Jana Kohl and Fellow Celebrity Animal Welfare Advocates Outraged Over the Vice President-Elect’s Decision Not to Adopt

Biden Dog Breeder Cited With Several Violations

BOSTON, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Vice President-elect Joe Biden recently purchased a puppy from a breeder despite President-elect Barack Obama’s pledge to Dr. Jana Kohl and a coalition of animal welfare groups to raise awareness about the cruelty of the dog breeding industry (puppy mills) and the necessity for pet adoption.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081218/NE53296 )

“This is a major setback for the canine victims who endure years of abuse at puppy mills,” said psychologist Kohl, daughter of the founder of Kohl’s stores and niece of U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), who recently authored a book featuring Obama with Kohl’s rescue dog ‘Baby,’ a 3-legged survivor who had her vocal cords cut and leg amputated due to horrendous conditions during her nine year imprisonment. “This is a moral and economic issue that we had hoped this administration would support; we are still counting on Obama to uphold his promise to do the right thing and adopt.”

It was after meeting Baby and hearing the truth about puppy mills that Obama agreed to join Kohl’s efforts. Later, he and Michelle backed that up by announcing they would adopt a puppy for their two daughters. To know that a rescue dog will be in the White House is a source of joy and hope to millions of animal lovers who have been trying for years to spread the word about inhumane breeders and puppy mills. The hope is that the Obamas’ compassion will inspire future pet owners to follow their lead. Americans spend $2 billion a year to round up, shelter and euthanize 4-5 million homeless pets.

“Animal exploitation comes in many ugly forms but puppy mills are recognized as one of the worst,” says Bob Barker notable animal welfare advocate. The breeder that the Bidens went to charges $1200 for a puppy. When you multiply that times hundreds of dogs sold a year you can see why the industry fights to block humane reforms. According to a kennel inspection report by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, this particular breeder (aka puppy mill) was just cited for eight major violations including lack of rabies vaccination records (medical records), financial records and poor sanitation, ventilation and pest control conditions.

The Bidens’ preference for German shepherds could have been fulfilled through the many rescues dogs available. Websites such as www.Bidendog.com and www.petfinder.com list lovable dogs in need of a ‘forever home’.

Jana Kohl, Psy.D. is a writer, artist, clinical psychologist and animal welfare advocate, and has recently completed her nation-wide tour in support of her book, A Rare Breed of Love: The true story of Baby and the mission she inspired to help dogs everywhere. The book features essays and portraits of over 50 luminaries — from Barack Obama and Dick Durbin to Judge Judy and The New York Mets, and was written to raise awareness for the campaign to end puppy mills and promote pet adoption.

For more information, to speak with Jana Kohl, or to receive a copy of her book and/or any photos, please contact Chris Haynes or Samantha Porter, CBH Communications, 617.267.0070, Chaynes@cbhcommunications.com.

SOURCE A Rare Breed of Love