HUGE VICTORIES!
ALV Puppy Campaigner Cleared of Charges

Justice Has Been Served

Case One
Debra Tranter, ALV's longstanding campaign manager against puppy farms has been vindicated when serious charges against her were all dismissed at the Sale Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 14. 

The charges, which included recklessly causing injury, assault with a weapon (a motorcar) and reckless conduct endangering life, warrant harsh penalties including time in prison.  The charges were in connection with an undercover investigation at the ACA puppy breeding farm near Sale in April 2008 and were completely out of character for Ms Tranter, a registered nurse who works tirelessly as well as advocating for the rights of animals.

See and read about the conditions for over 300 dogs at ACA breeders here: Puppy Farm Misery and visit Deb's blog.The owner of this breeding farm, Colin Hams, testified in court that "Nobody does it better than us." The dogs, however, live in small enclosures with plastic poison barrels for kennels and are continually kept pregnant to produce puppies for pet shops.

The case was heard over two days, Monday January 12 and Wednesday January 14. The courtroom was packed both days with supporters. Debra wants to thank the many supporters who took time off work and travelled the long distance to Sale (two and a half hour drive from Melbourne) during 39 degree weather to give her support.

Case Two
Then on Thursday, January 15, Debra appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court for her final appearance on another matter dating back to January 2007. Debra and Patty Mark were then both charged in relation to a rescue of numerous dogs and cats from a backyard breeder that supplies Pets Paradise pet shops.
Debra was asked to donate $200 to the RSPCA and no conviction was recorded.

How You Can Help Dogs!
You may not think it but you are part of the solution

Email the Mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Darren McCubbin and demand action. Ask him to revoke ACA puppy farms permit as they have been violating the Code of Practice since 1994. darren.mccubbin@wellington.vic.gov.au

Since ACA have been exposed their business has dropped by 25%. Your letters are working! Keep writing and keep spreading the word.
 
Email Victorian Minister for Agriculture Joe Helper at: joe.helper@parliament.vic.gov.au ask him to follow the lead of the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore and legislate against the sale of animals in pet shops.

Read more about Clover Moore's Bill here www.pawsforaction.com and www.fixnswanimalpolicy.com

Its time to end the shameful treatment of companion animals. Australia kills a healthy dog in a pound at a rate of 1 every 4 minutes. Pet shops and puppy farms don’t care about the welfare of the animals they are simply there to make a profit. They spend the least amount of money for the highest return.
The power is in the hands of the consumer; never ever buy an animal from a pet shop and help shut down these puppy farms.