Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control (MADACC) has killed 1508 animals so far in 2013.736 dogs, 760 cats and 12 other animals. Last year they had killed 1515 during the same period (682 dogs, 803 cats and 11 others).

Cat intake is down for the year; but dog intake is slightly up.  Reclaims of both cats and dogs are down for the YTD. Transfers to other rescues and shelters are also down significantly.

Progressive animal sheltering that saves lives relies on two things - reducing intake and increasing live outcomes.  

Shelters can reduce intake by: proactively reuniting more lost pets with their families, preferably before they even reach the shelter; offering low cost spay and neuter services to the public; offering trap,neuter return programs for feral cats; and by reducing surrenders and "abandonment at the shelter" through excellent customer service and animal help desks.

Shelters can increase live outcomes by transferring animals to other rescues and shelters, offering medical and behavior rehabilitation; using volunteers to socialize, train and foster animals; and creating innovative adoption and marketing programs.

The busy summer months are upon us. More pets are outside, thereby more are lost and end up in the shelter system. Outdoor cats are having kittens which are often brought to animal control by Good Samaritans. If MADACC is going to succeed in reducing shelter deaths by a significant amount in 2013, they will need to get on the right track quickly.

Dear (name withheld),

Thank you for your letter regarding the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act or PUPS Act.

The PUPS Act, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) on February 27, 2013, amends the Animal Welfare Act to more stringently regulate so-called "puppy mills." It defines a "high volume retail breeder" as a person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit: (1) has an ownership interest in or custody of one or more breeding female dogs; and (2) sells, via any means of conveyance, more than 50 of the offspring of such dogs for use as pets in any one-year period.

This bill also would require dealers to disclose the number of dogs exempted from exercise by a veterinarian and would require the Secretary of Agriculture to enact requirements for dogs to receive daily exercise and play in a spacious and clean environment.

In general, I believe issues like this one should be left up to State and Local governments. I certainly support protection of animals and abhor any cruel or abusive treatment, but I think that we should limit the size, scope, cost, and control the federal government has over our lives.

The PUPS Act awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Should this matter be brought before the full Senate, I will certainly take your views into consideration.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is important for me to hear the views and concerns of the people I serve. Please feel free to contact me in the future if I can further assist you or your family. It is an honor representing you and the good people of Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate.

Sincerely,


Ron Johnson
United States Senator

Senator Paul Farrow (R)  (District 33) sent the following response to a constituent that used the Best Friends Animal Society action alert to ask for action on Senate Bill 191, a bill that helps victims of cruelty (dogs seized from cruelty situations) find new homes when they pose no threat to humans or other animals.  Under current law, almost all dogs must be euthanized, regardless of their disposition.



(Name Withheld)

Thank you very much for the email.  

Although I missed the co-sponsorship deadline, I will consider supporting SB 191 should it make it to the Senate floor for a vote.  

As a long time dog owner, this legislation has merit.  

-Paul

May 23, 2013

Thank you for contacting me about puppy mills. I appreciate you taking the time to write me about this important issue.

I share your concerns about the conditions at puppy mills throughout our nation. I am saddened by the reported conditions at certain puppy mills and am horrified by the cruelty toward dogs at these facilities. I believe that the way we treat our animals is a reflection of our society as a whole and so I am a strong supporter of ensuring that all dog breeders conduct business in ways that ensure the safe and moral treatment of their animals.

You may be interested to know that I was a proud co-sponsor of the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act during my tenure in the House of Representatives.  This legislation, known as PUPS, would amend the Animal Welfare Act to ensure that dog breeders give the dogs under their care a chance to exercise for at least two one-hour periods each day. On February 27, 2013, Senator Richard Durbin introduced the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, S. 395. This legislation is currently pending in the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, on which I do not serve. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind as legislation concerning puppy mills come before the United States Senate.

Once again, thank you for contacting my office.  It is important for me to hear from the people of Wisconsin on the issues, thoughts and concerns that matter most to you.  If I can be of further assistance, please visit my website atwww.baldwin.senate.gov for information on how to contact my office.

Sincerely,
Tammy Baldwin
United States Senator