an effort by the group to educate Athens residents about the poor conditions of large pet-breeding facilities.
The Athens County Humane Society will hold several events this week for Puppy Mill Awareness Week an effort by the group to educate Athens residents about the poor conditions of large pet-breeding facilities.
Puppy mills are businesses that breed high numbers of dogs while ignoring the well-being of the animals, society officials said, adding that some pet stores use puppy mills as suppliers.
A lot of people don't even know (about puppy mills) said Shelley Lieberman, vice president of the Athens County Humane Society.We want people to know what they're buying.
This week's events include a fundraiser at The Crystal on Court Street on tomorrow and a protest near the Petland on East State Street on Saturday. Humane Society volunteers will also hand out pamphlets at College Gate and inside Baker University Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday. Volunteers will have an adoptable puppy at College Gate during the week.
The fundraiser at The Crystal will be from 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow for attendees 21 or over. Organizers said they hope patrons will make donations at the door, with proceeds going to the humane society. Bar employees will donate the tips they earn during that time.
The protest will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Organizers said the event will be peaceful, adding that the main goal of the protest is to increase consumers' awareness of what they believe to be Petland's use of negligent breeders.
Petland, Inc. has been accused by consumers and activists of using puppy mills to supply its stores. The chain has also been targeted in a recent class-action lawsuit in which several customers said their dogs were sold to them in poor health.
We have nothing against the protestors
said Elizabeth Kunzelman, director of communications for Petland, Inc., regarding Saturday's demonstration.
There are substandard breeders out there. We want them eliminated as much as anybody.
Organizers said that they hope this week's events will challenge the belief that purebred dogs can only be found at pet stores.
People don't realize how many purebred dogs and puppies are available through rescue organizations
Lieberman said.
Nearly 1,000 dogs were rescued from a puppy mill near Parkersburg, W.Va., last August. Although puppy mills have been found in Ohio, Athens County Dog Warden Jeff Koons said there are no such businesses in Athens County.
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Erich Hiner
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A puppy named Murphy rests on junior Alison Gearing
