Truth, Lies and Puppy Mills

It's a tradition to celebrate with fireworks on holidays like Fourth of July and New Years Eve, but that tradition comes at a cost. Every year pets are lost, injured, and even killed after being scared by fireworks. Even in the safety of our homes, fireworks can lead to a terrifying night for our pets and a stressful evening for the family members who try to comfort them. Tune in this week to learn how to handle the firework-riddled holidays safely with scared pets. And if you love fireworks and refuse to let go of the tradition, maybe give this episode a listen with an open mind to find out how you can be a better neighbor.Americans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities are warning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on Jolyn Noethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of laundering puppies much like drug money. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of the industry bringing us the pets we love.From Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment. Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin is available June 16th. Support the show

For over 2 years, Bailing Out Benji has been involved in an in-depth true crime production with Sony and Neon Hum Media for the podcast Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin. On June 16, 2022, Puppy Kingpin was finally released!  Listen to our reaction to the podcast and hear why it's a great idea for you to listen to it as well, if you haven't already!Americans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities are warning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on Jolyn Noethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of laundering puppies much like drug money. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of the industry bringing us the pets we love.From Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment. Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin is available June 16th. Support the show

With shelters and rescues across the country overflowing with pets needing homes, foster families are needed now more than ever!If you ever thought about fostering before but were afraid of getting too attached or were apprehensive about how your other animals might react, then listen to this episode! Most people who foster for rescues have had those exact same thoughts and feelings before getting involved. Listen to our own stories and experiences as we explore the many different ways most anyone can get involved to directly help animals in need.Become a part of the solution, save lives, and get tons of snuggles along the way! Fostering saves lives and the animals need YOU to be their hero!Americans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities are warning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on Jolyn Noethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of laundering puppies much like drug money. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of the industry bringing us the pets we love.From Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment. Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin is available June 16th. Support the show

Tune in this week to hear all about our exciting announcement!We are so excited to announce that we are a part of a new podcast from Sony Productions! "Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin" is an investigative podcast that peels back the layers of the sham rescue world and exposes the multi-million dollar USDA broker that is profiting. Podcast Description: Americans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities are warning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on Jolyn Noethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of laundering puppies much like drug money. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of the industry bringing us the pets we love. From Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment. Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin is available June 16th. https://www.ivoox.com/en/coming-soon-puppy-kingpin-audios-mp3_rf_87591197_1.htmlAmericans are used to being on the lookout for a scam, but authorities are warning of a new kind of fraud. Puppy Kingpin shines a spotlight on Jolyn Noethe, a secretive businesswoman from Iowa who is accused of laundering puppies much like drug money. Investigative reporter Alex Schuman exposes the scheme and an underground part of the industry bringing us the pets we love.From Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment. Smoke Screen: Puppy Kingpin is available June 16th. Support the show

Arizona has all the the hallmarks of a typical puppy mill pipeline state: one large puppy mill peddler with big money to fight humane laws, lots of smaller dealers trucking in puppy mill puppies under the radar, lack of enforcement, and a community in need of educational efforts.  There's a lot of work to be done in Arizona, but we're never going to stop fighting and we need YOUR help!  Tune in this week to learn all about Arizona's puppy mill pipeline and find out what you can do to stop it! Arizona's pet store/puppy mill connection can be found here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-mill-maps/cvi-data/arizona/Go here to become a Bailing Out Benji volunteer: https://bailingoutbenji.com/how-you-can-help/volunteer/Support the show

Our good friends at The Humane Society of the United States just released their 2022 Horrible Hundred Report, listing violations from some of the worst puppy mills in the country. After going through their report we swiftly scoured our own database and released a companion report connecting those Horrible Hundred puppy mills to pet stores across the country who sell their puppies.  In addition to the Horrible Hundred report release, we also have several ordinances on the verge of passing in cities across the country from Washington to Wisconsin, in addition to a couple of state bills.  Tune in to find out if there is any legislative activity in your area!  To view the HSUS 2022 Horrible Hundred Report, go here:  https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/HSUS_Horrible-Hundred-2022.pdfTo view our Horrible Hundred/Pet Store Connection companion report, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/2022-horrible-hundred/To view current active legislation across the country, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/legislationTo purchase tickets to our Gala in September, go here: https://secure.everyaction.com/QNKVcMt8VUm_fAGGBv9O4A2To buy new merchandise to support our work, go here: https://store.bailingoutbenji.com/Support the show

This week we are joined by Jessica and Whitney, owners of The Green Spot, a humane pet store in Omaha, Nebraska.Listen in as Jessica and Whitney describe their success in developing an ethical and humane business model that focuses on giving back to the community and providing education to help customers have healthier, happier relationships with their pets.  You can find The Green Spot online, here: https://greenspotomaha.com/Support the show

Our good friends at Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) released their annual report, ranking states based on their animal protection laws, so this week we are discussing their latest report and how it pertains to the work we do in fighting against puppy mills. Listen in, as we also give a minor update on the Daniel Gingerich case, which emphasizes the need for stronger and more enforceable animal protection laws!Let us know how your state ranks and tell us how you intend to help elevate your state for next year's ranking!You can find the ALDF report here: https://aldf.org/article/state-animal-protection-laws-ranked-2021/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

We're doing a new thing! This week we discuss our new USDA Violation Reports, which we will be releasing every quarter to bring awareness about all the puppy mill breeders and dealers who had violations on their USDA inspections. So far in 2022 the USDA has issued at least 229 violations to 72 licensees across the country. We have records showing that at least 28 of those facility sell to pet stores. Of the licensees who received violations, several of them have received official USDA warnings. Listen in to learn how and why we will be releasing these reports!View our Quarter 1 Report here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/usda-q1/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

We are starting to find our "new normal" as in-person conferences and events are happening across the country. Tune in this week to learn about the value advocates will find in attending these events, and how important it is for our small-but-mighty organization to have a strong presence at the Animal Care Expo and other events happening this year. Take note of our shared feelings of awkwardness and hesitancy as we all become acclimated to educating about puppy mills in-person again. The Animal Care Expo information can be found here: https://humanepro.org/expoCheck out our new Merch store here: https://store.bailingoutbenji.com/Go here to support us: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

April is national Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, so our first episode this month focuses on what it means to go "up stream" to prevent animal cruelty in our communities. Listen as we discuss ways we can all collectively do better to address and support both human AND animal well being. Here are a few of the notable organizations we mentioned for their work in going "up stream":CARE (national) https://careawo.org/rd/Pawsitive Alliance (Washington) https://www.pawsitivealliance.org/Secondhand Hounds (Minnesota) https://www.secondhandhounds.org/Ruff Start (Minnesota) https://ruffstartrescue.org/St. Huberts (New Jersey) https://www.sthuberts.org/adoptable-dogsStand Up for Pits (Washington) https://standupforpits.us/Hello Pitty (Washingon) https://www.hellopittyrescue.com/Lost Our Home (Arizona) https://www.lostourhome.org/Rock Star Rescue (Arizona) https://rockstarrescue.org/Ames Animal Shelter (Iowa) https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-a-h/ames-animal-shelter-animal-controlAnimal Rescue League (Iowa) https://www.arl-iowa.org/HSUS Pets for Life (national) https://humanepro.org/programs/pets-for-lifeSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This may be the final episode we dedicate entirely to Daniel Gingerich, the worst USDA licensed breeder we have ever seen, but we will never stop talking about this case and using it to create change. Tune in this week to learn about the charges and the plea deal given to this horrible breeder, who was responsible for the torture and death of countless animals, while he sold puppies to pet stores across the country. Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Tune in this week to learn all about the origins of Bunny, the famous talking dog, and her brother Otter! Learn about the relationship between Bunny and her mom Alexis, and how their social media accounts display the special partnership we share with our companion animals. Listen to our discussion about reputable and ethical breeders, as Alexis, like the rest of us, continues to learn and grow in her education and her thought process around the breeding and behavior of these amazing sentient beings who we share our lives with!Find Bunny and Otter on social media @WhatAboutBunnySupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we are joined by Erin Morse, Executive Director of Midwest Animal ResQ, as she tells us about a recent puppy mill bust involving a very high profile breeder of XXL bully breed dogs.  This horrific and wildly strange case has many unexpected aspects to it, including the price of the dogs before they landed at a city shelter where willing adopters are now few and far between.  From breed discrimination in the rescue community to accepting help from unexpected places, every advocate should hear this story. Listen in and learn what you can do to help Midwest Animal ResQ as they work to find homes for these very deserving and loving dogs.To foster, adopt, transport, or donate, please go here: https://www.midwestanimalresq.org/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we are joined by a couple of Illinois's finest animal advocates, Peggy and Kerin, as we celebrate the victory of Illinois finally "going humane," while also remaining vigilant in ensuring that the statewide ban on pet store puppy sales is appropriately enforced!Learn from these experienced advocates about how they went from being regular people to animal superheroes! Find out why our fight in Illinois is not over and what we (and you!) can do about it!Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Happy (belated) National Pig Day! This year we are celebrating by joining our friend Taryn, Manager at Ironwood Pig Sanctuary, to learn all about these fun loving creatures! We hope to spread awareness about the plight of pet pigs who, like other companion animals, end up in rescues when unprepared owners purchase them from feed stores or breeders who give improper information. If you, or anyone you know, has ever considered adding a pet pig to your family, listen to this podcast first! To find out how you can help our friends at Ironwood Pig Sanctuary, go here: https://www.ironwoodpigs.org/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Listen to our latest bonus episode as we give an update on the puppy mill industry's latest attempt to try to stop the state of Illinois from banning the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores!Learn about what happened in court this week as we discuss the challenges we face across the country, even as we are on the winning side of this issue!Tune in to find out the answer to the most frequently asked question we get EVERY TIME advocates successfully pass a new humane ordinance or state bill!Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

We want to start this week's episode by sending all of our support to our shelter friends, Midwest Animal ResQ, as they are in the midst of managing a very difficult cruelty case involving a large-breed puppy mill. It has been a very expensive and horrific case and they need all the support they can get, so please donate here if you have the means: https://www.midwestanimalresq.org/Tune in this week to hear about the potential delay of the Illinois pet store law, due to go into effect the day this episode airs, which would ban the commercial sale of puppies in pet stores in the state. We are on pins and needles as we wait to see whether or not a federal judge will grant pet stores a temporary restraining order.  We discuss why we think this lawsuit will likely not get very far, as it is riddled with old talking points that have failed in previous court rulings.  Follow our social media accounts for the most current updates on the situation in Illinois! Click here to support our podcast: https://bailingoutbenji.com/podcast/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we sit down with Amy Jesse, Policy Director for the Humane Society of the United States Puppy Mills Campaign, to discuss legislation across the country that would help us on our mission to end puppy mills.Tune in to find out which proposed laws are still making their way through city councils, state legislatures, and congress to crack down on the puppy mill industry.  For information on current bills, and to sign up for our Action Alerts, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/legislation/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week's episode brings you the breaking news that a puppy mill breeder used by Petland pet stores was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and a charge of 2nd Degree Terrorist Threat. **WARNING - GRAPHIC DETAILS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE**Petland breeder, Campbell Bee, was arrested after police responded to concerns from neighbors about stray animals coming from his property. Authorities then discovered a horrific scene. Nearly 60 dogs and several cats were rescued from extremely cruel conditions at his property. Upon facing the charges against him, he proceeded to threaten to blow up the police department.  While Petland pet stores across the country claim that they visit their breeders and don't use puppy mills, cases like this prove what we have always said -- that you cannot trust what they say to customers or to lawmakers. Licensed or unlicensed, you cannot trust that pet store puppies do not come from puppy mills. To learn about the pet stores who purchased puppies from this breeder, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-mill-maps/cvi-data/texas/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Join us once again with our special guest, Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director of Humane Society of the United States.  This week we discuss puppy financing and how Illinois became the first state in the country to ban the financing of dogs and cats in pet stores. Learn about the horrifically high interest rates we have seen at pet stores across the country who sell puppy mill puppies to unsuspecting customers. Find out how you might be able to stop the puppy mill pipeline while also protecting consumers from these predatory payment practices!To read the Bloomberg article mentioned in the podcast, go here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-03-01/i-m-renting-a-dogSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we are joined by Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, to find out how the state of Illinois finds itself on the frontlines in the battle against the puppy mill industry.  Learn what is currently happening in Illinois, how local advocates can help, and what the battle there might have to do with our nationwide fight against puppy mills!To view a list of the puppy mills used by Illinois pet stores, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-mill-maps/cvi-data/illinois/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

We all advocate for adopting from rescues and shelters, but many are shocked to hear that we also advocate for people to "shop responsibly." It's a controversial topic in animal welfare, but this episode focuses on educating about breeders who truly love dogs and are on the same mission  to ensure that dogs everywhere are healthy, happy, and safe.  Listen with an open mind as Kelley describes her "breeding program" and gives a real world example of how we can work together to take the cruelty out of someone's choice to buy a dog from a breeder. While many animal advocates would never consider buying a dog from a breeder themselves, many people in the general public will still choose to buy a puppy rather than going to a shelter or rescue. We simply do not live in a world where everyone will adopt their family pet, for a variety of reasons. This is why educating about "preservation breeders" is an important component of our mission toward ending puppy mills.  Tune in to find out how someone might "do their research" in finding a breeder that is reputable and NOT a puppy mill. Perhaps you can open your mind to reputable breeders and learn how we can work together to make the world a better place for the dogs!Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Tune in to Texas and learn about all the amazing work being done by Paula, Shannon, and other advocates to help bring an end to the puppy mill industry in their state!Find out how these fierce leaders got involved and went from regular people to Bailing Out Benji superstars! Become inspired by their hard work, tenacity, and fresh enthusiasm for becoming a voice for the dogs trapped in puppy mills!Listen to the answers to some common questions they and many of our teams across the country get asked about the puppy mill industry. For information on the "pet leasing" discussed in this episode, go here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-03-01/i-m-renting-a-dogSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

It's a New Year and we couldn't be more excited to see how far our amazing volunteers will take Bailing Out Benji towards our goal of ending puppy mills! Tune in to find out which laws go into effect and how those laws will impact the puppy mill industry! Learn about the upcoming laws to watch out for in the coming year, and find out how you can start changing laws in your own city or state! Listen as we share our personal goals to take on the puppy mill industry, as well as goals to avoid burnout and practice some self-compassion this year.  It's a New Year, but our resolve to end this cruel industry remains just as strong!Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we discuss a new lawsuit filed against notorious puppy mill broker, JAKS Puppies, and their associates, alleging a deliberate and coordinated effort by them to establish a sham rescue scheme  in order to circumvent humane pet store laws.  Learn about the different ways in which our research helps to provide the basis for this lawsuit and others, in order to try to hold puppy mill dealers accountable.  Listen as we discuss the small world of puppy mill dealers and their interconnected networks.  To learn more about this puppy mill broker, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/buyer-beware-jaks-puppies/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Disclaimer: Parts of this episode were redacted to protect the anonymity of the employee. Some descriptions may be too graphic for some listeners. Tune in to hear firsthand stories of what it's like to work for a pet store that sells puppies from puppy mills.  Listen to this honest and, at times, gut-wrenching emotional account from inside the puppy mill industry's storefront. Learn about how this former pet store employee was able to discover the truth about her place of work thanks to Bailing Out Benji's research.  Follow her journey from pet store employee to animal advocate. To learn the truth about pet store puppies, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-mill-maps/cvi-data/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we look back at 2021 and review all of the work Bailing Out Benji and animal welfare advocates across the country did to help #EndPuppyMills.  From research, to legislation, to education, we showed up in full force to help put an end to this cruel industry. As we look forward to 2022, we can rest assured that we are on the right track thanks to the hard work of so many volunteers and advocates who continue to speak for the dogs who cannot speak for themselves.  If you are interested in signing up for our mailing list, so that you can be ready to act on behalf of puppy mill dogs in 2022, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/how-you-can-help/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

On this week's episode we sit down with Erin Morse, Founder and Executive Director of Midwest Animal ResQ, to discuss ethical rescue practices. We also discuss the reason the Gingerich puppy mill rescue involved a few large rescue groups rather than many small organizations.  And we attempt to untangle for advocates the red flags of fake rescues, unethical rescues, and rescues who have simply lost sight of the cause of saving lives in their adoption policies and practices.  If you have discovered that it has become increasingly difficult to navigate the rescue world on yours or your loved ones' journey towards choosing adoption, then this episode is for you!To learn more about Midwest Animal ResQ, go here: https://www.midwestanimalresq.org/If you have learned something new from this podcast, or from any of our materials, please consider making a tax deductible end-of-year contribution to our nonprofit, here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/donate/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Bailing Out Benji is a small organization that does really big things! We stand shoulder to shoulder with the largest animal welfare organizations in the country and we have proven ourselves to have just as big of an impact with a fraction of the budget.  Every dollar you donate to us is truly stretched to have the greatest impact on directly ending puppy mills and carving out a solution to the puppy mill problem. We are on track to educate  millions of people this holiday season, but we still need your help! Please consider making a donation this Giving Tuesday and throughout the year to help us offset these costs.You can make a donation any of the following ways: -Through our website: https://secure.everyaction.com/0xdP09WJE0-1PAXJ5-thwg2 -Through PayPal: bailingoutbenji@gmail.com-Through Venmo: @ bailingoutbenji-Mail: PO Box 203, Ames Iowa 50010You can also support us by: - purchasing our t-shirts at https://www.scratchpadtees.com/pages/bailing-out-benji- Using the code “Benji” while shopping  at East Village Spa online https://shopeastvillagespa.com- Or shopping at Grounds & Hounds! They have organic & eco-friendly speciality coffees along with everything you need to enjoy it! Every time you shop using our link, you receive a 15% discount and 10% is donated back to our organization so we can continuing researching and fighting puppy mills.  https://grounds-and-hounds-coffee-co.sjv.io/BailingOutBenjiThank you so much for investing in a future with no more puppy mills. We can't accomplish all that we do without you. To view our previous animated PSA, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBTMBK-GYpgSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Join us for our 1-year anniversary episode as we give a much-anticipated update to the Daniel Gingerich puppy mill case!Learn about the rescue of over 500 breeding dogs from the country's worst puppy mill. Find out just how big of an undertaking it is to rescue that many dogs from such horrid conditions.  We also discuss the reality of adopting a puppy mill survivor with our very special guest and newest Bailing Out Benji family member - ELEANOR! Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

For our special 50th episode we wanted to highlight equity and inclusion in animal welfare by publishing an important discussion with Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), featuring Bailing Out Benji's own, Nicole Galvan.  This important discussion took place in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and was hosted by Mike Bricker, Director of CARE Centers, and also featured Alana Yañez, Executive Director of Animal Shelter Assistance Program and José Ocaño, Senior Director of People and Culture for Best Friends Animal Society.For more information about CARE, please visit https://careawo.org/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we give an update on the dramatic and infuriating case of the Daniel Gingerich puppy mill as the USDA and Department of Justice lawsuit against him unfolds.  Tune in to hear what has happened in the courts and understand exactly how and why the laws need to change so that a case like this never happens again.If you would like to help us continue to track, report, and raise awareness about puppy mills, then please consider supporting us. Our current Spalloween fundraiser and silent auction is underway and can be found here: https://app.galabid.com/spalloween2021/items?fbclid=IwAR1p_OIdL5mNKLe2ZhtUA-J2dcH4ZpJzCIw9tQx7eQi-N4KhP-8RmhrywmgSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we sat down with actress and documentary filmmaker Jacqui Piñol to talk about her passion for animal rescue and how she is using her voice to help save animals across the country. Jacqui has been in movies and shows like Bosch, Spider-Man, Coco and American Horror Story, but her most powerful project yet has been “The Canine Condition” documentary and Podcast.  Join us for the conversation and learn more about Jacqui's amazing animal rescue series that will be coming to a streaming service near you! Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week takes a lighthearted turn, as we are joined by our fabulous podcast sponsor, Cassie, Owner of East Village Spa in Des Moines, Iowa.  Tune in as we discuss the mutual benefit that occurs when small businesses support small non-profits like Bailing Out Benji!  Learn to pitch the animal welfare cause to the small businesses that are near and dear to your own heart!Click here to attend our Spalloween fundraiser at East Village Spa in Des Moines, Iowa on October 28th: https://shopeastvillagespa.com/collections/spalloween-2021Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Tune in to this week's episode as we talk about the USDA lawsuit against Daniel Gingerich, the Department of Justice investigation and what the state of Iowa is doing to crack down on this horrible facility. We also breakdown the timeline of what happened and talk about all of the familiar puppy mills that are involved, like notorious mill owner Steve Kruse. This episode is not an easy listen. We discuss some of the horrendous violations that Gingerich had over the last few months, as well as express our frustrations over this entire ordeal. This case is still ongoing and Gingerich has hundreds of animals that the USDA is trying to locate and get veterinary checks for.Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

September 30th is officially National Puppy Mill Survivor Day thanks to Bailing Out Benji!  For this week's episode, we kick off the very first Puppy Mill Survivor Day by telling the stories of our listeners' puppy mill survivors, as well as some of the ones who have inspired us!  Tune in to listen to our special guest - who might be the (Foster) Mom of one very famous puppy mill survivor!Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

On this week's episode we discuss the viral Gingerich puppy mill case and the effect it has had on young people learning about puppy mills for the first time on TikTok.  Learn why typical internet "cancelling" tactics won't work on this puppy mill breeder and tune in as we discuss the advocacy actions that WILL work to hold horrible puppy mill breeders accountable for the laws they break.As internet activism becomes the norm, we remind our listeners that there are people on the other end of your computer screen. Be kind, and help us create change with compassion and integrity in the forefront!Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

September is Puppy Mill Awareness Month!  This week's episode offers advocates an abundance of activities anyone can do to help #EndPuppyMills! Listen in for ideas and tips for being a successful advocate for this month and beyond!To view our Puppy Mill Facts by state, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppy-mill-maps/For kid-friendly Benji's Buddies activities, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/benjis-buddies/To submit a letter to urge Congress to pass the Puppy Protection Act, go here: https://secure.everyaction.com/lDc5iiAxdkytJWXYHVW_Ng2And to sign up to become a Bailing Out Benji volunteer, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/how-you-can-help/volunteer/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we share more details about one of the worst USDA licensed puppy mills in the country! Learn how you can help us ensure that puppy mill breeders like Daniel Gingerich get shut down for good! And take note as we list the New York and Florida pet stores who sell his puppies!We also share an inspiring  update on one of his victims, a shy Golden Retriever named Eleanor, whose story we shared in last week's episode. Learn how you can help us educate by joining us for Puppy Mill Awareness month! Share your puppy mill survivors' stories with us, and we may feature them on a future episode!  Email audio files, photos, videos, and/or written stories to info@bailingoutbenji.comTo learn more about Daniel Gingerich and his horrific puppy mill, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/buyer-beware-daniel-gingerich/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we focus on Eleanor, a resilient Golden Retriever who survived a horrific ordeal at the hands of one of the worst  puppy mills in Iowa.  We discovered Eleanor's story after exposing breeder, Daniel Gingerich, for receiving 89 USDA violations in 2021 alone! Eleanor is now safe in the hands of HavaHeart Rescue, where she is finally receiving the care she needs. Carol, Co-Founder of HavaHeart Rescue, joins us to tell Eleanor's story to anyone who will listen. Dogs like Eleanor are why we must continue to speak up for the dogs and why we need law enforcement agencies to enforce the laws! Most important, Eleanor is why we must never buy a puppy from a pet store or online without seeing the conditions where that puppy came from.To follow Eleanor's healing journey, go here: https://www.facebook.com/havaheartrescue/To see our in-depth report on Daniel Gingerich and his puppy mill, go here: https://bailingoutbenji.com/buyer-beware-daniel-gingerich/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Someone tried to portray themselves as a Baling Out Benji "supporter" and tried to ruin our reputation by making veiled threats against a city council in Renton, Washington.  We suspect someone involved in the puppy mill industry is behind this.Today we discuss what happened and what we are going to do to get to the bottom of it! Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

The puppy mill industry is in big trouble when organizations like Best Friends, Bailing Out Benji, and many others work together as a team to end puppy mills once and for all!This week we speak to Elizabeth Oreck, National Manager of Best Friends' Puppy Mill Initiatives. Elizabeth tells us how she began working in Animal Welfare , gives great tips for organizing and planning pet store protests, and we discuss the many victories and few defeats we have had recently against the dying puppy mill industry.  Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This week we sit down with one of Bailing Out Benji's oldest and most active Teams in Wisconsin.  Meet Team Leaders Peggy Race and Christin Schubert and listen as we discuss the puppy mill-selling pet stores, puppy mill breeders, state regulations, and local ordinances in Wisconsin.  Learn about Peggy and Christin's WORLD FAMOUS puppy mill survivors, Deputy Paws and Lamb Chop, and hear about their triumphant stories.Bonus - you also get to hear about Mindi's latest foster pup, Inspector Gadget!To follow our Wisconsin Team, go here:https://www.facebook.com/puppymillfreeWI/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Be sure to listen to this podcast BEFORE you impulse-buy that small pet store pet for your child! Tune in to learn all about the level of care and attention different small animals require, and find out why you should consider adopting a small pet from a well-informed rescue instead of buying from an ill-informed pet store!Kayla from Lala's Playhouse & Rescue in Washington sat down to educate us and our listeners about all things SMALL animal! To learn more about Lala's Playhouse & Rescue, go here:http://www.lalasplayhouseandrescue.org/Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Through our records requests, we were able to obtain hundreds of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection connecting some of the largest commercial breeders in the country to PuppySpot, an online broker that sells thousands of puppies annually to customers who are not told where their puppy was born until after purchase. PuppySpot, much like the pet stores, boasts to have a ‘no puppy mill promise' and claims to have ‘rigorous' standards for their breeders. Sadly, our research has proven that isn't always true.To view the details of our Puppy Spot investigation, go here:https://bailingoutbenji.com/puppyspotSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

The USDA's Dog Breeder Inspection program was audited (again) and we have a lot to say about it!  In this week's episode we describe the Office of the Inspector General's audit of the USDA's Dog Breeder inspection program.  Tune in as we react to the atrocious lack of oversight and learn about the inconsistencies involved in the inspection and reporting process.  Learn more about how our tiny organization is able to do so much more than a well-funded and staffed government agency.  View the USDA audit here: https://www.usda.gov/oig/audit-reports/animal-care-program-oversight-dog-breedersSupport the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

This episode we are joined by Greg Gordon of Dog Patch Pet and Feed pet store in Naperville, IL.  Greg's pet store successfully switched to a humane rescue model over a decade ago and he has been speaking out and encouraging other pet stores to do the same ever since.  Tune in to learn how your local puppy selling store can go humane and simply "do right by the dogs." COVID-19 has been especially harsh to small humane pet stores across the country. If you have the means, please consider making a donation towards helping Dog Patch rescue more dogs! https://chappyandfriends.networkforgood.com/projects/106285-dog-patch-pet?Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Join members of Bailing Out Benji's Illinois Team as they detail exactly how they were able to get a statewide pet store puppy mill ban passed through their state legislature. Their fight is not over as they await the governor's signature, but the collaboration, testimony, protests, and hard work that got them this far are surely going to take their bill through the finish line. Citizen advocacy is powerful when everyone's hearts are in it for the dogs! Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

Tune in to our interview with Grace Kelly Herbert of Finding Shelter Animal Rescue and mother of Victoria, the inspiration behind Pennsylvania's Victoria's Law! Victoria was rescued by Finding Shelter in 2017 from a Lancaster County, PA puppy mill. She was 10 years old, born at the farm, and lived there for 10 years as a breeding dog. Right after her rescue, she received the terminal diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy and was placed on hospice care for the remainder of her life which was expected to be six months to a year. Victoria exceeded all expectations and lived for 16 months as a part of a family in a loving home, the first time she had been in a house for her entire life. Victoria passed away on February 26, 2019 in the arms of her mom and dad who loved her dearly.Victoria was a brave, wonderful, beautiful and forgiving dog and her legacy will live on through Victoria's Law,  the Pet Retail Sales Bill named in her memory. Victoria's Law would require that pet stores in Pennsylvania discontinue the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits and require online transparency for puppy sales. Pennsylvania residents, please contact your state senators and representatives to ask them to support SB 44 Victoria's Law so she can leave her mark on this world after saying farewell to the happy life she finally found after so many long and difficult years.Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)

We often talk about the parent dogs who are trapped in puppy mills and how awful their situations are. These mother and father dogs are living in the worst conditions and exist solely to produce puppies for pet stores and online websites. It is truly a nightmare. Sadly, this industry has many victims: including the puppies who are born into the system and the families who purchase them. It is very easy for those of us who know about puppy mills to cast blame on those who buy, but that doesn't help the dogs. In fact, Bailing Out Benji was born only after our founder bought a Petland puppy and learned the truth. Kindness and compassion will be what changes the world for these animals. On today's episode of "Truth, Lies and Puppy Mills" you will hear from two families who bought puppies from stores. Within days they had to deal with the heartache of having a sick puppy and the frustrations of dealing with the pet stores over veterinary bills. These women used their experiences to fight hard for local change and share their stories with the world in order to warn others against buying animals without seeing where they were born and raised. Support the show (https://bailingoutbenji.com/support-us/)