In the quiet Amish area of Sugarcreek, something is happening that has many in the community concerned.
Tuscarawas County Dog Warden Karen Slough, has seen her share of problems.
"I have seen a lot. I've seen too much. I have seen a lot of cruelty," she said.
Slough is talking about dog auctions that happen in the area.
The auctions bring in large-scale breeders who sell dogs that are no longer useful to them. Dog rescuers say many of these dogs are kept in cages, in unsanitary conditions.
A small toy poodle named Frankie is one of those dogs. She was rescued and brought to the Oak Pointe Veterinary Care.
Dr. Jeff Baranack saw Frankie and said that Frankie's condition is very common with auction dogs.
"She was matted beyond belief and when we did shave (them) off of her, she had a skin infection on her entire body," Baranack said.
He also said that Frankie was infested with ticks and had infected teeth and gums and she has lost 23 percent of her teeth.
Frankie is one of the lucky ones in that she got the care she needed and is on the road to recovery. Frankie should be up for adoption in a few weeks.
So, why do breeders from all over the country come to Ohio? Currently dog auctions are not illegal in the Ohio and many come to avoid restrictions that are in other states.
Julie Tripodi with Operation Warm and Cozy, explains, "Breeders that bring the dogs in, most of them have cruelty charges pending or they have been convicted of cruelty and they still have kennel licenses."
This is why currently legislature is in the Senate to try and get puppy mills under control. If you would like to see Senate Bill 95, you can go to www.columbusdogconnection.com.
Another piece of legislature is McKenzie's Law. Which is addressing concerns about Ohio dog auctions. You can find that at www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/1106.
Anyone interested in helping fight dog auctions can visit www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com.
Workers are currently trying to get signatures on a citizen-backed 2011 ballot initiative -- The Ohio Dog Auctions Act. The act would make it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog.
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