Laws for Paws e-Newsletter
July 2022
Alliance Achieves Major Victory for the Animals

We are thrilled to report that the Alliance has finally succeeded in our tireless efforts to halt the USDA’s use of the “teachable moments” rule. The Alliance’s federal lobbyist worked non-stop in urging Congress to prohibit the USDA from ignoring Animal Welfare Act violations by calling them “teachable moments” and failing to document the violations on the official inspection reports for public viewing. In late March, the House Appropriations Committee finally agreed to our request and ordered the USDA to cease its “teachable moments” rule.  

Regrettably, the USDA attempted to continue to use “teachable moments” but due to persistent pressure by the Alliance, the USDA has finally acquiesced to Congressional demands. Today the USDA announced that “as of August 1, all noncompliances…even very minor noncompliances will now be cited on inspection reports.” USDA APHIS | Letter to Animal Care Stakeholders Regarding Teachable Moments

In various states and local municipalities around the country, there are laws that prohibit pet stores in their jurisdiction from acquiring puppies from breeders that have a certain number of violations documented on their inspection report. The USDA adopted the "teachable moments" rule specifically to thwart these state and local laws that protect consumers from purchasing puppies from egregious puppy mills. By calling the violations "teachable moments" and not citing the deficiencies on the inspection report, the USDA was in effect aiding and abetting disreputable breeders in circumventing humane/consumer protection laws and ordinances. Fortunately, the Alliance convincingly argued to Congress that it is scandalous that the USDA implemented the "teachable moments" rule solely to aid and abet disreputable breeders.

We are elated that the USDA has finally consented to Congress’s demands and that all violations will now be documented on the official inspection report. This will help all animals covered under the federal Animal Welfare Act including not only dogs in puppy mills and cats in commercial breeding facilities, but all animals used in research, used for exhibition purposes, in zoos, and in other various animal industries.

Thank you for your generous support that has enabled the Alliance to have representation in Washington DC with Congress as well as at the state capitol. You have truly made a difference for the animals.
Join Us in Peaceful Protest

Petland is a chain store that has developed a reputation for selling sick puppies from puppy mills and engaging in consumer fraud and predatory lending. As soon as the Alliance became aware of Petland's plans to open a store in Fenton, we began acting. The Alliance testified at the Fenton Board of Alderman meeting and submitted testimony making the case that Petland has no home in this community. Unfortunately, due to Petland's quiet seeking of the permit, the 30 days to appeal the decision had already lapsed before we were able to make our case in front of the Board of Adjustment.

Therefore, the Alliance is eager to turn lemons into lemonade, and use this as an opportunity to launch an education campaign and teach residents in the region about Petland and puppy mills. The Alliance has successfully engaged our Saint Louis region supporters in peacefully protesting at Fenton Petland multiple times in July.
Alliance supporter opposing Petland at recent protest.
Taken at Petland in Fenton.
Peaceful demonstrations are an excellent way to educate the public about critical issues. Dogs Uncaged has organized another protest on July 30th from 10am-12pm. You can learn more here.
Volunteer with Us!
Saint Louis' annual VegFest will be taking place on Sunday, ​August 28th from 10am-5pm at World's Fair Pavilion at Forest Park. We are excitedly recruiting volunteers to help us at our booth as we spread the word about the critical work of the Alliance! You can learn more about the festival here.
Safer Together Returns!
Last October the Alliance partnered with the Humane Society of Missouri to provide a seminar on the connection between the abuse of animals, children, elders, and vulnerable adults. When citizens are more aware of this connection, and who to report abuse to, we have a safer society for all.

Due to the popularity of the training in St. Louis, we are thrilled to be bringing the seminar to Kansas City and partnering with Wayside Waifs. Audience members will be learning from survivors of child abuse and domestic violence, a forensic veterinarian, Missouri's Children's Division, Missouri Animal Control Association, a domestic violence shelter that co-shelters pets, and many more. When the training concludes, attendees will have a better idea of how to identify animal and child abuse, the connection between animal and human abuse, and what they can do when they suspect violence in a home.

This will be a compelling, fast-paced, and intensive seminar. It is free and has been approved by NASW for 6.5 units.
We Prevailed.
Every legislative session has its own unique challenges and 2022 was no different. However, this year we experienced a new level of animosity from those invested in putting profits over the welfare of the animals. This did not deter us, but we continued in our resolve to defeat every bad piece of animal legislation that was filed - and we prevailed.

We saved the disposition process, so animals will not have to languish with their abusers until the conclusion of a criminal trial. We preserved the autonomy of local governments to regulate veterinary practices, allowing municipalities to ban cruel practices. We ensured continued funding of programs to regulate puppy millers and hold them accountable. We could not have accomplished this without the dedication of Alliance supporters. Read the entire end of session report here.
Congrats to Cici, our 2022 Face of the Alliance!
Remember the Alliance in Your Estate Planning
Leaving money to the Alliance through your will or trust is a profound way to create a legacy of compassion and ensure positive change for animals. An even easier way is to name the Alliance as the beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan. In any event, we are grateful to be considered as a beneficiary of your overall estate plans. Want to learn more? Email us!
HELPING ANIMALS!

If you find yourself in a situation where you question the treatment of an animal, or the conditions, or maybe you're wondering about helping wildlife or assisting in a rescue, or you have witnessed something that needs to be reported - go to our website because chances are you will find a number and/or a link that can help address it.
A Great Way to Support the Alliance
With so many people shopping online these days, you can now support the Alliance each time you make a purchase on Amazon. Click here or on the icon. Once you've identified "Missouri Alliance for Animals" as your charitable organization of choice, a portion of your purchase will be donated by Amazon to the Alliance each time you shop on Amazon! What a great way to contribute!