of care for these animals. "The board not only followed Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich's lead by voting to approve his motion, but they upped the ante," Oreck added. "Supervisor Antonovich's motion called a report reviewing existing regulations to be completed in 90 days, but Antonovich shortened the deadline to 45 days, which shows they are taking this issue very seriously."
"Many of these kennels endanger the health and welfare of these animals by housing them in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food and water," said Antonovich. "Nearly 30,000 dogs and cats are euthanized every year in Los Angeles County. Over the past six months, the County has had to seize and/or order the relocation of hundreds of puppies and adult dogs due to such conditions, which has increased the burden, costs and impact on County shelters and rescue organizations.
Since July 2008, Best Friends, one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, has played a pivotal role through its "A-Puppy-Store-Free LA" campaign to show the connection between puppy mills and pet stores. The campaign also raised awareness about the horrific conditions that puppy mill dogs and puppies endure. As a founding member of the countys Puppy Mill Task Force, Best Friends has been working closely with Supervisor Antonovich to effect changes in the county's ordinances.
The motion provides the authority for the county agencies involved with the Puppy Mill Task Force to finalize the ordinance work.
"This is a proud day for Los Angeles County. We were in serious danger of becoming the puppy mill capitol of the country, and today the Board of Supervisors stood up and said they wanted the suffering of the dogs and the waste of the taxpayers' money to stop," Oreck said.
CONTACTS:
Barbara Williamson (435) 689-0200 (cell) (or) barbara@bestfriends.org
John Polis (435) 644-2001, ext. 4858 or johnp@bestfriends.org
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