Dogs can identify various types of cancers, including ovarian cancer. Listen HERE, as I talk with Dave Schwaney on WGN radio on the work at Penn Vet, as they are so close to identifying the chemicals dogs are targeting, and in doing so a blood test to diagnose ovarian cancer isn’t far off. More on this to come from Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness.

I express my outrage regarding Illinois HB2824 which calls itself a microchipping bill. It’s also a bill – hidden in the content of the bill – that will prevent communities from banning sales of dogs and cats (and also rabbits) at pet stores. Also, the bill will void the existing ordinances and laws in Chicago, Warrenville and Waukegan, as well as entire Cook County that prevent sales of dogs, cats (and rabbits in some places) at pet stores.

What legislators no doubt don’t understand is that by supporting sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, they are simultaneously supporting commercial breeders, and puppy mills – since that is where the animals sold at pet stores are sourced from.  No responsible breeder sells to pet stores.

There’s a coalition of  of apparent supporters of puppy mills – I don’t know how else to put it because they have set out to destroy these laws/ordinances which prevent the mills from selling to pet stores.

This coalition call themselves Illinois Pet Lover’s Association (IPLA), as if that adoring name will fool people. They’ve apparently, so far, fooled some legislators – who I believe truly feel they signed on to a good bill.

It’s important for pet owners to know who is supporting IPLA, and they include the American Kennel Club, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, and the Illinois Federation of Dog Clubs & Owners, and I have reason to believe other players who benefit from pet stores that sell dogs and cats.

I want to specifically call out the American Kennel Club, working hard to resurrect their image. They’ve now welcomed mixed breed dogs at some of their events, and suggest they’ve become more transparent. Supporting pet store sales and therefore the mills isn’t going to be helpful for this organization with a waining public reputation. Bit them the AKC has a history of creating their own problems, and this is an example. Who’s side are they on?

I have such great respect for veterinarians, I am saddened that the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association has any role here. The good news is that I don’t believe their membership agrees with the organization’s position.

I have NEVER met a veterinarian or a veterinary technician (veterinary nurse) who has gone into the field for any other reason than to help animals.

“I don’t understand how in a country of animal lovers, puppy mills can be tolerated,” says Chicago veterinarian Dr. Scott Rovner. “Now, we’ve finally begun to speak up and do something about it; we need to.”

Rovner and a Chicago colleague, Dr. Jane Lohmar (with this reporter) founded a loosely-knit non-profit organization called Veterinary Professionals Against Puppy Mills. A founding member is the organization representing veterinary technicians (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America).

As for the microchipping part of this bill (which is poorly written anyway), pets currently in Illinois that are adopted from legit rescues or shelters must – by law – be microchipped – it’s already a law, and has been. The proposal suggests dogs and cats sold at pet stores require microchipping. Well, my issue is that dogs and cats shouldn’t be sold at pet stores in the first place.

Judy called in and said she thought puppy mills are on their way out. I answer her. And respond to several texts.

Here are some things you can do; your voice will matter!

• If you live in Illinois, contact your state Senator and your rep in the House Representative, and express that you care about this issue.
• Join the Facebook Page Veterinary Professionals Against Puppy Mills, (whether you live in Illinois or not, no matter what you happen to do for a living).
• If you are a veterinary professional in Illinois, DO clearly express your concerns to the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association.
• If you live in Illinois, contact your veterinary clinic (so they can tell their association that pet owners are speaking up and speaking out!)
• If you live in Chicago, contact your Alderman to say you care, and also contact your Alderman if any pet store (and there are some) are ignoring the ban on sales of dogs and cats.