Vice-President-elect Joe Biden is taking a lot of heat for buying a puppy from a breeder earlier this month, but the heat is not just coming from advocates of shelter and rescue dogs.
The VP-to-be bought a German Shepherd pup from a Pennsylvania breeder who was cited several days later by the state Department of Agriculture for several violations, including a failure to produce proof of rabies vaccinations and maintenance issues. All the breeder could offer in her defense was a big “Oops,” insisting the records were lost the night before Biden’s visit as she was cleaning up.
No one has accused the breeder, Linda Brown of Wolf Den Kennel, of running a puppy mill, but one blogger called her a “high-volume commercial breeder,” which in the dog-breeding business must be just short of accusing someone of owning a puppy mill. And according to the inspection report, the kennel was not as well maintained as it could have been and there was a strong smell of ammonia (urine) present.
Brown has a license to keep more than 250 dogs on her property and had 85 there when an inspector showed up. Which makes us wonder: If that’s not a puppy mill, what is?
Of course, Biden did himself no favors by choosing a purebred puppy rather than a shelter/rescue dog. One Web site, Bidendog.com, calls Brown a “less-than-reputable breeder” and urges Biden to forget the puppy and opt for a shelter dog. There’s an online petition that visitors can sign.
Nothing like putting pressure on the incoming President, who is still undecided about what kind of dog to get for daughters Malia and Sasha. An Obama dog might be the most talked-about and controversial decision that President-elect Barack Obama makes as he enters the White House.
Do you think Biden should change his mind about getting a puppy from this breeder? Do you think he took appropriate steps to find a reputable breeder before buying the puppy from Wolf Den Kennel?
|
« Previous Humane Society looks for solution to dangerous-dog problem |
Next » Biden dog: no AKC registration? |
SurfDoggie
December 17, 2008, 7:18 pm
California
I heard this breeder on MSNBC in a phone interview talking about how great her dogs are and how she wouldn't let the Bidens take the puppy yet because "the law won't allow it." (Apparently it is only six weeks old.)If Linda Brown of Wolf Den Kennel knows when the puppy can legally leave her breeding facility, then she ought to know how to keep her "mill" clean. I would never buy a dog from a breeder that keeps 85 animal on site!
The Bidens should have checked out this breeder. Unfortunately she'll only get more buyers now because she sold the Vice President-elect a dog. What a shame.
Anonymous
December 17, 2008, 8:44 pm
It would have been much better for him to have bought the puppy from a shelter. The next best thing would be buying from a reputable breeder. What was he thinking! It's too late for him to take it back at this point, but hopefully Obama doesn't make the same mistake Biden did.
Anonymous
December 17, 2008, 9:06 pm
I think Vice President elect Biden has already made a choice. I believe it's too late to change his mind. And let's face it, if he didn't 'rescue' this puppy eventually it may end up at the pound-- especially since this 'breeder' has been previously cited.
Anonymous
December 18, 2008, 4:14 am
The Pennsylvania SPCA had a german shepherd puppy on the NBC Saturday morning news....on the same day that Biden bought his puppy from a nearby breeder!
Anonymous
December 18, 2008, 12:23 pm
The puppy looks really cute, and I feel sorry for it because it came from a horrible place, but Biden is supporting puppy mills by not taking the puppy back. Puppy mills have got to stop, and adopting dogs from the animal shelter is the best way to do this. There are plenty of pure bred dogs that need a home, and plenty of "purebred mutts" that would make Biden or anyone else very happy. Don't Shop, Adopt!
Anonymous
December 18, 2008, 5:53 pm
The Vice-President Elect is a good man who makes good decisions. Stay with the first choice. Joe Biden did in fact look into the business of purchasing a pup and did his homework. Any dog would be lucky to be welcomed into the Biden home. Let it be....
Anonymous
December 19, 2008, 9:06 pm
How can Biden make things right? Keep the pup since he has already made a committment to it,and get a pup from a shleter. Besides, with all the help at the the VP's new home, there is plenty of room for two!
Anonymous
December 20, 2008, 5:35 pm
Isn't this freedom of choice? Puppy mill pups have the same rights as shelter pups. If Joe Biden wants this dog,surely he has the right to keep it.
Anonymous
December 22, 2008, 8:31 am
This is ridiculous! Linda Brown IS a reputable breeder. Calling her place a puppy mill is slanderous and wrong. People really should get their facts straight before giving opinions. Joe Biden's purchase is a wonderful thing for Joe, Linda and especially the dog.
Anonymous
December 22, 2008, 11:16 am
How can someone producing over 250 dogs under 3 to 4 different kennel/breeder names be responsible ? According to the AKC rep. none of her litters this year were registered, maybe because she couldn't verify true parentage? ( mass breeding results) Same reason her AKC was revoked for a full year in 2006. Also, no files of OFA or Eye or Health Certs from this breeder are on file ??
Is that responsible breeding ?
Anonymous
December 23, 2008, 9:12 am
First he asks someone in a wheelchair to stand up when speaking...now this...yet somehow he is like Rubber and everything bounces off.
Anonymous
December 26, 2008, 12:53 pm
I live in PA and we have worked very hard to eliminate K5 (250 + dogs)breeders and other horrible dog breeders. Linda Brown operates 2 kennels - Jolindy's German Shepherds www.vonbraunhaus.tripod.com & Wolf Den - one was cited by AKC -
"The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Ms. Linda Brown, Spring City, PA, from all AKC privileges for one year, effective April 10, 2006, and imposed a $1000 fine for having submitted or caused to be submitted three litter registration applications that she knew, should have known, or had a duty to know contained false certifications as to the sire and/or dam (DNA exclusion). (German Shepherd Dog)
According to reports - Linda Brown has not registered any litters with the AKC since that. SOOOOO those puppies are not able to be registered - probably inbred - potential heartbreaking problems for the Bidens and others who fall in love with that pup!
I personally LOVE German Shepherds - but hate what breeders have done and continue to do to this cherished breed. There are some wonderful GSD breeders - they are rare.
I am totally angry at Joe Biden. What was he thinking? Wish I could take my vote back!!!! Pray his judgement is better with other subjects!!!!!
I say let's work with what we have - let's get Mr. Biden to acknowledge his horrible error - a possible senior moment! He needs to work hard to STOP breeders like Linda Brown.
Let's hope Mr. Biden does the right thing for dogs in PA and all over America. Let's give him a big kick in the botton to get him & keep him working for those precious pups - he needs to make ammends.
To view PA kennel records visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us search kennel inspections
Anonymous
January 9, 2009, 10:16 am
I personally thinks it's his bussiness where & from whom he purchases a animal for a pet. You don't always get well breed dogs or even well dogs from a pound or shelter & most of the time these animals are put here because of behavior problems. Very few times have I went in & found a pure breed shepard puppy at the pound as for this breeder she wouldnt even been spoke of, or thought about had the future Vice President not bought a puppy, guys give it a rest & mind your own bussiness.
Anonymous
January 14, 2009, 11:20 am
Would love to mind my own business but we are their voice, that is the animals and the children.
In this case we can believe Biden was simply ignorant of the questionable rep of the breeder which I am inclined to believe. We do not need breeding on this scale with so many animals being sentenced to death every single day all over this nation. If certain political parties want to talk "greed" then I would include businesses like these that push the bounds of decency and exist to serve only themselves.
If Biden has committed to the pup he should take it. The dog needs a home and I don't see how standing on a stoic principle will help when a dog's life is concerned. Then he should adopt a shelter dog.
By the way, animals often have behavior problems because people get cute little puppies and don't know what the he** they are doing and screw up dog by not training it up kindly in the way in which it should go. They have no idea what they are getting themselves into.
All my dogs have been shelter dogs. I just adopted another after my previous pal passed away. She is active and a handful but I'm committed to her proper training and she's coming along nicely.
Mr. Biden is not the bad guy in this. Behind the scenes, I'll bet he makes many contributions to shelters.
Anonymous
January 18, 2009, 7:42 am
I have had German Shepherds for many years...my latest one came from Linda Brown and she is one of my best! She has an amazing temperment and is just an all around great dog. Visit the property and if you know anything about Germ. Shep dogs, you will see some of the most beautiful animals you can find...Kennels are clean, organized, and dogs are happy and healthy, however many live there. Linda Brown has therapeutic pools on her property to help dogs with a variety of ailments, and not just Germ. Shep dogs! Maybe some people should get off her case and get on the case of people being "responsible dog owners". That would help solve more than a few problems with the dog and cat world.
Anonymous
January 30, 2009, 2:38 pm
Apparently Linda Brown's Kennels aren't as clean as she claims, Her kennel just had a follow-up inspection on JANUARY 22, 2009. And she received 10 more unsatisfactory citations !!! The inspection report, All 5 pages listing warnings and citations, can be viewed at Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, Kennel inspections, under Chester County, Wolf Den Kennels. http://services.agriculture.state.pa.us/KennelInspections/SearchKennelInspections.aspx
Anonymous
February 10, 2009, 12:13 pm
I can tell you first hand she is running a puppy mill. I was there last July looking for a pup myself. What I found was disgusting. She needs to be shut down. I wish I knew who to call....I would do so without hesitation. I feel bad for those beautiful dogs They deserve more than what she is giving them She should be living the way they are in their own poop when she showed me the pups!!!!My family and I got out of there as quickly as we could
Anonymous
February 26, 2009, 4:06 am
What are the animal laws there? Where is animal control? Do they not have the right to inspect and impound animals to be found in unsanitary conditions? Are there medical needs not being met? Do they have a Lic Vet they(animal Control) works with to see if these animals need to be taken away and maybe the owner charged with Cruelty To Animals?Neglect? What are the zoning laws in that area? Has anyone contacted the I.R.S to see if she is reporting all her funds????? wish i was there I would be more then happy to put her out of business and free all those animals from their pain and suffering!!!!!
Certified Animal Control Officer /puppy mill buster...Georgia...
Anonymous
March 16, 2009, 12:02 pm
I just put a deposit down on a puppy that we are going to be bringing home in 2 weeks. NOW I'm NERVOUS!!! Is this going to be a good dog, or not? Please do not give your opinion on weither i should have adopted or not. TY
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 3:52 pm
Personally I would never buy a dog from a person who keeps that many dogs on her property. How can a person adequately socialize or train that many dams and sires? I have never heard of anything from this kennel about testing for hip scores, eye scores, thyroid tests, etc done to the breeding dogs (something that ALL reputable breeders would do). Moreover, none of her dogs seem to have any obedience, performance, or conformation titles. Why would she continue to produce hundreds of puppies a year that make no contribution to the long term wellness of the GSD breed as a whole, when she's never had her dogs inspected by knowledgeable judges? It seems that she rarely even gets her dogs health checked by vets.
I have nothing against breeders - the real ones that do the job right. In fact, being a breeder is not a job at all - good breeders will be happy to break even in the end after all the titles, tests, health checks, and socialization needed. It is apparent to me that she is running a puppy mill - how could you say a person who keeps 75plus dogs on their property, is keeping them as cherished members of the family and not merely just puppy machines?
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 4:00 pm
I think the lady should have never allowed the Bidens to get this puppy from her, because she bought herself a whole lot of unnecessary grief. She brought scrutiny down upon her and her business. Does anyone on here no for sure that her business has problems? Has anyone on here gone there and seen for themselves? If you haven't then the comments being made are not worth much because they speculative and unsubstantiated. not to mention damaging. The Bidens have the right to choose any darn dog they want from anywhere they want, and it is none of our business.
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 4:17 pm
i thing all these people that says you have to get a dog from a rescue shelter are a bunch of morons. i have tried to get a dog from a shelter and it toke me over 3 month. it was hard then getting a child for adoption. They made it very difficult for me. So i had to guy one from a breeder. I am very happy and don't regret it.
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 4:52 pm
Is this really news? the world is in economic chaos and were in the middle of a war, not to mention... our commercial freighters are being overrun by pirates! So the man wants a purebred. Good for him. I think he has every right to choose the pet he wants, I have two purebred siberian huskys and i tried to adopt a cat instead of buying, I was told i was too young and iresponsible. i am a 27 year old Marine staff sergent. I lova all animals but if its not exactly what I want I wont buy it. ......Hey, dont buy a new house or a new car cause theres so many used ones out there.....right.
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 5:25 pm
Telling him to forget Champ is stupidiest thing I've ever heard. Forget about Champ Where would he go... oh that's right a shelter! Think before you say stuff like that.
Getting a dog is not as simple as going into the humane society and saying there's a german shepard, I'll take him. You are picking out a new member of your family. Personality plays a lot into it too.
Plus, I know of a lot of people who prefer to go through kennels or breeders.
One of the beloved dogs as a kid was from a kennel. Does that make my parents bad people? Should my parents just have forgotten about her? I remember they did look at the local shelter, but in the end decided to go with one from a kennel. The day we brought her home was one of the clearest memories of my childhood. I still remember that little white ball of fur running around the yard at the kennel and playing with my sister and me while my parent's decided to get her.
Shelter's biggest enemies are irresponsible owners not breeders. If people understood the reponsibility of having a dog and took care of them there wouldn't be such a large need for shelters.
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 5:28 pm
Agreed, this is not news. These folks are the typical pro Humane Society of the United States and Wayne Pacelle followers: Believe everything HSUS and Wayne Pacelle say so they can act out the HSUS agenda blindly. But what these folks don't know is the true Wayne Pacelle and HSUS agenda: Complete animal liberation and no animal ownership. Yes folks, that's right! No dogs, no cats, no pets, period. Keep donating to the HSUS and Wayne Pacelle so they can take away the pets we love so much. Good job!
Anonymous
April 10, 2009, 6:18 pm
NON NEWS people!!!!
People feuling these flames are people who don't understand they are being highly manipulated by PETA and HSUS.
Don't buy into their garbage, HSUS collects millions of dollars every year and spends it lobbying against your right to own animals and PETA spends all of their money same way, as well as killing 299 out of 300 animals at their headquarters every year. They say better dead than "enslaved" by humans. OK nut cases..
Biden bought a dog. Big deal..get a grip.
Anonymous
April 11, 2009, 8:32 am
Are you aware that she was cited for a dog kibble on the floor and they found (oh the horror) a dog hair on the floor and took a photo of it, the judge dismissed 99.9% of the citations. Which means they were trumped up and pointless.
How would your house fend if the health inspectors came over and rated your house with the same standard as a professional restaurant? Some of you might do quite well, but others...not so much. Keep it under control, cool down the judgements.
Anonymous
April 12, 2009, 6:39 pm
It's politics people. Pure and simple. Any breeder that Biden picked would be targeted.
Anonymous
April 14, 2009, 12:17 pm
Ms. Brown seems like an intelligent person with a love for German Shepards and animals in general. Too bad for her that she provided the Bidens will a lovely, healthy pup. Now she has to endure the scorn and hate of the PETA and HSUS fanatics and associated nut cases.
Anonymous
June 1, 2009, 1:24 pm
Linda Brown's Wolf Den Kennel; ( the one licenced and inspected under the largest volume kennel available, 251 to 500 dogs, and not the one she alias sells under "Jolindy's") Just failed it's **4th **kennel inspection by the Commonwealth of Pa. Bureau of Dog Law inforcement, Kennel Inspections on April 21st 2009: http://services.agriculture.state.pa.us/KennelInspections/SearchKennelInspections.aspx Just enter Chester County or zipcode 19475. Scroll down and read the warden's comments, very interesting, including the pack of dogs attacking another right in front of 3 dog wardens !!!! Socialized indeed !!!! Also, as of April 21st inspection, she currently had 85 adult dogs and **37 ** puppies. That many pups on the ground at one time is NOT Responsible breeding, that is greed !! Her 2009 licence is apparently still pending approval, lets hope for the dogs' sake, it is revoked!!
AUGUST 10, 2009, 4:13 AM
Algarve Property for sale
The Algarve is a prime destination for Britons hoping to combine a relaxing Algarve villa holiday with a spot of golf. Property in Algarve…
