You may have received an email alert from ASPCA titled "WI, Clamp Down on Puppy Mills" dated January 8, 2008. We have received a massive number of emails and phone calls regarding this alert. In the alert, ASPCA has supported the "Dog Buyer's Protection Act" SB 308 authored by Senator Plale et al.

     Please be advised that the leadership and organizations of Wisconsin's Humane Community continue their opposition to this bill, despite ASPCA's support of it.

     It has come to our attention that the ASPCA issued their alert WITHOUT talking to ANY Wisconsin advocates or humane organizations. It also appears that ASPCA did not consult with any State agency or key law enforcement organizations (those who would be tasked with enforcement, should the bill pass) prior to issuing their support.

     We, as a united humane community, will continue to work with legislators who are drafting a bill that will go far in resolving the abuse, neglect and suffering in Wisconsin's pet industry. We believe that national organizations should consult with those of us working right here in Wisconsin, coordinate their efforts with our own, and gather all the facts before issuing a position on an issue of such great importance to our work and to the animals.

     We are saddened that ASPCA would support legislation that will not solve the problems in Wisconsin's growing puppy mill and "pets for profit" industry

     Please continue to oppose these bills: SB 308 (Plale) and AB 567(Lothian).

     We stand firm in our resolve to pass legislation that will address the problems and not simply be a band aid and a "something is better than nothing" approach to protecting animals. Our state deserves better...our animals deserve to be protected.

Eilene Ribbens Rohde - Executive Director
The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project

Debby Lewis - President
Wisconsin Federated Humane Societies Inc.