A move is afoot across Ohio to stop what is perceived as the inhumane treatment of dogs by banning auctions and raffles.
A Political Action Committee (PAC), registered with Ohio's Secretary of State is spearheading an effort to bring the issue to a statewide vote. The "Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions" has kicked off a petition drive and needs to collect 120,700 to place the issue on the ballot statewide.
Dog owner Nancy Huston has arranged for a meeting on Saturday, March 6, from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church, 245 East Huron Street, Jackson, for all those interested in the subject.
A Coalition representative, Huston told The Telegram, will give an informational presentation at 1 p.m. Those present will be encouraged to sign the petition. If anyone is sufficiently motivated, petitions will be available for circulation.
Coalition members seek a statute making it illegal for auction or raffle a dog in Ohio and further to prohibit anyone from bringing dogs into Ohio for sale or trade that were bought at such an auction or raffle.
According to the Coalition, many of these dogs are found to be unhealthy and are not screened for genetic diseases. They further claim that such dogs often do not show any resemblance to breed standards and that they lack good temperament.
Conditions for such dogs are deplorable, Coalition members claim. Dogs are kept in unhealthy conditions and confined to small cages as the breeding stock for so called "puppy mills."
If you would like more information on the Coalition, you can access its Web site at www.banohiodogauctions.com.
Huston notes that anyone interested in signing the petition, can drop by Faith Lutheran Church at any time during the March 6 session.
