Founders/ Representatives

Jan Bessel
Dora Donovan

Links

	CLARK CO. HUMANE SOC. -JCHS RESCU
	THE ANIMAL RESCUE SITE
	AWARE-ACTION PLAN ON PUPPY MILLS
	HUMANE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
	WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY
	WISCONSIN ANIMAL EDUCATION PROJECT
	ALLIANCE FOR ANIMALS (WI)
	ANIMAL LAW ASSOCIATES OF WISCONSIN
	KINDRED SPIRITS (READ KADY'S STORY)
	THE FERRET NOOK

One just needs to look at Half Pint's picture and they should be able to understand why Wisconsin needs a Pet Facilities Law. As reported by various media, Half Pint along with 39 other animals was part of a rescue. The picture that you see here is what the Clark County Humane Society (CCHS) found when they went on a mission to the Juneau County Humane Society (JCHS).

The following are CCHS's own words on the rescue and Half Pint:

"While information was sketchy, we were told that the animals needed to be removed from the shelter as quickly as possible."

"Half Pint was found in a cage with two other kittens and an adult female cat. Poor little Half Pint was laying face down in the litter box and could barely breathe due to nasal congestion. His eyes were stuck shut and covered with fecal matter and cat litter...."

"Sadly, Half Pint's story does not have a happy ending. As much as we loved the little fellow and as hard as we tried, it just wasn't enough to restore his health and save him. Due to the rough start Half Pint had, his resistance level was impaired and he could not properly fight off infections. Half Pint recently passed away. His spirit will live on with everyone that loved him, and it is our hope that his tragic life will have a lasting effect. We're hoping that his legacy may be a Wisconsin Pet Facilities Inspection bill. Several states have this in place and it would have prevented the Juneau County Humane Society situation. Hopefully, Half Pint will not have died in vain. We miss him. "

For the full version and updates on the rescued animals, please follow the CCHS Rescue link under our links section to the left of this page. Pictures of Half Pint are courtesy of the Clark County Humane Society.

The following letter of support was sent out to various WI legislators - it is written by Jennifer Brown- Regional Director- The Humane Society US!

June 7, 2006

Dear Legislator:

On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and our more than 179,000 members and constituents in Wisconsin, I am writing to express our strong support of legislative efforts to address the welfare of animals in commercial breeding facilities, animal shelters, and pet stores. The HSUS supported the Pet Facilities Law as it was originally added to the state statutes during the 2002 budget process as well as subsequent efforts to reinstate these important provisions (now called “Justice for Halfpint”). It is time for Wisconsin to pass legislation that requires humane care at pet facilities.

The HSUS has been at the forefront of the fight against puppy mills. As you may know, these high-volume breeding facilities are designed to maximize profit, often at the expense of the dogs’ welfare. The conditions for dogs in such breeding facilities can be atrocious, and often include close, cramped living quarters, not enough or poor quality food, incompetent or lack of satisfactory veterinary care, and no physical or emotional enrichment. Because of these conditions, many animals end up suffering from severe health and behavioral problems. Unfortunately, The HSUS also routinely receives complaints about animal shelters in Wisconsin, as there are currently no laws to regulate them.

A few states have passed comprehensive laws to regulate puppy mills as well as other pet facilities, and ensure basic humane standards. We urge Wisconsin legislators to push for strong legislation to oversee this industry that often puts animals and unsuspecting consumers at risk. In particular, a good pet facility law will:

Apply to all operations with animals or animal sales numbering over a specified threshold; Require a licensing fee (except for non-profit shelters) and pre-inspection; Include routine, unannounced inspections at least twice yearly; Be enforced by an agency with adequate funding and properly trained staff; Rotate inspectors to cover different areas of the state; and Be equipped with strong penalties when facilities are in repeated non-compliance.

In closing, we thank you for your consideration in this matter. The HSUS would welcome the opportunity to work with you on drafting legislation and moving the bill forward by providing expertise, testimony, as well as grassroots support throughout the process. I can be reached at (edited for web site publishing). If there is any additional information I can provide, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Brown
Senior Program Specialist
Central States Regional Office

YOU TOO CAN HELP!! WRITE OR CALL YOUR WISCONSIN REPRESENTATIVE!! ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. HOW MANY MORE LIVES HAVE TO SUFFER BEFORE WE DO THE RIGHT THING. THE TIME IS NOW.

What started with charges being filed on March 21st 2006 ended with all charges being dismissed against June Kline and Lynn Rittenhouse-Leatherberry.

June Kline = circuit court case # 2006cf000051 came to an end on April 9th 2007. Reason givin for dismissing the case was STATE'S POSITION HAS CHANGED..

Lynn Rittenhouse-Leatherberry= circuit court case # 2006cf000053 came to an end on June 7th 2007. Reasons givin for dismissing the case was NO PARTICULAR ANIMAL IDENTIFIED, also stated NO NOTICE ON WHICH ANIMAL WAS MISTREATED.

Each of the aboved named people were charged with 3 Felony's and 45 Misdemeanor's. To view the full court case go to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access site. All are public records.

Michelle Ott was also charged. Circuit Court case # 2006cf000052. She plead guilty on July 26th 2006 to counts 4-5-6. Counts 1-3 and 7-48 were dismissed.

Justice 4 Half Pint Reps met with their Wisconsin assembly person, Sheryl Albers, on June 9, 2006 - The following letter is a result of that meeting AND the HSUS support!!

Subj: Dog Licensing Bill
From: Rep.Albers@legis.state.wi.us
Dear Representative Lothian,

I have met with some people who have done substantial work in Juneau and Clark Counties on pet laws. They would like to pursue another attempt to pass the attached legislation.

Mary Jan of my office has spoken to Tyler of your office, who has indicated that you are likely to pursue this legislation next session.

I will be happy to do what I can to help you to successfully introduce and move this bill through the next legislature. I understand that Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is in full support of this bill as written.

I have copied my constituents and also the national Humane Society in on this email so that you would have my constituent's email. They have the energy and network of supporters to help get this bill passed.

Sincerely, Sheryl
Sheryl K. Albers
50th Assembly District
15 North State Capitol
Madison, WI 53708
Ph 608/266-8531
Fax 608/2State Representative
83-3650

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Pictures are courtesy of the Clark County Humane Society.