Many people are peripherally aware that dogs are being sold at auction. What the public may not comprehend is that these auction dogs are bred exactly as though they are livestock, a cash crop, well...except livestock are treated far better than the dogs. Whereas cattle are bred to live approximately two years after which time they are slaughtered for food, these dogs are being sold through pet stores into loving homes where they are then expected to live long and healthy lives as companion pets. Instead, many of them turn out to be genetic nightmares.

Most people have heard the stigmatic phrase "puppy mill," but have no real knowledge, perhaps, of exactly what the phrase means. For our purposes, on these pages, puppy millers are commercial breeders of dogs, or breeders who must be USDA licensed. Puppy Millers breed dogs to be consigned for sale at auctions and pet shops around the nation.

Because most of us will never attend one of these auctions, it becomes necessary to try to give you the "feel" of being there. Below are auction reports from other rescue groups that will give you a first hand account of what a dog auction is like:

http://www.angelfire.com/biz4/OEMAuctionBoard/mayauction.html

http://www.nopuppymills.com/auctions/aboutauctions.html

http://www.imom.org/voices/pm_auction.htm

Weep for them. Cry for their sadness, their aloneness, their lack of human contact, in some cases their inability to even respond to kindness when it is belatedly offered. Mourn the poor individuals that could not be saved.

The only criteria we have been able to determine that makes a dog a hot selling item at auction is its ability to be a prolific producer of puppies. In the case of bitches, look at the underline of their bellies in the pictures ...what you will see are indications of mammary development, meaning they have most likely produced puppies. Some bitches are sold with their infant babies being dangled just out of reach over their heads. This displays to the bidders that the bitches are fertile. But, can you just imagine for a moment the abject fear in the heart of that mother? Noises, chaos, strangers, and her babies just over her head??? Such a cruel scenario can break the heart of a true breeder who loves their animals.

If the puppy miller's stock is no longer producing, then they have lost their value. They are quickly discarded like yesterday's garbage. Except for individuals acting on their own, independent of any club or group, there was no organized effort to intervene on behalf of these Manchesters nor any effort being made to alleviate their hideous suffering.

MTTF MISSION AND POLICY STATEMENT

A small group of us have taken the bold step of organizing ourselves and we are asking for donations that will enable us to care for the Manchesters that come out of the hideous Puppy Mill/Auction conditions. We give recovered Manchesters to American Manchester Terrier Club Rescue so that they can be nurtured, evaluated, spayed/neutered, rehabilitated and re-homed.

There are auctions coming up very soon and we want to be ready. In order for us to make a difference in the lives of these auctioned and abandoned Manchesters we need donations and help. Many of you wrote publicly and privately pledging funds for this purpose. Now is the time to dig deeply into your pockets. Look at the Manchesters on these pages that have been given a second chance at life. Find it in your heart to do this for more Manchesters who need that same chance. We need volunteers who are willing to pick up these Manchesters and transport them on the next leg of their journey. If you feel you want to be a part of this effort, contact any one of the officers listed below. To be successful you will need to educate yourself so you accomplish our objectives.

Our mission is simple: we are committed to removing, insofar as we are able, fertile Manchesters from the cycles of puppy mills/auctions. We are committed to recovering discarded and abused Manchesters when the same dregs of society (puppy millers) are through with them. We ARE the caretakers of our breed and we are committed to helping these Manchesters in every possible way. It is our sacred trust.

If you would like to make a donation to MTTF, please email us:

MTTF Fund