Last night, we unexpectedly lost our beloved Ella Bean at nearly 15 years old. The Instagram account @thebeandogs started as a fun way for me to share cute photos of my puppy mill rescue, Ella Bean. Since we started Instagramming 7 years ago, we’ve rescued 3 more puppy mill dogs and we dedicate much of our social media platform to ending the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores in our home state of New York. In honor of Ella, we’re asking everyone to step in to help. We need your voices to be louder than ever before Tuesday, May 3rd.
We have a HUGE opportunity right now to pass New York's Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, A. 4283.
This bill will shut down the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline and drive the pet market in New York towards more humane sources like shelters, rescues and responsible breeders.
We work closely with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) on the puppy mill issue and have collaborated closely with the HSUS team to make sure we can support each of you in making a difference in support of this bill.
Why does this matter?
Pet stores sell animals that stem from puppy mills - full stop.
A responsible breeder would NEVER sell their beloved animals through a pet store.
These stores lie to consumers and use false marketing tactics. Don’t believe me? Check out HSUS’ investigation into New Yorks’ pet stores.
The purchase of these animals has risks to both our wallets and our health, sometimes the diseases they carry are even spread to humans!
Think of the heartbreak when these families bring their new pets home only to be confronted with multi-thousand dollar bills for the health care required to save their beloved pet and they don’t always survive. This is why we think Poppy was surrendered and we want to protect these consumers.
The puppies in pet stores have often been taken from their mothers too early. Then, these extremely young animals must survive long journeys in trucks stacked with cages, only to be dropped at the pet stores when many are already sick.
Don’t forget the breeding parents! The conditions in which they are coming from are inhumane. The breeding parents are kept in cages (often stacked) and bred over and over for their entire lives without proper medical care or human interaction.
The cruelty is unbelievable and abhorrent to anyone who loves animals.
What can YOU do?
It’s time to get LOUD New York!!
We need your Assemblymembers to hear from you NOW. We must ask them to co-sponsor AND vote yes on New York's Puppy Mill Pipeline Act. A. 4283.
The vote in the Senate Agriculture Committee is Tuesday May 3rd - so it is CRUNCH TIME!
Get your friends and your networks involved. We know there are so many pet lovers in New York who want to see this bill passed and you can help in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Find your Assemblymember HERE
Step 2: Use their contact info and call, fax and/ or email messaging asking them to support this bill. We have some template language for you to reference below!
Step 3: Get your friends involved, ask your colleagues to support. Post on social media and tag your rep!! We need as many voices as possible and we need them now!
Remember to keep your messaging respectful, but don’t be afraid to share your passion.
The Beans want to hear from you and see your messaging! Tag us @thebeandogs, email us ellabeanthedog@gmail.com and let us know how we can help you take a stand.
Template Messaging
Template language is below, but I highly encourage everyone to customize your notes and talk about why this matters to you personally.
I personally have been sharing from the point-of-view of consumer impact of pet stores selling puppy mill animals. I make this personal and share that two of my rescue pups were surrendered because of the untenable health costs associated with their health issues, and these issues directly stemmed from their puppy mill backgrounds.
Sample Email Language
Email Subject: Please Co-Sponsor and Support A 4283, the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill
[Constituents Name]
[Constituents Address]
[City, N.Y. Zip Code]
[DATE]
Dear [Assemblymember LAST NAME],
My name is [Constituents Name] and I am a constituent of yours residing at [Constituents Address] in [City], New York. [Feel free to update to resident of New York state if not a direct constituant, or if from another state, speak to your connections in NY]
I am writing as an avid animal lover to ask that you co-sponsor and support A.4283, the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill, to reduce the demand for dogs, cats and rabbits bred in cruel conditions. This bill will greatly reduce the demand for animals that come from facilities where the breeding stock are kept in tiny wire cages, often stacked on top of one another, for their entire life. In these facilities animals are repeatedly bred with little regard for their health or welfare so their offspring can be shipped to pet stores, many of which are in New York, and sold for profit. You can help end this cruel supply chain by supporting the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill.
This bill also addresses consumer protection issues regularly occurring at pet stores. Most pet stores sell puppies at premium prices while issuing baseless guarantees that the animal is healthy, socialized and from a humane breeder. In reality, most breeding mills where pet store animals are born and raised are unsanitary and in no way socialize an animal for life in a home. This often results in consumers spending thousands of dollars caring for a sick animal shortly after bringing it home. In worst case scenarios, the animal dies shortly after purchase.
Most New York pet stores are already in compliance with this bill because they refuse to sell puppies, kittens and bunnies. Instead, many opt to work with the rescue community by hosting adoption events at their stores. There is no reason not to get the rest of the pet stores onboard with a humane business model that will help countless animals and protect consumers from financial stresses and possible heartbreak.
Please support A.4283, it is what is best for all New Yorkers and their furry family members.
Sincerely,
