Animal Abuse in North Carolina

Earlier this week, 21 puppy mill dogs were surrendered to Randolph County Animal Control in North Carolina. The county claims the owner was a one-time breeder that got in over her head and surrendered the dogs because she needed help. Therefore, the county is not pressing charges for animal cruelty. SB 460, the Puppy Mill Bill (which was killed during the 2010 session by NC Pork) defined a commercial dog breeder as 15 or more female dogs for the purpose of breeding and 30 or more puppies for sale. While the owner did not have puppies for sale, she was well over the qualification of adult dogs for the purpose of breeding. All of the dogs came from deplorable conditions and were obviously deprived of basic standards of care, just like other breeding dogs rescued from puppy mills.

Advocates are angry that the owner will not face animal cruelty charges. It's unbelievable that a county will ignore the evidence: matted hair, NO hair, fleas, heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms, eyes heavily encrusted from years of neglect. We feel the fear, pain, and misery of the dogs and it fills many with rage. But their pain and suffering does not have to be in vain. As advocates, we can be their voice and light on the horizon.

We need to channel our anger into effective lobbying. The case of Randolph County dogs is a prime example of the need for strong animal abuse laws. We need to unify and get behind the paid lobbyist fighting for animal rights at the capitol. Every year, we need to work with the paid lobbyist to pick an issue and give it everything we have. Imagine the possibilities if we pass a bill every session or every other session. In 5 years, we could have several substantial animal abuse laws on the books! That's amazing and HUGE! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to get organized and fight for the humane treatment of all animals!!!!