Whoever has not heard me speak of the horrors of puppy mills has not spoken with me lately.
About 2 1/2 hours from our home in Minnesota is Clark County, Wisconsin. This county has a very large Amish and Mennonite community and due to the very lax laws within the state of Wisconsin, the communities breed puppies as a way to make money. This in and of itself is not bad, however the dogs are not treated humanely as the Millers think of them as livestock (not pets). The dogs are placed in kennels (wire cages), stacked within cold barns, no bedding, flooring, etc. Some puppy mills will do there own vetting, including spaying, neutering, c-sections, etc...with no anesthesia. If the dog/puppy dies... oh well, there body gets thrown in a pile and another takes their place. The breeding dogs are not socialized, have deformed feet (due to the wire floors), are matted, dirty, and diseased. These are the purebreed puppies which are sold to pet shops and the public which is not aware of these conditions supports the millers.
Well, in Thorp Wisconsin (Clark County) Horst Auctions holds a dog auction every six months. The most current auction on March 11, and I decided I needed to attend to actually see this event. I was hoping I would not be arrested, nor come home with a bunch of dogs.
Originally, we had 5 of us from the rescues going but as it got closer we were now down to three. We made the 2 1/2 hour trek and arrived about 30 minutes before the auction was to begin. Outside there were the protestors holding signs. At the door there was a sign that would not allow cameras, cell phones or recording devices. Heather, Kim and I walked through the kennel area and looked at the dogs. There were appr. 240 dogs. Most were clipped, but a few were matted and some of the older dogs had deformed feet. Even though there were no min pins, I decided to get a bidding number. Just in Case!!!!
We sat up in the bleachers and overlooked the floor, where most of the bidding took place. You could usually tell the rescue groups based on the number of women in the party and how they reacted. As we looked around the room, you saw groups of Mennonites, Amish, rescues, breeders, families with kids and couples looking for pets. Even a couple of police officers to maintain the peace.
As the bidding started, the dogs were brought up to the platform, the auctions would state their DOB, type of dog, male/female and would let you know if there were any conditions such as a hernia, pregnant and when due, in heat, proven, bred, etc.
When the first few dogs, were brought up I was overcome with emotions, realizing that the fate of these dogs rested in the hands of the bidders. As the rescue groups were bidding against each other, the prices were getting higher. Some dogs went as high as $800. There were Yorkies, Chihuahua puppies, Westies, Poodles, Papillions, English Bulldogs, Bichons, Chows, mixed breed dogs, puppies and adults and many other small breed dogs. One rescue group bid on alot of the dogs and had to have spent between $5000-7000 total. An adorable 8 week old Chihuahua went to an Amish man for $210 and as the puppy was placed back in the kennel, you could only imagine its fate. The pregnant females were held up on two legs so you could see their bellies, two female dogs had hernias but were sold to a breeder. A female with this type of hernia should not get pregnant. Some dogs, such as the Cairn Terriers went for $25 - $50 each. Even though I did not keep track, I would have to say the average price was between $150-$250 per dog. After 2 1/2 hours, the auction ended. We left quickly and drove away, all of us not wanting to spend money at the Auction house concessionaire stand. We would rather give our money to another establishment.
After much thought, I am not sure the rescues are doing any good. Based on the high $$ they were paying for the old, sick and healthy dogs, are they encouraging the millers to continue to breed and sell their dogs instead of giving them to the rescues. Are the rescues helping the dogs, and encouraging the millers to breed more. Beacause if they can't sell them, they know the rescuers will pay big $$ at auction. Are they getting more money at the auctions, then from the pet stores?
Even though we went and saw the auction first hand, I don't think I can even began to decide what is the right answer to my questions. The only thing that can stop this cycle would be to ban dog auctions. I do not live in the state of Wisconsin, but in every state there are laws which can protect the animals against being treated inhumanely. I would encourage everyone to check to internet and contact your local legislation to ensure this type of auction is stopped and there are laws to protect the animals.
