Dog breeder produces deformed puppies and denounces animal welfare violations; PETA calls for closure

For immediate release:
May 7, 2024

Contact:
Maddy Missett 202-483-7382

Andrews, Tenn. –

After learning that local breeder Lois Baker, owner of Louie’s Miniature Dachshunds, is producing dogs with physical deformities that are likely to cause painful medical conditions and lifelong suffering, PETA today sent a letter to the puppy mill operator, stating: urges her to close the factory. disgraceful facility. PETA also points out that Baker misleads members of the public by falsely claiming on its website that its operation has “always been found to be fully compliant,” even though the group has found that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited this for a slew of federal actions. animal welfare violations – including for an underweight dog, several dogs with dental disease and a dog whose toenails were so long that ‘her toes deviated’.

Because of their deliberately bred deformities, dachshunds are at greater risk of developing lifelong spinal, knee and other joint problems, and up to a quarter of them suffer from painful intervertebral disc disease. Germany recently proposed a ban on the breeding of dachshunds – a national symbol in the country – and other dogs with “skeletal abnormalities” that cause serious health problems, which are victims of what the legislation calls “torture breeding.” Breeding any dog ​​also contributes to the companion animal overpopulation crisis, with approximately 70 million cats and dogs homeless in the US at any given time.

“Pumping out hundreds of deliberately deformed puppies while millions of dogs remain in shelters desperate for loving homes is reprehensible,” said Daniel Paden, PETA’s Vice President of Evidence Analysis. “PETA urges Lois Baker to immediately surrender all of these dogs and reminds everyone never to purchase an animal from a breeder or pet store.”

PETA – whose motto reads in part that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – points out that every animal is someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information please visit PETA.org or follow the group X, Facebookor Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Baker follows.

May 7, 2024

Lois Bakker

Owner

Louie’s Miniature Dachshunds

Dear Mrs Bakker:

In light of your operation’s remarkable history of failure to meet the bare minimum requirements of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) – and the painful deformities of dachshunds – I am writing to urge you to stop breeding these animals. We understand that this would be a radical step, but please consider the following with an open mind – and realize that you could be an inspiring, human example to your colleagues around the world.

Contrary to your claim that you have “always been found to be in full compliance” with the AWA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) records show that inspectors have cited you for at least 17 alleged violations. Last December, a USDA veterinarian discovered that one of your dogs “was very thin…her vertebrae and ribs (were) easily palpated and very little fat was observed around her abdomen.” The dog also had “a large buildup of gray-colored material on her upper and lower teeth.” In May 2023, this veterinarian found two other dogs at your surgery with “moderate to severe tartar, mainly on the canines.” In July 2021, the vet found two of your dogs with “severe” and “extensive tartar” on their teeth; the second dog also had overgrown toenails, which “caused her toes to deviate” and “could lead to lameness.”

Dachshund breeders with their long spines and stubby legs often cause these dogs to suffer from hernias, deformed intervertebral discs and joint pain. Because of these painful deformities, Germany has proposed banning the breeding of the dogs. A Cornell University veterinarian recently said that “the miniature dachshund is the most likely breed to have intervertebral disc displacement, with several (dachshunds) requiring surgery every week.” Breeding these dogs causes tremendous suffering throughout their lives, and they often require expensive medical care that your clients may not be aware of or be able to afford. Not only are these surgeries expensive, they are also dangerous, extremely painful and traumatic for dogs and their human families. These deformities endanger the dog’s health, quality of life and emotional well-being.

Breeders are largely responsible for the homeless companion animal crisis, and there are approximately 70 million homeless dogs and cats in the US at any given time. Times are changing and these issues cannot be ignored. Please stop exploiting these dogs and perpetuating the myth that their deformities are something to celebrate. Thank you. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Honestly,

Elise Visser

Evidence analyst

Cruelty Investigation Department

PETA