Dynamic duo make Texas stop in nationwide tour to speak against puppy mills.
By Jeanne O’Neil, Lil’ Paws Maltese Rescue foster and pet store protester
Jana Kohl, animal welfare advocate, anti-puppy mill crusader, and author of
A Rare Breed of Love, spoke to an enthusiastic group of supporters at Barnes & Noble in Dallas last week. Jana’s mission was inspired first by witnessing the inhumane conditions at a puppy mill in Texas, where she had traveled with the intent of purchasing a dog from a breeder, and then by Baby, the puppy mill rescue from California who later came to live with her. With Baby in her arms, Jana shared Baby’s story and spoke with intensity and conviction about the abuses suffered by dogs in puppy mills. She encouraged those who share her concern to take action by contacting their legislators at the state and federal level, preferably with a phone call, asking them to support measures to shut down puppy mills.
The audience was also treated to a delightful musical performance by Bryan Harrell, who has written a companion CD of
songs inspired by Baby.
Baby’s sweet face and gentle demeanor charmed the crowd, and she was the very gracious recipient of much attention as her “ma” signed books. An adorable plush version of Baby, looking very much like the real deal, is available at the website for the book, as well as the CD and other merchandise. Jana is donating
100% of the proceeds from this project to help fight puppy mills.
Jana Kohl and Baby have embarked on a
cross country bus tour, which will end at the
Taking Action for Animals Conference in Washington DC in July.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Interested in learning even more about puppy mills and what you can do to stop them? Please join
The Truth About the Pet Trade community and e-mail
networkinfo@bestfriends.org to subscribe to the Breeding Bytes e-newsletter.
2. As Jana Kohl suggests, contact both your
state and federal Senators and Representatives (enter your address on the right side of the page to find out who represents you) and request that they support legislation to help cease the operation of puppy mills. Let them know that animal welfare issues are important to you.
3. Make a
donation to help Best Friends Animal Society help promote the adoption of pets from shelter and rescues, as opposed to the purchase from stores.
For more information:
•
A Rare Breed of Love website•
A Rare Breed of Love: article on Best Friends Network
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
Photo credit: taken by Jeanne O’Neil