American Humane Association CEO applauds N.C. governor's support of puppy mill bill

Via PRNewswire - Dr. Robin Ganzert, the President and CEO of American Humane Association, the first national humane organization, has announced that she joins North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory in support of eradicating puppy mills in the Tar Heel State. A proposed puppy mill bill would bring about serious reform of the state's large commercial dog breeding facilities, ensuring humane treatment for the dogs that live in them.

American Humane Association urges North Carolina Senate members to pass House Bill 930 when the General Assembly reconvenes next May. The bill passed the House earlier this year, but has languished since then and is yet to come up for a vote in the other chamber.

North Carolina is one of the top puppy mill states in the country, and it is estimated that this bill would positively affect the lives of dogs in more than 300 facilities statewide. The bill presents common-sense solutions to immeasurably improve the welfare, wellness, and well-being of thousands of those dogs. 

Principal among the bill's tenets are access to sufficient levels of food and water at appropriate intervals to help dogs maintain a healthy weight, daily exercise, appropriate veterinary care (including preventative care), humane shelter and protection from the elements, and humane euthanasia where necessary.

There are 35 states that currently have similar laws on the books, but should North Carolina not act soon, unscrupulous dog breeders could move to the state if it is perceived as lax on the humane treatment of dogs in breeding facilities. American Humane Association will not rest until all 50 states have laws banishing inhumane puppy mills.

The governor is famous for his love of dogs, and recently held an adoption event at the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh with dogs provided from several animal shelters across the state. One such shelter was the Humane Society of Charlotte, which recently collaborated with American Humane Association on a groundbreaking study to lower the rates of pet homelessness nationwide by helping more pets get adopted from the nation's overcrowded shelters into forever loving homes.

"Governor McCrory and his wife Ann should be lauded for their unwavering support of animal welfare, particularly for dogs," said Dr. Ganzert, a North Carolina resident. "I urge my fellow North Carolinians to contact their state senators so we can pass HB 930 and usher in a new era of humane conditions for thousands and thousands of the state's dogs. These poor animals cannot fend for themselves, and it is our duty to fight for their protection."

To contact your North Carolina State Senator, please visit http://bit.ly/184LesQ and tell them to support the passage of HB 930 when the General Assembly reconvenes in the spring of 2014.