User:DustinM

=Analytical Writing=

Statement of Intent
There are two topics I would like to explore during the quarter. While in high school I had to do a senior project. I choose to work with the Humane Society, and in researching pet responsibly came across a subject that horrified me, puppy mills. Being an animal lover, I understand how people could do this. Bearing this in mind, I plan on writing a paper (length to be determine) exploring puppy mills more. I intent to take a further look at what puppy mills are, and how or what is being done to stop them. Another issue I would like to investigate is the Tasmania devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). I learned a little about this when I visited Australia but never took the time to find out more about it. By researching it, maybe I can help these creatures that can’t help themselves.

Overview
1.	Write a paper about puppy mills- what it is, and what is currently being done

2.	Make a pamphlet/booklet about the devil facial tumor disease (DFTD)

Rationale
I hope to gain a better understanding of some of the issues that aren’t mentioned much but affect everyone. I want to be able to know that I did something to help even if it is just a little. This may sound a little broad but I am hoping that as I progress through the quarter, I will increase my knowledge and became a better person.

Publication
Currently, I don’t know if I want to get this published or what format I would publish this as. However, I think ideas will come to me as I start working on this. Presently, I am thinking about doing pamphlets or contributing to an organization that deals with the topics I am planning on pursuing.

Schedule
1.	Week 2: Begin researching

2.	Week 3: Continue researching

3.	Week 4: Start outlining topic (continue with research if need be)

4.	Week 5: Start writing paper/pamphlet

5.	Week 6: Continue writing paper

6.	Week 7: Start revising/editing 1st draft of paper/pamphlet

7.	Week 8: Begin final version

8.	Week 9: Proof read and make final changes

9.	Week 10: Have everything done

10.	Week 11:Relax

Due to it being early in the quarter, this may change to accommodate any changes I might make to the project.

Anticipated Problems
There are only a few problems that are anticipated. I want to have a set time to work on this project as I tend to run into procrastinate later in the quarter. On top of this class, have 3 other classes and a job to worry about. Other than that, I don’t see any other problems arising. I plan to save on target as far I when I planned to have something done. If more time is required, then I will adjust to make sure I get the work done.

Week 6 Project Review


Before Or During Week 6

 * Puppy Mills/Rescue Operation 3,000wds
 * Good solid definition
 * Consumer education
 * Current Laws
 * Enforcement
 * Funding (if there isn't sufficient money for enforcement)
 * Helping mills become breeders-reform
 * Personal reflections

Project
How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? A popular saying goes “Dogs are man’s best friend.” Several people would probably find this statement true. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with this. Sadly, animal cruelty is pretty common. Animal cruelty can come in many different forms; puppy mills, hoarding, tethering and chaining; and dog fighting for starters. By learning more about the cruelties placed upon these animals maybe we can take the steps to prevent it from continuing.

When someone looks at a puppy in the window of a pet shop, they might not realize that it came from a puppy mill. According to the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), puppy mills are big commercial dog breeding farms where making money has a higher value than the welfare of the dogs. Many times the puppies that come from these places suffer from some type of heredity defeat. These dogs often come with problems. They don’t just have diseases and illness but might come with social or behaviors. Epilepsy, heart disease, deafness, and eye problems are just a few of the typical problems found. On top of that, more issues can arrive once the canine has arrived at the store (“What”). It may seem like things are bad for the puppies but the actual conditions on the mills are pretty bad. The animals are jammed together in cages that are unsanitary. They don’t get enough water, food, attention or any medical care. The cages have wire flooring to minimize waste cleanup, and the cages are stacked on top of each other. Most animals get the luxury of staying indoors or somewhere dry when the weather is bad. The puppy mill animals don’t. They stay outdoors, never leaving their cages. Thinking this bad, but no it only gets worst. To make sure this operations can getting all they can in money, they will continually breed the same female until they are no longer useful. The breeding dogs rarely ever make it out of the mills alive (“What”). Hundreds of puppies are shipped all over the country for sales in the numerous pet shops. However, many of these dogs are purchased thru newspaper ads, or even the internet under false claims. With false claims, they can lure families to continue this never ending cycle (“Inside”). Websites will often lie about puppy’s origin. The sites will use fancy language to confuse the consumer into buying a quality animal. Some terms that convince people to get a puppy are certified kennel, AKC (American Kennel Club) registered, pedigree, health certified, etc. False photos regularly show happy, adorable breeds that appear healthy. This leads people to believe they have many choices. ASPCA conducted an informal survey and found out that just as many Americans are purchasing just as many dogs online as they do in stores. The Internet Crime Complaint Center states, “Hundreds of complaints are files every year from victims who were scammed when buying a dog online.”

Buyers should be aware when shopping online as there several different types of scams. The bait and switch is a common scam. The websites have many images of adorable and healthy puppies. However, consumers are actually looking at stock photos. Customers have no contact with the client or ever see the puppy in person. When the puppy arrives, it is not the one advertised and is usually sick with different markings. Another online scam is the “free to good home” pitch. With this, the con artist will sell a sad story about why he can’t have the dog anymore. People fall for the free of charge and send money for the shipping fee. This amount is around $400. The client gets the money but the customer never gets the dog as there was never a dog to begin with. Then there is the “sanctuaries or scamtuaries” scam. Puppy mills will pretend to be “rescue groups” and create a website saying they have rescued puppies that need homes. It is convincing until they get to the price for the adoption fee. This price is usually more than $1000 (“Puppy”).

There are several ways people can get involved to stop puppy mills. Both the Humane Society and ASPCA have some tips to help get the public started. One can start by educating themselves on puppy mills. You have to be able to know the issue before you can share the information with others. Another option is to lobby for better laws. Letting the federal and state judicial system know how much a concern it is, might spring them into action and make harsher laws. Speaking out is another great option. By speaking out through various ways others may become more inspire to help or just glad to know about the issue at hand (“What You”).

The biggest things people can do to stop puppy mills is adoption which is always a good choice. There are already hundreds of animals that need home, why not take one of them home. In shelters it is estimated that ¼ of the dogs are purebreds. People shouldn’t buy from pet shops since most of them come from the mills. It is important to know where the dogs come from. Before officially purchasing the animal, go out to the facility and see the conditions of the owner’s breeding operation. One should always try to meet the parents of the puppy, especially the mother. Potential buyers should also get the breeder to sign an adoption contract, stating the breeder’s responsibilities; health guarantee and return policy. A crucial step to becoming a pet owner is to be able to spot a responsible breeder. The breeder should be more interested in the welfare of the animal than the price. He will probably screen the perspective owners as they screen him (“10”). For more ideas on stopping puppy mills, people can check out the Humane Society and the ASPCA.

If the public decides to get involved in stopping puppy mills, it is just one small step. It would send a strong message to everyone if the breeders would take a stand and change. Responsible breeders understand what proper care means. They can provide insight to other breeders and make them see the truth about what they are doing. Puppy mill operators will try to alter the words of rescue groups to confuse compassion breeders. However, by joining up with the rescue groups, respectful breeders will have a lot weight when it comes to fixing this problem (“What Breeders”).

One thing that is curious to see is why the laws are still allowing this to happen. The sad thing is puppy mills are not illegal. There are guidelines and laws set into place but unless there is documented evidence proving the cruelty against the dogs, nothing can be done. There are two levels to the laws. First, you have the federal laws and second, are the states laws. Keep in mind that not every state has these laws. A major law is the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) which was passed in 1966. It was put into place to regulate animal activities, like dog breeding. The Animal Welfare Act requires that the animals used in commercial breeding get the standard minimum care (“Law”). This means that the individuals running the operation must provide adequate care and treatment in housing, handling, sanitation, nutrient, water, veterinary care, and protection from extreme weather and temperatures (“Animal”). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in charge of regulating this law. However maintaining this act is not high on the USDA’s list. Sad to say, puppy mills are rarely monitored. A good example of this comes from PETA (People for the Ethnical Treatment of Animals). It goes, “In Missouri, for instance, each of the 2,100 facilities is supposed to be inspected once a year, but there are only 12 inspectors employed to handle the task” (“Puppy Mills”). Other laws include the 2008 Farm Bill, the Puppy Uniform Protection Statue and the Puppy Lemon Laws. These are meant not only to protect the animals but the consumers as well. Each state has different sets of laws used (“Laws”). In order to view your state’s current legislative, check with your congressman.

How we treat our pets is a big deal. The treatment toward our pets shows what kind of person we really are. This is an important issue for me, as I grew up with pets. I could never imagine the horrible things done to those helpless animals. By writing this paper, I feel that I can make a difference just by knowing what’s going on. I used to volunteer with the Humane Society in my hometown and saw many friendly dogs that needed loving homes. By buying from pet shops, not only are we encouraging puppy mills but we are increasing the number of homeless animals. So the next time you see a pet store, ask yourself, “How much is that doggie in the window?”

Works Cited

“What is a Puppy Mill.” ASPCA. 2010. 29 Jan 2010. .

“Puppy Scams & Cons.” ASPCA. 2010. 29 Jan 2010. .

“Laws That Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills.” ASPCA. 2010. 29 Jan 2010. .

“10 Ways You Can Help Fight Puppy Mills.” ASPCA. 2010. 29 Jan 2010. .

“What Breeders Can Do to Stop Puppy Mills.” The Humane Society. 22 Oct 2009. 29 Jan 2010. .

“What You Can Do To Stop Puppy Mills.” The Humane Society. 25 Jan 2010. 29 Jan 2010. .

“Puppy Mills: Dogs Abused for the Pet Trade.” PETA Media Center. 2010. 29 Jan 2010. .

“Animal Protection: Animal Welfare Act.” American Humane. 2010. 04 Feb 2010. < http://www.americanhumane.org/advocacy/animal-protection/animal-welfare-act.html>.