Companion Animal Protection Society Plans Peaceful Holiday Protest of Happiness is Pets in Lombard

Pet Shop Chain has Six Locations in the Chicago Area

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WHO: Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS), www.caps-web.org

CAPS is the only national non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and puppy mills.

CAPS President Deborah, who has been interviewed on Animal Planet, CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX, is available for phone interviews. CAPS has done several stories with CBS 2 Chicago, including coverage of the Kathy Bauck investigation and criminal case. Bauck, who was one of the largest dog brokers and breeders in the country, was convicted of animal cruelty in March 2009 based on evidence from a six-week undercover employment investigation by CAPS. USDA issued a Decision and Order on December 2 that terminates Bauck’s license. Bauck sold to pet shops in the Chicago area.

WHAT: CAPS is protesting Happiness is Pets, which has six locations in the Chicago area, to draw awareness to the connection between pet shops and puppy mills. Almost all pet shops obtain dogs from puppy mills. Informing the public about the dangers of purchasing pet shop dogs is more important now than ever as people consider purchasing companion animals for gifts this holiday season.

WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 1-3 pm CST

WHERE: Happiness is Pets, 616 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL 60148

WHY: Happiness is Pets sells dogs from puppy mills – commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for resale through pet shops and brokers. USDA licensed facilities are puppy mills.

About CAPS:

Founded by President Deborah Howard in 1992, Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and puppy mills. CAPS actively addresses the abuse and suffering of pet shop and puppy mill dogs through investigations, education, media relations, legislative involvement, puppy mill dog rescues, consumer assistance and pet industry employee relations.