Pennsylvania Professional Dog Breeders' Association Statement

During the production of Animal Cops Philadelphia - Puppy Mills Exposed, the production team approached the Pennsylvania Professional Dog Breeders' Association. The organization represents the interests of around 500 kennels, the majority being large-scale commercial breeding facilities. The association was invited to make statements in response to points raised in the program, and Bob Yarnall Jnr responded on behalf of the association. The points raised and the responses from Bob Yarnall Jnr are shown here in italics.

1) Was John Blank of Limestone Kennels, Cochranville, a member of or in any way associated with the PPDBA.

No

2) Does the PPDBA have any comment on events there in July 2008 and the run-up to that period?

We were shocked by them.

3) Please advise whether Derbe "Skip" Eckhart or his business partner, of Almost Heaven Kennels, Emmaus, was a member of or in any way associated with the PPDBA.

No

4) Does the PPDBA have any comment on events there in October 2008, and in the run-up to that period, and since then?

We are following the case.

5) Does the PPDBA have any comment in general about the conditions at those two kennels and/or the role of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement and/or the Pennsylvania SPCA?

We strongly believe in the welfare, humane treatment and quality husbandry in caring for all animals. We feel that any breeder not sharing these beliefs should not be raising puppies.

6) Our research indicates these two cases may not be isolated examples, and there may be many other cases of poor practice within the commercial breeding industry in relation to: sanitation; lack of routine care and lack of veterinary care; and breeding without due regard for genetic/health issues. Would you care to comment?

We strongly believe in the welfare, humane treatment and quality husbandry care for all animals. We feel that any breeder not sharing these beliefs should not be raising puppies.

7) A contributor describes the minimum requirements set out in the Animal Welfare Act as survivable but not humane. What is the PPDBA's view?

The Animal Welfare Act is based on science and verifiable facts in regulating the care for all animals. It addresses the different standards and husbandry techniques needed for different species. Many animal rights activists feel that no animal should be bred or confined.

8) A contributor asserts that even the best-run commercial breeding kennels are "like comparing a dirty prison to a clean prison or a well-run prison — it's still a prison, the dogs are still in a prison." Please comment.

Many animal rights activists feel that no animal should be bred or confined.

9) A contributor says of the Animal Welfare Act "just because it's legal doesn't mean it's OK." Please comment.

Many animal rights activists feel that no animal should be bred or confined.

10) A contributor says he feels it is ironic that millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters each year because there are not enough good homes, while the commercial breeding industry produces huge numbers of dogs to be marketed in pet stores. Please comment.

Most of the dogs euthanized in shelters are larger breeds of dogs and mix breeds. Commercial breeders specialize in the smaller and teacup pure breeds. Many dogs are taken to humane societies due to behavioral problems, or a situation arose where the owner was unable to care for their animal.

11) What is the PPDBA's reaction to the requirements set out in what was HB2525, now Act 119 of 2008?

We are strongly in favor of requiring each kennel to have an attending veterinarian overseeing all aspects of the husbandry care, exercise and veterinary protocols of the kennel. PPDBA members have been doing this for many years. However, no law is perfect and Act 119 has many constitutional issues.

12) Contributors have suggested that the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has a poor record of enforcing the existing legislation. Whilst they acknowledge the bureau's performance has improved, they claim it still needs to be tougher in general, and particularly with regard to the condition of the dogs. Please comment.

We are pleased that the department is providing additional training for their force and that they have hired additional inspectors. We have been assisting the American Canine Association and the department in holding breeder education workshops to teach the latest husbandry and veterinary health protocols, and to update them on Act 119.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Professional Dog Breeders' Association, visit their Web site: www.ppdba.com