ReportWire

Tag: Harley's Dream

  • Harley’s Dream Endorses Humane Pet Store Bill in Minnesota

    Harley’s Dream Endorses Humane Pet Store Bill in Minnesota

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Feb 21, 2020


    BERTHOUD, Colo., February 21, 2020 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​​Harley’s Dream is proud to support a new “Humane Pet Store Bill” that was introduced to Minnesota legislature this week. Companion bills SF-3307/HF-3369 would prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores statewide. This bill would require pet stores to shift to a more humane model by encouraging them to sponsor adoption events with local rescues and shelters.

    “We commend the bill sponsors for taking this crucial step in protecting the health and well-being of dogs and cats living in puppy mills by working to shut down Minnesota’s puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline,” said Harley’s Dream co-founder Rudi Taylor. “The ordinance doesn’t impact responsible breeders. It’s a win for communities, for consumers, for businesses and, most especially, for our canine and feline companions who deserve better than life in a cage.”

    Over the past three years, Harley’s Dream has raised awareness about the pet store/puppy mill connection through the use of billboards – impacting millions of motorists statewide. Minnesota Harley’s Heroes Team Captain, Vickie Dailey of St. Paul, spends one day a week, along with several other animal welfare advocates, protesting a large pet store that sells puppies and kittens. Vickie also volunteers her time by educating the public about the cruel commercial dog breeding industry from her awareness table at a major pet supply store. “This isn’t about forcing pet stores to close their doors, we’re only asking that they switch to a humane model and stop selling puppies and kittens. Responsible breeders NEVER sell to pet stores. Dogs and cats are euthanized daily in shelters across our state and this bill would reduce those numbers drastically.” – Vickie Dailey​

    If SF-3307/HF-3369 passes, Minnesota would join Maryland, California and Maine — as well as more than 350 local jurisdictions nationwide which have passed similar Retail Pet Sales Laws, including the cities of Roseville, Eden Prairie and St. Paul.

    Despite pet stores’ claims that their puppies come from local, licensed and/or humane breeders, the reality is different. Puppies are mass-produced in commercial breeding facilities across the country, including right here in Minnesota. The parent dogs typically spend their entire lives in small, dirty, wire cages; they are treated as breeding machines and are typically destroyed when they no longer produce a profit. The puppies, often with genetic health issues or harboring illnesses, are shipped off to pet stores only to be sold to unsuspecting consumers.

    About Harley’s Dream
    Harley’s Dream was established in honor of Harley, a senior one-eyed puppy mill survivor who became the face and voice of the puppy mill dogs worldwide. With a mission to create awareness and educate the public about the cruel commercial dog breeding industry, Harley’s Dream is making huge strides. Through a grassroots approach by large groups of concerned citizens, the organization has been involved with bringing change in communities across the country. Harley’s Dream is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at: www.harleysdream.org

    Source: Harley’s Dream

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Pet Store Retail Ordinances Gain Momentum in Colorado

    Pet Store Retail Ordinances Gain Momentum in Colorado

    [ad_1]

    City by city, Harley’s Dream is working with Colorado communities to say NO to puppy mills!

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Dec 15, 2019


    BERTHOUD, Colo., December 15, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
     ​​​​​​​​​It started this summer in Berthoud, CO when Harley’s Dream proposed an ordinance to the town council, banning the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores. The ordinance, with the overwhelming support of Berthoud Mayor William Karspeck, was unanimously passed.

    With the precedent set, similar ordinances have been proposed and passed this year by lawyer and Harley’s Hero, Joyce Cohen – in Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, and Eagle CO with the support of Harley’s Dream, as well as from the Humane Society of the United States – Colorado. All of these communities joined the more than 300+ jurisdictions across the country who have successfully passed this humane ordinance, emphatically saying no to puppy mills. Although none of these Colorado communities had pet stores that sold dogs or cats, they have taken proactive steps to ensure their communities remain humane in the future. And the Colorado momentum continues as there are more ordinances in progress.

    City by city, this effort is paving the way for a state-wide law. The “Puppy Mill Bill” is legislation that would ban the retail sales of puppies and kittens in pet stores throughout Colorado. The bill, which will be introduced in early 2020, will be sponsored by State Representative Monica Duran with the support of animal advocate, First Gentleman Marlon Reis.

    A majority of puppies sold in pet stores are born in commercial breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills. These mills are commonly inhumane, overcrowded and unsanitary. Puppies and kittens born in mills do not receive adequate veterinary care, exercise, socialization or human contact. The parent dogs exist in these environments while their puppies get wholesaled out to the unsuspecting public via pet stores across the country.

    According to Rudi Taylor, founder of Harley’s Dream, “We hope that other jurisdictions continue to follow Berthoud’s lead and adopt this humane ordinance. There is no downside. The ordinance doesn’t impact responsible breeders, and the vast majority of pet supply stores have already shunned the cruel pet wholesaling industries, no longer selling dogs and cats. Instead, these businesses have adopted a successful and humane business model, selling only pet supplies and services and helping shelters and rescue organizations with adoptions of animals in need. It’s a win for the communities, for businesses, and most especially, for our canine companions who deserve better than life in a cage. We believe that if the public knew the truth about where pet store puppies come from, pet stores selling puppies sourced from puppy mills would no longer exist. There is growing momentum in Colorado communities and across the country as the public becomes aware of the pet store/puppy mill connection. The general public is proving they support measures to ensure the humane treatment of our companion animals.”

    About Harley
    Harley was a one-eyed Chihuahua who spent his first 10 years living in a cage in a puppy mill. His sole purpose was to produce puppies to be sold in pet stores.  Harley’s eye was lost because his cage was cleaned with a power-washer, with him in it. After being rescued, Harley began his triumphant journey. His efforts as a “spokes-dog” against puppy mills earned him the top honor as American Humane’s “Hero Dog of the Year.” Harley had been on the Today Show, HuffpostLIVE, Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family Show and numerous news segments. He also had the opportunity to testify during a congressional caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.  Sadly, Harley passed away in March 2016, but his legacy lives on … his mission will continue until puppy mills no longer exist. Harley inspired so many people to do great things, and he continues to be the face and voice for the hundreds of thousands of dogs suffering in puppy mills today.

    Learn more at www.harleysdream.org.

    Source: Harley’s Dream

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Pet Store Protest in Loveland, CO to Honor Puppy Mill Survivor

    Pet Store Protest in Loveland, CO to Honor Puppy Mill Survivor

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Oct 21, 2019


    BERTHOUD, Colo., October 21, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​​​​​Harley’s Dream, a Colorado-based animal welfare non-profit organization is planning a peaceful pet store protest on South Cleveland Ave, Loveland, CO. It will be held on Saturday, October 26th from 12 – 1:30 pm. The organization has been peacefully protesting a pet store in that vicinity for several years. This particular protest will be in honor of Teddy, a puppy mill dog who recently passed away, and will also be in celebration of the placement of a nearby Loveland puppy mill awareness billboard.

    According to Harley’s Dream founder, Rudi Taylor, “The goal of peaceful protests is to educate consumers about the connection between pet stores and puppy mills and to encourage pet stores to switch to the humane business model of only selling pet supplies, not puppies and kittens.”

    Peaceful protests are one avenue of raising awareness about the puppy mill – pet store connection; billboards are another!

    A compelling billboard was unveiled mid-month on Hwy 287 just south of 8th Street in Loveland and will stay up indefinitely to further educate and raise awareness about puppy mills and the pet store connection.

    Harley, the tiny senior one-eyed Chihuahua depicted in the compelling billboard, lived for 10 years in a puppy mill, losing his eye when his cage was power-washed with him still in it. He was rescued, and because of his work against puppy mills, went on to be awarded the 2015 American Hero Dog.

    It is estimated by industry experts that 98% of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. Responsible breeders would never sell their puppies to a pet store. A puppy mill is defined as a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Breeding dogs at these facilities are crowded into wire bottomed cages that are only required by federal regulations to be 6” longer, wider and taller than the dog. They will likely live their entire lives in this space, and females will be bred every single cycle, with their puppies shipped off to be sold at pet stores. These breeding dogs will receive little to no veterinary care, rarely know a kind human touch or have their feet ever touch grass. This is how the parents of pet store puppies live.

    We believe that if the public knew the truth about where pet store puppies come from, puppy mills would no longer exist. Our peaceful pet store protests and billboards around the country are educating people daily.

    Harley’s Dream was also the driving force behind the recent passage of a pet retail ban ordinance in Berthoud. They have been involved in and supportive of many other ordinances including the recent Breckenridge, CO ban of the retail sale of puppies & kittens, and they are currently working on and supporting the passage of similar ordinance in many municipalities across the state and country. “There is growing momentum as the public becomes aware of the pet store / puppy mill connection and the general public is proving that they support measures to ensure the humane treatment of our companion animals.”

    Harley’s Dream, formed in Harley’s memory, is a grassroots, non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the cruel puppy mill industry. 

    To find out more about Harley’s Dream or to join the movement, visit: www.harleysdream.org

    Source: Harley’s Dream

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Berthoud, Colorado Bans the Sale of Puppies and Kittens in Pet Stores

    Berthoud, Colorado Bans the Sale of Puppies and Kittens in Pet Stores

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 26, 2019


    BERTHOUD, Colo., June 26, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​​​In a preemptive move leading the way toward a more humane Colorado, on June 25 an ordinance proposed by Harley’s Dream, which bans the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores, was unanimously passed by the Berthoud Board of Trustees. 

    Berthoud, Colorado joins more than 300 jurisdictions across the country which have passed ordinances or laws that restrict the retail sales of dogs and cats. A majority of puppies sold in pet stores are born in commercial breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills. These mills are commonly inhumane, overcrowded and unsanitary. Puppies and kittens born in mills do not receive adequate veterinary care, exercise, socialization or human contact. 

    This is a huge step forward for animal welfare in Colorado. Harley’s Dream wishes to thank Mayor William Karspeck for championing this measure, and the members of the Berthoud Town Board for their swift action in ensuring Berthoud will lead the way in Colorado to establishing and always remaining a humane community.

    “Our hope is that Berthoud can be a model for other jurisdictions, that they will take the same action, eventually leading toward a state-wide law prohibiting puppies and kittens from being sold in pet stores. We want to stop the puppy mill pipeline into Colorado,” says Rudi Taylor, co-founder of Harley’s Dream. “And while we do support responsible breeding, as those breeders never sell their puppies to pet stores, a measure such as Berthoud’s will positively impact the adoption of shelter and rescue pets.”

    About Harley
    Berthoud is the hometown of Harley, a one-eyed Chihuahua who spent his first 10 years living in a cage in a puppy mill. His sole purpose was to produce puppies to be sold in pet stores. Harley’s eye was lost because his cage was cleaned with a power-washer, with him in it. After being rescued, Harley began his triumphant journey. His efforts as a “spokes-dog” against puppy mills earned him the top honor as American Humane’s “Hero Dog of the Year.” Harley had been on the Today Show, HuffpostLIVE, Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family Show and numerous news segments. He also had the opportunity to testify during a congressional caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Sadly, Harley passed away in March 2016, but his legacy lives on … his mission will continue until puppy mills no longer exist. Harley inspired so many people to do great things, and he continues to be the voice for the hundreds of thousands of dogs suffering in puppy mills today. 

    About Harley’s Dream
    Harley’s Dream was established in 2016 to create awareness and educate the public about the cruel commercial dog breeding industry, also known as puppy mills. They believe that a grassroots approach by large groups of concerned citizens is the most effective way to bring about change. Their focus is to encourage advocacy by providing the tools necessary to educate children and adults alike. Harley’s Dream is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Berthoud, Colorado. Learn more at www.harleysdream.org.

    Source: Harley’s Dream

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Thousands Will Attend Hops & Harley – Berthoud, CO – Honoring Tiny One-Eyed Chihuahua

    Thousands Will Attend Hops & Harley – Berthoud, CO – Honoring Tiny One-Eyed Chihuahua

    [ad_1]

    Celebrating dogs and craft beer, the 7th Annual Hops & Harley festival expects to draw thousands of guests to Berthoud, Colorado from around the country. This dog-friendly, family event supports “Harley’s Dream” and will feature live music, craft beer, food trucks, dog agility course, vendors, and adult/kids activities to raise puppy mill awareness.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 9, 2019


    BERTHOUD, Colo., June 9, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​Berthoud-based nonprofit Harley’s Dream and City Star Brewing will host the 7th Annual Hops & Harley Festival on June 15 at Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud, Colorado from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Top sponsors for 2019 Hops & Harley are NomNomNow, Mile High Harley-Davidson, Lamar and Petcardia Veterinary Cardiology. 

    The free community event will feature live music by Joe Kuckla and Irons in the Fire and By The Lee, City Star Brewing on tap, Spirit Hound Distillers cocktails, Shoes and Brews 5K Dog Jog, Hogs for Hops and Harley motorcycle ride to the event, food trucks, vendors and kids activities to raise puppy mill awareness. This year’s Woof and Wags Village will feature a dog agility course open to the public by Trust Your Dog Training, dog obedience class demo and mini training sessions with Double K Canine Training, Fluff and Buff Bar courtesy Dog Bath and Beyond. Visit Fun and Games Village to find yard games, photo booth, balloon twisting, interactive activities with Wildfire Community Arts and Berthoud Local, face painting, rocks painting, and a 2pm House of Joy Kids Show. In 2018 Hops & Harley attracted well over 3,000 people from across the US and raised more than $25,000.

    100% of the proceeds from Hops & Harley will benefit Colorado-based nonprofit organization, Harley’s Dream, which was established in 2016 to create awareness and educate the public about the commercial dog breeding industry, also known as puppy mills. This event was created in honor of Harley, a tiny Chihuahua who was known as the “Little Dog with a Big Dream.” Harley’s life was truly a rags to riches story. After spending 10 years in a small cage he was freed and found a loving home where he began his triumphant journey. Harley’s efforts as a ‘spokes-dog’ against puppy mills earned him the top honor as American Humane’s “Hero Dog of the Year.” Harley had been on The Today Show, HuffpostLIVE, Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family Show and numerous news segments. He also had the opportunity to testify during a congressional caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Sadly, Harley passed away on March 20, 2016, but his legacy lives on … he inspired so many people to do great things, and he continues to be the voice for the hundreds of thousands of dogs suffering in puppy mills today.

    Learn more about Hops and Harley at www.hopsandharley.com
    Learn more about Harley’s Dream at www.harleysdream.org

    Source: Harley’s Dream

    [ad_2]

    Source link