Many readers are aware of the puppy mill problem in Ohio, where over 11,000 dogs spend their entire lives in small crates strictly for the purpose of breeding and generating income for those who view them only as a cash crop. Daily they suffer, with little or no vet care, no air conditioning, no heat, and often not enough food and water.

Yet many are not aware that at the dog auctions in Farmerstown, Ohio, these dogs are bought and sold in the same manner as livestock. The auctions are the economic engine for the continued sale of these poor animals to pet shops (as has been seen in various TV and newspaper reports) and to each other – the puppy-millers themselves – for the sole purpose of keeping the "breeding stock" and the money flowing in. Many buyers and sellers who attend this auction have long-standing, repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty.

Since 2004, the Ohio Dog Auctions have grown into anything but run-of-the-mill. Breeders who participate in these auctions are raising large numbers of dogs and puppies with profit as the primary motive for existence.

Many of  them are found to be unhealthy, not screened for genetic diseases, do not show resemblance to the breed standard and lack good temperament. 

Participating breeders at this auction travel from many surrounding states, including some, such as Pennsylvania, where public dog auctions are illegal.

Fairview Park Councilwoman Peggy Cleary announced her candidacy for the Ohio State Representative 16th District – an area representing Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake.

Cleary, 54, is a life-long resident of Lakewood and Fairview Park. She has served on the Fairview Park City Council since 2005, where she is a member of all three standing city council committees, and currently serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee, responsible for the oversight of a $23 million dollar municipal budget. 

She has sponsored and supported legislation that reduced city expenses; supported focused economic development; and facilitated municipal collaboration and consolidation within the West Shore District. 

Fairview Park Councilwoman Peggy Cleary was sworn in as an officer of the Northeast Ohio City Council Association (NOCCA) at its February dinner meeting at the Embassy Suites in Independence. 

Cleary, a candidate for State Representative for the 16th District (includes Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River and Westlake) has been an At-Large member of the NOCCA Board since 2008. She will serve as Secretary to the eleven-member board through February 2011. 

Bay Village resident and activist Rosemary Palmer formally announced today that she will be a candidate in the 2010 Democratic Primary for the Ohio House of Representatives' 16th District.
 
Palmer, a former Statehouse journalist, entrepreneur and teacher, has made sustainability and the green economy cornerstones of her campaign.
 
"Times have changed. It's no longer acceptable to have part-time representatives in Columbus working on yesterday's problems. The people of Bay Village, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Fairview Park and Westlake need a full-time representative focused on tomorrow's economy and helping to create a climate where innovative, new industries can take root and grow our region," said Palmer.

Barbara Anne Ferris, Founder and President of the International Women's Democracy Center (IWDC), is the featured speaker at the next League of Women Voters public meeting set for Thursday, March 4, 2010, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Trinity Commons at Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. It is open to the public free of charge, with free parking behind the Cathedral off Prospect Avenue.

The International Women's Democracy Center was established in 1995 to ensure that women worldwide have the necessary tools and skills to participate in politics, policy and decision making within their own democracies. Its offices are in Washington D.C., Ohio, Botswana, Northern Ireland, and Tajikistan.