Submitted by melissa at: June 26, 2009
lord help those who help

Submitted by Roxana at: June 7, 2009
I congratulate and Thank the ASPCA for such a wonderful job! I feel very betrayed by this woman and anyone affiliated with her. I can't believe they used petfinder to feed into their greed! My goal was to rescue animals from people like her and instead she was the monster behind the scenes! I'm sure many people adopted from her thinking that they were doing the right thing! Thank you for giving those poor animals the respect and care that they deserve!

Submitted by Sylvia Taylor at: June 5, 2009
What good is a misdemeanor? A slap on the wrist for most? These laws need to be strengthened with teeth and real punishment for these monstrous people. When they pay a measly fine and/or spend a little time in jail or community service, they just may go underground...and then what?

Submitted by la la at: June 5, 2009
I don't believe that her dogs were not breeding. She didn't have any of the dogs spayed or neutered and she always had puppies (many with parvo that she lied about). They were in horrific condition, absolutely horrific. This woman was glorifying nothing but her ego and her pocketbook. I don't believe she is a hoarder, I believe she is a narcissist. The rescue groups did the responsible thing. They removed the animals, they gave them the proper veterinary care and grooming, they fed them, and many were starved (skin and bone, no hair, no fat). They treated them for mange, roundworm, hookworm, giardia, whipworm, and a myriad of other diseases, and they got them into responsible shelters. They did the right thing with the money they raised. When people did try to help her, she just went out and bought more puppies to sell at auction, rather than taking care of the animals she had. Rescue groups DO NOT do that. The adoption fees and donations cover spay, neuter, vaccinations, and vet care. I would love to this woman's records to see exactly how much of the money she did raise went for anything more than buying more puppies and a minimal amount of food required to barely keep the animals alive. Submitted by Ashley at: June 3, 2009 I AM SO SICK AND TIERED PF HEARING ABOUT ANIMAL CRUELTY AND CRAP LIKE THAT! ANIMALS ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN HUMANS SO STOP HURTING THEM!!!!! IM ONLY BARELY A TEEN AND I CANT BELEIVE WHAT HAPPENS IN PUPPY MILLS AND DOG FIGHTS AND O MY GOD I CANT EXPLAIN HOW I FEEL!! HORRIBLE HORRIBE HEARTLES PEOPLE WHO HURT ANIMALS. Submitted by Anonymous at: June 2, 2009 From one that was there. Kudos to the many individual volunteers and people that have donated not only money, but time to help and for ASPCA and their staff for doing a very professional job. Submitted by Anonymous at: June 2, 2009 From one that was there. To see this farm from the road you would think what a pretty place, beautiful fencing, a couple well kept nice houses and the lawn mowed.....but you drive up the drive and look at the many, many animal everywhere, some 80 horses together, then another pasture of some 30 mini's, goats, sheep, llamas and as you look a little closer, it is not such a pretty scene. The sheep and llama's are heavy with hair and have not been shaved and need this badly, the horses and mini's all have nice little pot bellies and not because of the good quality of feed but because of the worm infestation they have. They are running wild and can not be caught and so you would have to assmume there has been no vet work in a long time. Then there are the presently injured animals as the ram with a broken leg, that she said was better, the past injuries of some that should have been put down for the better of the animal and the quality of their lives, but are instead alive and cannot tell us how much pain they are in. When you drive by on the road you do not realize that every inch of every building is full of some 300+ dogs, rabbits, birds and other variety of animals, living in filthy cages and with a wide varity of sickness and diease. I have looked at Jennifer Petkus's website and see how she has glorified herself as a vet tech and wanting to have a rescue/shelter for unwanted animals, but this is not a rescue. She was buying and trying to sell sick animals for profit, she knew it, she would have been better off giving them away free to good homes and doing what was right for the animal rather than worring about the almighty buck. With fewer she may have been able to actually do something good. But it was her undoing, trying to sell the sick animals, taking the contract money from Richland County every month, volunteers to help her for free because she was a "rescue", possibly free food because she was a "rescue". She got in way over her head and then it was too late to turn back, she abused the system and should be punished. She knew it was wrong, she knew the animals were sick and she still went forward and was selling them. So yes she got 10 dogs back but there are many other animals there yet that were not taken and what happens to them. Will Richland County follow thru and make her care for the animals still on the property? How long will they follow up on this? Will Jennifer just start collecting more dogs again? Jennifer if i were you i would move and change my name. How do you sleep at nite, with the pile of dead animals carcasses just thrown up on the hill and how do you go to work each day and face your co-workers. Just remember those were god's creatures and there will be justice in the end. Submitted by Anonymous at: June 1, 2009 Along with animal welfare laws...what about the animals that some of the collector types are trying to save? WE want to be angry and become shocked at the videos, photos and coat conditions of the animals in their care. Then we can yack about the animal abuse vidoes on UTube. All seem to be quick to go view these and feed the egos of the individuals making them, BY VIEWING THEM. Are we viewing any videos of the personal sacrifices made by the individuals that are making the INSANE ATTEMPT to save them all? Are we making attempts to change state and local laws to implement STIFFER PUNISHMENT to those that COMMIT The Animal Cruelty that might have sparked the individual that is doing the collecting? Any one of us in these hard economic times could find ourselves in a similar situation. No, I do not believe that collecting to the point of self destruction is the way to go. But there would not be this kind of thing going on if the animals didn't take the back seat in our society in the legal system. Folks that collect wouldn't happen, if they were not trying to compensate for the rest of us. And keep in mind, this is a BIG world! In other parts of the world...those same animals are FOOD! You want change...Look at the citizens in OUR country abusing animals as a pass time. After they get bored with the animals, they start preying on humans. That usually starts with children and then females as their next possible choice of victims. Human abusers and killers start with animals. How much crime would be nipped in the bud if you started with 10 years of hard time for choking kitties and filming it? No GOOD TIME ALLOWED! And for the backwoods of Wisconsin...I live in them 'and I'm not a nut case with "Backwoods Mentality". Don't Stereotype. There is plenty to be said about "city folk" also. Submitted by BURGER ALIVE at: May 31, 2009 THE REAL COLLECTORS ARE THE PEOPLE RUNNING AROUND COLLECTING ANIMALS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN RESCUED BY PEOPLE [WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY TO WORK WITH] COURAGOUS ENOUGH TO GO INTO SOME OF THE MOST DANGEROUS AND HEART WRENCHING PLACES TO BETTER AN ANIMALS LIFE. iT MAY NOT BE THE GREATEST "PRINCESS" STYLE LIFE, BUT IT IS AWAY FROM THE TRUE ABUSERS AND CARED FOR IN A BETTER SITUATION. THIS ANIMAL COLLECTING THAT IS GOING ON BY ALL THESE BIG GROUPS IS JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ADDICTION. ADDICTION TO KILL, MADE EASY, ALSO IT FEEDS THE ADDICTION FOR T.V. AND NEWSPAPER ATTENTION TO GAIN MONEY FOR THEIR GROUP SO EVERY BODY KEEPS THEIR JOB. MOSTLY, IT IS THE THRILL OF THE KILL. JENNIFER HAS DONE THE HARD PART ,FOR THESE COLLECTORS, BY MAKING THE INITIAL RESCUE.THE BIGGER ANIMAL RAIDING GROUPS HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS. WHY DONT THEY TRY TO HELP THESE NO KILL SHELTERS IN STEAD OF SHUTTING THEM DOWN ONE BY ONE? IS THE DESIRE TO KILL STRONGER THAN THE CONCERN FOR LIFE? IM SICK OF THESE COLLECTERS LYING AND FABRICATING ON ALL THESE CASES JUST FOR GREED. ONE DAY THEY WILL BE EXPOSED FOR WHAT THEY ARE.ITS INTERESTING THAT THEY ALWAYS SAY THE SAME PET PHRASES LIKE THIS IS THE WORST CASE OF ABUSE EVER AND SO ON.THEY ARE TOTALY DISGUSTING! WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, NOTHING HAPPENS!! THANK YOU JENNIFER FOR DOING THE BEST YOU COULD DO. I SAW NOTHING BAD ON THE VIDEO BY ASPCA BECAUSE THEIR CAMERA ONLY FOCUSED ON THE 3 MATTED DOGS AND ONE PIC OF A VERY CLEAN CEMENT SLAB WITH A FEW DOGS HAPPILY WALKING AROUND AND AT LEAST 20 CLEAN IGLOO DOG HOIUSED NEATLY LINED UP. IF THAT IS NOT OK SHELTER, THAN THE IGLOO DOG HOUSE CO. HAS A PROBLEM ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER HUMANE SOCIETIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT DONATE THEM TO INNERCITY DOGS EACH WINTER. Submitted by mike at: May 31, 2009 Lance: While everybody is gathering all this info, the fact remains that these aminmals were allowed to live in pain and squallor. This Petkus has NO EXCUSE. ZERO, NONE. THIS IS WORSE THAN MICHAEL VICK. SHE DID THIS UNDER THE PRETENSE OF CARING. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AT THE FACES OF THE VICTIMS. ANIMALS DON'T HAVE A CHOICE. EVEN "SO CALLED" HUMANS DO. ITS SICK, AND I HOPE SHE GETS PROSECUTED AND FINED. WHAT A DISCRAEFUL EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING. Submitted by Lance at: May 31, 2009 Here is a link to pictures of the WI dog auctions. http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id90.html Submitted by Greenconsciousness at: May 31, 2009 This is from Best Friends: Support Wisconsin’s new animal welfare bill: On April 8, Representative Jeff Smith and Senator Pat Kreitlow announced their long-awaited joint House / Senate bill to provide for licensing and inspection of breeders and sellers and help to protect dogs by setting standards for their care. AB-250 (formerly LRB 2448/2), the Commercial Dog Breeders Li censure Bill, is the culmination of a year's effort by the legislators and a working group comprised of all stake-holders: humane organizations and rescues, hobby breeders, commercial breeders and sellers, DATCP, and veterinarians. 71 of 132 Wisconsin lawmakers have already supported the bill by their co-sponsorship. For more information visit: The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project’s Laws and Legislation Page. http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/legislation.html http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id71.html Horst Stables in Thorp, Wisconsin, is the proud proprietor of Wisconsin's first dog auctions. 200 dogs were sold at the first auction last fall. In March of 2007, 250 dogs were sold. The next auction is scheduled for June 2, 2007. Another 200 dogs will be available for sale. Unfortunately, there are many factors involved with these auctions that the public is not aware of. http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id73.html Petkus bought dogs at these sales and did sell them at a higher price in the hope that the homes would be able to afford their vet care. Most of the money she received went into buying more dogs from the auctions. This put her at odds with the Humane Societies who thought she was not helping as the breeders were getting the money and not being shut down. Yet I dare you to go to these auctions and not buy a whole bunch of these miserable animals. It is heartbreaking agony to watch it happen knowing most of them are going to dog fighters and Asian butcher shops. She should be helped not crucified -- go to the Thorp Auctions. Work for the forgiveness of vet student loans in return for free medical care. Submitted by Lance at: May 31, 2009 RoccoB But you are asking people to unload anger on her without knowing the facts. Read all the comments - there are real questions about the role of big groups who raise money from these investigations but never offer to help these rescuers or campaign for free vet care. Where were the vets? What about the money? How much did this woman actually get to care for these animals? Nothing I saw in the pictures is as bad as the northern WI puppy mills which the Richland County DA is well aware of and which are never busted for cruelty and where many of those dogs came from. Because these puppy mills are run by Mennonites and in WI you do not touch religion even if they kill their kids by not taking them to doctors, much less take their animals to vets. Save your anger and abuse for the real abusers not those who try to help and are overwhelmed. Somehow we must stop the breeding of these dogs and horses. You need to travel to the Thorp auctions to smell and feel what I am talking about. I will come back with links. Submitted by Rocco B at: May 30, 2009 Lance, I am not a puppy mill breeder nor am I an abuser. I am just very angry that a person, i.e., Jennifer Petkus, who was supposed to be caring for animals was neglecting them-- horribly, in fact. It is great that we are discussing this among ourselves but Ms. Petkus should know how badly we all feel for the animals who suffered in her "care" -- and how angry we are that she allowed the situation to happen. It is her fault. Lance, if you don't want to share your concerns with Ms. Petkus, don't, but please don't attack me. thanks! Submitted by Lance at: May 30, 2009 How do we know RocoB is not one of the many puppy mill breeder who populate that area in WI and resented the Sanctuary and want it closed for their own pocket book's sake? He sounds like an abuser. Submitted by mayling at: May 30, 2009 I do not know if she is guilty or not,I would like to know if someone checked how much money she has in her personal account,because everybody is talking about,public donations etc, etc, etc. probably she loved the animals and did what she could for them and perhaps were in bad shape and with the little money or nothing she welcome them when nobody did,have mercy on her. Submitted by Anonymous at: May 29, 2009 Christy What is your basis for saying she did not ask for help, over and over and over just as right now every sanctuary is asking for help. Were you ever there to help her? The laws that allow breeding and free to a good home are to blame for this not exhausted rescuers. Here is a note I received from a friend who also lives in WI after she read this report. "These people who talk about all the money she was getting to run that place -- what was it? $500 a month? That's a buck and a half an animal per MONTH. No way you can care for animals on that...and yes, crucify the one who's place became a dumping ground for all the unseen men behind the curtain. I had a friend -- now dead -- who ran the garbage pickup in one of those counties, and people would put their pups out with the trash in winter because they knew she was coming and couldn't say No. That's how we got Renegade and Magic -- from her farm, where she'd take them and feed them out of her own money. What little of it there was." Submitted by Christy at: May 29, 2009 Yes she should have been shut down! She should have asked soneone for help or found other areas for the animals rather that let them suffer the way she did. She should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law! Submitted by Greenconsciousness at: May 29, 2009 I have asked large organizations like the ASPCA to join in a campaign to force the government to forgive veterinarian's student loans in exchange for free services to shelters and sanctuaries as well as free neuter and spay programs for the poor. Vets graduate with between $150,000 and $200,000 in student loans. Soon none of us ordinary people will be able to afford vet care. The government DOES forgive vet student loans if they work for agri-business in rural areas. Why can't that program be extended to companion animals in all areas of the country? Ask yourself why neither the ASPCA or the National Humane Society would join this campaign which would SOLVE the problem. Is the profit made from these situations more important? Submitted by caraeire at: May 28, 2009 I couldn't look at the videos - the pictures were bad enough. I hope you use some of the money I donate every month to put these S.O.Bs in jail! Misdemeanor my ***! Submitted by Jackie at: May 28, 2009 I think Dane County should have helped the shelter with the animals, by offering grooming, and vetcare not shut her down. Then Dane County could have asked her for her help in getting evidence on the puppy mills, that Jennifer only had access to, then they could have shut the puppymills down, not the no kill animal shelter. It is the puppymills and breeders that are the root of the problem. Submitted by Rachel at: May 27, 2009 This woman was not a hoarder. She was trying to get as many adopted out as possible. That is not a hoarder. At the same time she was trying to take in as many as possible to save their lives. You state her conditions were just as bad as the puppymill she rescued them from, but how do you know? Did you see the puppymill? Do you know that puppymills shoot dogs they don't want anymore? Now you say they are going to be saved by the ASPCA and the Dane County Humane society, but if deemed unadoptable they will be euthanized. Is that right? Helping and working with shelters is the right thing to do. I don't understand if they were secretly going there for months, why didn't Dane County just help the shelter rather than shutting it down. Why didn't they help? Submitted by Ariel at: May 27, 2009 Animals like these need our help. The ASPCA cannot function without funding. I just donated. If you're reading this, and you're considering donating, just do it. You will be blessed for doing it! It is our responsibility as Americans, as human beings, to protect the innocent.

Submitted by Volunteer at: June 4, 2009
I don't believe that her dogs were not breeding. She didn't have any of the dogs spayed or neutered and she always had puppies (many with parvo that she lied about). They were in horrific condition, absolutely horrific. This woman was glorifying nothing but her ego and her pocketbook. I don't believe she is a hoarder, I believe she is a narcissist. The rescue groups did the responsible thing. They removed the animals, they gave them the proper veterinary care and grooming, they fed them, and many were starved (skin and bone, no hair, no fat). They treated them for mange, roundworm, hookworm, giardia, whipworm, and a myriad of other diseases, and they got them into responsible shelters. They did the right thing with the money they raised. When people did try to help her, she just went out and bought more puppies to sell at auction, rather than taking care of the animals she had. Rescue groups DO NOT do that. The adoption fees and donations cover spay, neuter, vaccinations, and vet care. I would love to this woman's records to see exactly how much of the money she did raise went for anything more than buying more puppies and a minimal amount of food required to barely keep the animals alive.

Submitted by Ashley at: June 3, 2009
I AM SO SICK AND TIERED PF HEARING ABOUT ANIMAL CRUELTY AND CRAP LIKE THAT! ANIMALS ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN HUMANS SO STOP HURTING THEM!!!!! IM ONLY BARELY A TEEN AND I CANT BELEIVE WHAT HAPPENS IN PUPPY MILLS AND DOG FIGHTS AND O MY GOD I CANT EXPLAIN HOW I FEEL!! HORRIBLE HORRIBE HEARTLES PEOPLE WHO HURT ANIMALS.

Submitted by Anonymous at: June 2, 2009
From one that was there. Kudos to the many individual volunteers and people that have donated not only money, but time to help and for ASPCA and their staff for doing a very professional job.

Submitted by Anonymous at: June 2, 2009
From one that was there. To see this farm from the road you would think what a pretty place, beautiful fencing, a couple well kept nice houses and the lawn mowed.....but you drive up the drive and look at the many, many animal everywhere, some 80 horses together, then another pasture of some 30 mini's, goats, sheep, llamas and as you look a little closer, it is not such a pretty scene. The sheep and llama's are heavy with hair and have not been shaved and need this badly, the horses and mini's all have nice little pot bellies and not because of the good quality of feed but because of the worm infestation they have. They are running wild and can not be caught and so you would have to assmume there has been no vet work in a long time. Then there are the presently injured animals as the ram with a broken leg, that she said was better, the past injuries of some that should have been put down for the better of the animal and the quality of their lives, but are instead alive and cannot tell us how much pain they are in. When you drive by on the road you do not realize that every inch of every building is full of some 300+ dogs, rabbits, birds and other variety of animals, living in filthy cages and with a wide varity of sickness and diease. I have looked at Jennifer Petkus's website and see how she has glorified herself as a vet tech and wanting to have a rescue/shelter for unwanted animals, but this is not a rescue. She was buying and trying to sell sick animals for profit, she knew it, she would have been better off giving them away free to good homes and doing what was right for the animal rather than worring about the almighty buck. With fewer she may have been able to actually do something good. But it was her undoing, trying to sell the sick animals, taking the contract money from Richland County every month, volunteers to help her for free because she was a "rescue", possibly free food because she was a "rescue". She got in way over her head and then it was too late to turn back, she abused the system and should be punished. She knew it was wrong, she knew the animals were sick and she still went forward and was selling them. So yes she got 10 dogs back but there are many other animals there yet that were not taken and what happens to them. Will Richland County follow thru and make her care for the animals still on the property? How long will they follow up on this? Will Jennifer just start collecting more dogs again? Jennifer if i were you i would move and change my name. How do you sleep at nite, with the pile of dead animals carcasses just thrown up on the hill and how do you go to work each day and face your co-workers. Just remember those were god's creatures and there will be justice in the end.

Submitted by Anonymous at: June 1, 2009
Along with animal welfare laws...what about the animals that some of the collector types are trying to save? WE want to be angry and become shocked at the videos, photos and coat conditions of the animals in their care. Then we can yack about the animal abuse vidoes on UTube. All seem to be quick to go view these and feed the egos of the individuals making them, BY VIEWING THEM. Are we viewing any videos of the personal sacrifices made by the individuals that are making the INSANE ATTEMPT to save them all? Are we making attempts to change state and local laws to implement STIFFER PUNISHMENT to those that COMMIT The Animal Cruelty that might have sparked the individual that is doing the collecting? Any one of us in these hard economic times could find ourselves in a similar situation. No, I do not believe that collecting to the point of self destruction is the way to go. But there would not be this kind of thing going on if the animals didn't take the back seat in our society in the legal system. Folks that collect wouldn't happen, if they were not trying to compensate for the rest of us. And keep in mind, this is a BIG world! In other parts of the world...those same animals are FOOD! You want change...Look at the citizens in OUR country abusing animals as a pass time. After they get bored with the animals, they start preying on humans. That usually starts with children and then females as their next possible choice of victims. Human abusers and killers start with animals. How much crime would be nipped in the bud if you started with 10 years of hard time for choking kitties and filming it? No GOOD TIME ALLOWED! And for the backwoods of Wisconsin...I live in them 'and I'm not a nut case with "Backwoods Mentality". Don't Stereotype. There is plenty to be said about "city folk" also.

Submitted by BURGER ALIVE at: May 31, 2009
THE REAL COLLECTORS ARE THE PEOPLE RUNNING AROUND COLLECTING ANIMALS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN RESCUED BY PEOPLE [WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY TO WORK WITH] COURAGOUS ENOUGH TO GO INTO SOME OF THE MOST DANGEROUS AND HEART WRENCHING PLACES TO BETTER AN ANIMALS LIFE. iT MAY NOT BE THE GREATEST "PRINCESS" STYLE LIFE, BUT IT IS AWAY FROM THE TRUE ABUSERS AND CARED FOR IN A BETTER SITUATION. THIS ANIMAL COLLECTING THAT IS GOING ON BY ALL THESE BIG GROUPS IS JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ADDICTION. ADDICTION TO KILL, MADE EASY, ALSO IT FEEDS THE ADDICTION FOR T.V. AND NEWSPAPER ATTENTION TO GAIN MONEY FOR THEIR GROUP SO EVERY BODY KEEPS THEIR JOB. MOSTLY, IT IS THE THRILL OF THE KILL. JENNIFER HAS DONE THE HARD PART ,FOR THESE COLLECTORS, BY MAKING THE INITIAL RESCUE.THE BIGGER ANIMAL RAIDING GROUPS HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS. WHY DONT THEY TRY TO HELP THESE NO KILL SHELTERS IN STEAD OF SHUTTING THEM DOWN ONE BY ONE? IS THE DESIRE TO KILL STRONGER THAN THE CONCERN FOR LIFE? IM SICK OF THESE COLLECTERS LYING AND FABRICATING ON ALL THESE CASES JUST FOR GREED. ONE DAY THEY WILL BE EXPOSED FOR WHAT THEY ARE.ITS INTERESTING THAT THEY ALWAYS SAY THE SAME PET PHRASES LIKE THIS IS THE WORST CASE OF ABUSE EVER AND SO ON.THEY ARE TOTALY DISGUSTING! WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING, NOTHING HAPPENS!! THANK YOU JENNIFER FOR DOING THE BEST YOU COULD DO. I SAW NOTHING BAD ON THE VIDEO BY ASPCA BECAUSE THEIR CAMERA ONLY FOCUSED ON THE 3 MATTED DOGS AND ONE PIC OF A VERY CLEAN CEMENT SLAB WITH A FEW DOGS HAPPILY WALKING AROUND AND AT LEAST 20 CLEAN IGLOO DOG HOIUSED NEATLY LINED UP. IF THAT IS NOT OK SHELTER, THAN THE IGLOO DOG HOUSE CO. HAS A PROBLEM ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER HUMANE SOCIETIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THAT DONATE THEM TO INNERCITY DOGS EACH WINTER.

Submitted by mike at: May 31, 2009
Lance: While everybody is gathering all this info, the fact remains that these aminmals were allowed to live in pain and squallor. This Petkus has NO EXCUSE. ZERO, NONE. THIS IS WORSE THAN MICHAEL VICK. SHE DID THIS UNDER THE PRETENSE OF CARING. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AT THE FACES OF THE VICTIMS. ANIMALS DON'T HAVE A CHOICE. EVEN "SO CALLED" HUMANS DO. ITS SICK, AND I HOPE SHE GETS PROSECUTED AND FINED. WHAT A DISCRAEFUL EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING.

Submitted by Lance at: May 31, 2009
Here is a link to pictures of the WI dog auctions. http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id90.html

Submitted by Greenconsciousness at: May 31, 2009
This is from Best Friends: Support Wisconsin’s new animal welfare bill: On April 8, Representative Jeff Smith and Senator Pat Kreitlow announced their long-awaited joint House / Senate bill to provide for licensing and inspection of breeders and sellers and help to protect dogs by setting standards for their care. AB-250 (formerly LRB 2448/2), the Commercial Dog Breeders Li censure Bill, is the culmination of a year's effort by the legislators and a working group comprised of all stake-holders: humane organizations and rescues, hobby breeders, commercial breeders and sellers, DATCP, and veterinarians. 71 of 132 Wisconsin lawmakers have already supported the bill by their co-sponsorship. For more information visit: The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project’s Laws and Legislation Page. http://www.nowisconsinpuppymills.com/legislation.html http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id71.html Horst Stables in Thorp, Wisconsin, is the proud proprietor of Wisconsin's first dog auctions. 200 dogs were sold at the first auction last fall. In March of 2007, 250 dogs were sold. The next auction is scheduled for June 2, 2007. Another 200 dogs will be available for sale. Unfortunately, there are many factors involved with these auctions that the public is not aware of. http://www.cchs-petshelter.org/id73.html Petkus bought dogs at these sales and did sell them at a higher price in the hope that the homes would be able to afford their vet care. Most of the money she received went into buying more dogs from the auctions. This put her at odds with the Humane Societies who thought she was not helping as the breeders were getting the money and not being shut down. Yet I dare you to go to these auctions and not buy a whole bunch of these miserable animals. It is heartbreaking agony to watch it happen knowing most of them are going to dog fighters and Asian butcher shops. She should be helped not crucified -- go to the Thorp Auctions. Work for the forgiveness of vet student loans in return for free medical care.

Submitted by Lance at: May 31, 2009
RoccoB But you are asking people to unload anger on her without knowing the facts. Read all the comments - there are real questions about the role of big groups who raise money from these investigations but never offer to help these rescuers or campaign for free vet care. Where were the vets? What about the money? How much did this woman actually get to care for these animals? Nothing I saw in the pictures is as bad as the northern WI puppy mills which the Richland County DA is well aware of and which are never busted for cruelty and where many of those dogs came from. Because these puppy mills are run by Mennonites and in WI you do not touch religion even if they kill their kids by not taking them to doctors, much less take their animals to vets. Save your anger and abuse for the real abusers not those who try to help and are overwhelmed. Somehow we must stop the breeding of these dogs and horses. You need to travel to the Thorp auctions to smell and feel what I am talking about. I will come back with links.

Submitted by Rocco B at: May 30, 2009
Lance, I am not a puppy mill breeder nor am I an abuser. I am just very angry that a person, i.e., Jennifer Petkus, who was supposed to be caring for animals was neglecting them-- horribly, in fact. It is great that we are discussing this among ourselves but Ms. Petkus should know how badly we all feel for the animals who suffered in her "care" -- and how angry we are that she allowed the situation to happen. It is her fault. Lance, if you don't want to share your concerns with Ms. Petkus, don't, but please don't attack me. thanks!

Submitted by Lance at: May 30, 2009
How do we know RocoB is not one of the many puppy mill breeder who populate that area in WI and resented the Sanctuary and want it closed for their own pocket book's sake? He sounds like an abuser.

Submitted by mayling at: May 30, 2009
I do not know if she is guilty or not,I would like to know if someone checked how much money she has in her personal account,because everybody is talking about,public donations etc, etc, etc. probably she loved the animals and did what she could for them and perhaps were in bad shape and with the little money or nothing she welcome them when nobody did,have mercy on her.

Submitted by Anonymous at: May 29, 2009
Christy What is your basis for saying she did not ask for help, over and over and over just as right now every sanctuary is asking for help. Were you ever there to help her? The laws that allow breeding and free to a good home are to blame for this not exhausted rescuers. Here is a note I received from a friend who also lives in WI after she read this report. "These people who talk about all the money she was getting to run that place -- what was it? $500 a month? That's a buck and a half an animal per MONTH. No way you can care for animals on that...and yes, crucify the one who's place became a dumping ground for all the unseen men behind the curtain. I had a friend -- now dead -- who ran the garbage pickup in one of those counties, and people would put their pups out with the trash in winter because they knew she was coming and couldn't say No. That's how we got Renegade and Magic -- from her farm, where she'd take them and feed them out of her own money. What little of it there was."

Submitted by Christy at: May 29, 2009
Yes she should have been shut down! She should have asked soneone for help or found other areas for the animals rather that let them suffer the way she did. She should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!

Submitted by Greenconsciousness at: May 29, 2009
I have asked large organizations like the ASPCA to join in a campaign to force the government to forgive veterinarian's student loans in exchange for free services to shelters and sanctuaries as well as free neuter and spay programs for the poor. Vets graduate with between $150,000 and $200,000 in student loans. Soon none of us ordinary people will be able to afford vet care. The government DOES forgive vet student loans if they work for agri-business in rural areas. Why can't that program be extended to companion animals in all areas of the country? Ask yourself why neither the ASPCA or the National Humane Society would join this campaign which would SOLVE the problem. Is the profit made from these situations more important?

Submitted by caraeire at: May 28, 2009
I couldn't look at the videos - the pictures were bad enough. I hope you use some of the money I donate every month to put these S.O.Bs in jail! Misdemeanor my ***!

Submitted by Jackie at: May 28, 2009
I think Dane County should have helped the shelter with the animals, by offering grooming, and vetcare not shut her down. Then Dane County could have asked her for her help in getting evidence on the puppy mills, that Jennifer only had access to, then they could have shut the puppymills down, not the no kill animal shelter. It is the puppymills and breeders that are the root of the problem.

Submitted by Rachel at: May 27, 2009
This woman was not a hoarder. She was trying to get as many adopted out as possible. That is not a hoarder. At the same time she was trying to take in as many as possible to save their lives. You state her conditions were just as bad as the puppymill she rescued them from, but how do you know? Did you see the puppymill? Do you know that puppymills shoot dogs they don't want anymore? Now you say they are going to be saved by the ASPCA and the Dane County Humane society, but if deemed unadoptable they will be euthanized. Is that right? Helping and working with shelters is the right thing to do. I don't understand if they were secretly going there for months, why didn't Dane County just help the shelter rather than shutting it down. Why didn't they help?

Submitted by Ariel at: May 27, 2009
Animals like these need our help. The ASPCA cannot function without funding. I just donated. If you're reading this, and you're considering donating, just do it. You will be blessed for doing it! It is our responsibility as Americans, as human beings, to protect the innocent.

Submitted by Anna at: May 26, 2009
She wasn't animal breeding. She was "taking them in" from puppy mills, when in all reality he conditions weren't better at ALL. Not to be in her defense, but she was an animal hoarder. It's a mental illness. I live in Wisconsin and had spoken to this woman about potentially adopting a dog. The conditions of the dogs were wretched and everyone I asked about had a "minor illness". I'm happy these animals were saved and this woman was shut down. Wisconsin needs stricter laws on animals. I've been pushing for this for years. Sometimes these harsh realities being brought into the public's plain sight is what it takes.

Submitted by Lynn at: May 26, 2009
I've just read the indictment on this 'shelter' and the charges are many and varied. There is NO WAY this woman did not know that the animals charged to her care were in terrible shape and in need of help, yet she continued to take public money and donations. Since it's obvious that the money was not going to the animals, where did it go? When the SHELTERS are in it for the money what hope do animals have? This was supposed to be a safe place for them - Puppy mills have nothing on her!

Submitted by Nancy Treudt at: May 26, 2009
God Bless ASPCA. They were there for the poor canine victims of Vick case, and they are there for these poor souls. I hope every precaution is made as to where these animals go. Especially in the rural areas of Wisconsin with considering the back woods mentality.

Submitted by Heather at: May 26, 2009
I was there and no words can truly describe the horrors I witnessed. I am home now and holding my own animals tightly to my heart.

Submitted by Mary Hornbeck at: May 26, 2009
The problem wwith over population of dogs is because people are given a license to breed and sell these poor souls when it is WELL KNOWN there are not enough inspectors to actually go out and inspect the conditions the animals are kept in. And the laws are so lax until water, food and shelter is all that is required for an animal. I can not even imagine living for years in a tiny WIRE cage and MADE to have a litter os pups every time I have a cycle. It drains the body of the mothers and all of the dogs have mental problems from lack of attention and exercise. Then to make matters even worse there is the grooming that is required, but not manditory for breeders, especially of long haired dogs. When the hair mates up the knots can become so tight until the blood supply to feet, legs or tails is cut off. What happens when that limb dies from lack of blood? Well it is painful, infections sets in, and it falls off if the animal doesn't die from the infection. And through it all these poor babies are still made to breed, care for and nurse their offspring. It should be illegal for anyone to own a pet that is not spay or neutered, and no licenses issued to anyone to breed or sell dogs or cats. Anyone caught operating a breeding facility should be fined and placed naked in a tiny WIRE cage, given a little food and water now and then and have no other human contact for a period of no less than 30 days. But that will never happen and do you know why? BECAUSE IT IS INHUMANE! Now what is wrong with that statement? Our weak laws say we humans can treat lesser being any way we want, after all they have no say in the matter. But we can't make the humans quilty of their treatment of animals live in the same conditions. WOW, what a wonderful world we live in (if you are a human).

Submitted by Autumn Knox at: May 25, 2009
I personally volunteer for over 5 different rescue groups around this area, and in so am also very aware of the time and care required of animals that have been neglected, and surrendered from deplorable situations. these shelters have no budget and have very few random volunteers. its not uncommon there is some animals in need of grooming and vet care at any given moment. if every rescue had a paid vet and staff the public wouldn't see or hear all this. mainly these poor conditioned animals would already been killed with no second chances. if people would stop breeding and actually foster, volunteer and step up, they would have nothing to pick about.

Submitted by kerri at: May 25, 2009
I am a groomer in Ma. and I see all kinds of dogs that are in need of a good home I also see that the owners of the animals we have come into our shop 90% love and care for there animals there are that 10% that only bring there amimial in when he or she is in really bad shape which is not fair to the pet they need to be groomed just as we groom ourselves...

Submitted by Becky at: May 25, 2009
I do not condone anything this lady has done, but one thing you need to remember is that she truely thought she was helping the animals by getting them out of bad situations. She has a disease and needs help.

Submitted by al at: May 24, 2009
This is a horrific situation, but people who are serious about alleviating the suffering of dogs and cats should discourage breeding - by anyone. There would be plenty of pets in the world without people creating "purebreds" for their own vanity - and there would be no need for every breed to have a rescue organizations if there weren't so many dogs being bred in the first place. Go to a shelter and get a pet and give it love and get over the idea that it has to be a certain breed.

Submitted by Lynn at: May 24, 2009
Here's my question: This shelter was awarded the contract to care for these animals, yet it's obvious that the money was not being used for their welfare. If it's the public's money, where was the oversight? Shelters as money-making vehicles? Shut it down,PROSECUTE and be far more careful about granting licenses in the future, PLEASE.

Submitted by kate at: May 23, 2009
This is proof where pet store puppies come from. Same goes for puppies purchased on the internet. Only way to stop this: STOP GIVING PET STORES (that sell dogs/cats) your business! If you want a pet, go about it the right way, do your research. Be patient and the furry love of your life will come to you.

Submitted by kate at: May 23, 2009
This proof where pet store puppies come from. Same with puppies purchased on the internet. STOP GIVING PET STORES that sell dogs/cats and puppy mills would cease to exist. If you want a pet, go about it the right way, do your homework. Be patient. The furry love of your life will come to you.

Submitted by RENAE LUKER at: May 23, 2009
IM A ANIMAL LOVER MY SELF.I HAVE MIN PINS THAT I RISE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF THEM MY VET LOVES ME AND NOWS MY BABIES BY NAME. AND I FEEL LIKE THE LAW SHOULD BE A LOT MORE THURUARL WITH PEOPLE WHO DO NOT TAKE CARE OF THIERS BABIES MY BABIES ARE LIKE FAMILLY AND I COULD NOT TAKE THEM SUFERING IN ANY WAY.I FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD LIVE LIKE THEY MAKE THEM LIVE FOR A WHILE.I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW SOMEONE CAN BUY OR GET A ANIMAL AND THEN NOT TAKE CARE OF IT PEOPLE DONT CARE.BUT THE LAWS NEED TO BE MORE RUFFER THAN THEY ARE THEN MAYBE SOME WELL STOP

Submitted by cindy teer at: May 23, 2009
I am absolutely appalled by a show I recently view on Nat. Geo in regards to the dogs confiscated from Michael Vick. Is there not anything more that can be done to this man, 18 months in jail what a joke. I think much harsher punishment should be imposed on him. Those animals were in terrible condition and some were terrified of humans. We as responsible pet owners are supposed to care for and love our animals. This man made millions of dollars every year so it was only fun and games to him.He should never be allowed to play in the NFL again , what kind of example is that setting for our youngsters. It is totally unacceptable that he is out in society already and is possibly going to play for the NFL again. I am absolutely infuriated over this matter. He should be made an example of so that other less intelligent people would not even consider dog fighting. This is animal cruelty at it's highest point.

Submitted by Valerie Foley at: May 22, 2009
I adopted a yorkie from the Thyme and Sage Ranch on May 2. He has been tested for parvo, which was negative and now he has to be tested for scabies and other things. This has been a horrible thing we are going through. Thank you for all that you guys are doing. We stopped at the Dane County Humane Society and dropped off towels and dog food. My prayers are with the ASPCA and everyone helping

Submitted by Andrea Eitelman at: May 22, 2009
When will those who mistreat ANIMALS be prosecuted as if they had mistreated HUMANS? We will never be a truly civilized society until we agree to respect and protect all sentient beings.

Submitted by Dana Maslow at: May 22, 2009
I am so FED UP with animal cruelty. What is WRONG with these people? The very least that we owe to the animals is to fully prosecute those responsible for abuse.

Submitted by Maggie at: May 21, 2009
There are 3 animal shelters in my one resident county. All of suffering because of the economy...Needless to say that everyone's help is needed, even for the smallest items..I have heard and read the desires to open slaughter houses again. Since the US has closed all, there are horses being abandoned everywhere, starving to death and being infected with disease..their hoofs growing so much that many cannot stand to even eat...There are many animals at zoos that are suffering because there is no local horse meat to feed them...so which is the more cruel? letting horses suffer and die of starvation? Or open the slaughter houses again to process their meat for the benefit of other animals...this is really debatable

Submitted by josh at: May 21, 2009
this site gives us a lot of things we need for our project on animal cuelty. hope we make a difference.

Submitted by kammey schultz at: May 21, 2009
What is going to happen to the horses that were seized it the warrent

Submitted by Paula Moore at: May 21, 2009
Thank God we have kind and caring people who are willing to make a difference in our animals lives. They can't speak for themselves, so we MUST speak for them. Everybody, PLEASE do all you can to stop animal cruelty any way you can.