Don't Buy the Lies:

"Now accepting QUALITY consignments.
Only quality breeding stock or healthy and marketable puppies will be accepted."

        On March 10, 2007, representatives from the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project and rescues and shelters throughout the state of Wisconsin attended the second puppy mill auction at Horst Stables in Thorp, WI. Some went as observers, to find out for themselves exactly what goes on at these auctions; others went as buyers, to get dogs "out of the system" and into loving homes.

       This is the ad that appeared in newspapers throughout the state-- click on the photo for a larger view and easier reading. Even in this size, however, the word "QUALITY" stands out.

       Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project facilitated the purchase by various breed rescues of about half of the dogs offered for sale that day. Our purpose was to put together a report on what sellers at this auction considered to be "quality breeding stock" and "healthy and marketable puppies."

       Click on any picture on any page in this section of the website for a larger view and the story behind the photograph. Some of you may be shocked. Many of you won't be in the least surprised. We hope that you are all moved to take up the fight against the institutionalized abuse of "commercial breeding."

       There is controversy among rescuers about purchase of dogs from millers and mill auctions. Some feel that to do so is just supporting the millers and helping to keep them in business. Some feel that getting the adults "out of the system" is worth the cost.

       After studying the numbers from the previous auctions, The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project is asking people NOT to "buy" or rescue" these dogs. Sadly, our own research and observations lead us to believe that the dogs being offered now are not mill cast-offs but have been, in many cases, purposely bred to supply AUCTION BUYERS, including rescue groups.

       We have the deepest compassion for the dogs and puppies now being sold by Horst Stables, and understand how difficult it will be NOT to bid on these animals, knowing their probable fate. However, we sincerely believe that in the long run, not buying will produce the best outcome to end these auctions altogether.

       However, we also believe that to buy or not to buy is a matter of individual conscience. If you do buy, PLEASE document any problems you encounter with the health, temperament, or paperwork of these dogs -- and share with us so that we can share with others.

       In that way, we can continue to show our visitors the faces of some of the animals purchased by rescuers, tell their stories, and, hopefully, enlist more aid in the fight against puppymills so that the suffering of these animals will not have been in vain.