Editor, Times-Union:
Indiana has a lot of problems that needs fixed. That is why I am so aghast that instead of attempting to address these issues, the Indiana Legislature decided to throw its weight around and jump into the puppy mill business. This is a problem that needs to be addressed, but H.B. 1412 does nothing to alleviate the problem nor ease the suffering.
After 21 municipalities passed ordinances that pet stores could no longer sell puppies from puppy mills, the state came charging to the rescue of breeders. The welfare of these puppies were of no concern, just the breeders. The conditions in these places are inhumane, some having as many as 400 dogs, all caged, covered in feces, malnourished, infested with fleas, and in many cases diseased. No, this is not HSUS "propaganda," as the Indiana Council on Animal Welfare spins it. These are things I know as facts. A friend of mine went to LaGrange to buy a male Cavalier King Charles from a breeder. She bought the dog just to get him out of his living conditions. In addition to the problems I discussed above, the dog's toenails had grown so long that they'd turned under and were digging into his pads. Until the day "Jack" died, certain sounds from the roadway would send him cowering. He was mentally traumatized.
I was so disturbed by this bill that I attempted to contact my state representative, Mr. Snow. That turned out to be a rather daunting challenge. I made two phone calls. Interns answered my calls. They had no clue what I was talking about. They said they would take my information and pass it on. About mid-way through each conversation, I noticed there was no typing in the background. I inquired why and was told that they were writing it down and would enter the information later. Really? In this age of technology they're writing it down? I then resorted to email. I sent a couple and received a standard form letter in return that said I needed to talk to "Scott" at a certain number. Unbeknownst to anybody, "Scott" no longer worked there. I sent another email which went to "House District 22," an invalid email address. Mr. Snow sent me another email today with the same invalid email address. I was unable to reply. I expect better than this from the office of a public servant.
After attempting to reach my representative in every conceivable way, even contacting the Kosciusko County GOP, I finally received somewhat of an answer from a spokesperson. It was filled with misinformation.
I question Mr. Snow's seeming lack of managerial skills since no one seems to know anything about pending legislation, his position on the issues, nor even know who works there and who doesn't. It sounds like a bit of a circus to me. I also doubt his sincerity when he says “feel free to reach out to me anytime,” then gives me an invalid email address.
Janet Collins
Etna Green, via email

Editor’s Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit as stated in our letters policy.