Crisco takes part in ASPCA day in Hartford

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, meets Porkchop, a one and a half year old Shar Pei-Pitbull mix available for adoption through the Hartford-based Protectors of Animals,  an animal shelter and rescue.  Crisco joined Porkchop and advocates for the ASPCA's CT Voices for Animals Day in Hartford. / Contributed photo


HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, joined the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, local animal advocates and state lawmakers in Hartford last week for the first-ever Connecticut Voices for Animals Day.
The ASPCA hosted the event to raise awareness of the cruelty inflicted upon dogs in inhumane commercial breeding facilities.

“When we voted last year to create a task force to study these facilities we took a good first step toward ending this disturbing practice,” Crisco said. “I hope that as we continue to raise awareness of these facilities, more public pressure will be placed on lawmakers across the country to take action. It is time for other states to follow Connecticut’s example.”

The ASPCA encouraged lawmakers to support a phase-out of the sale of commercially-bred animals in the state’s pet shops as a way to curb the cruel treatment of dogs in large-scale facilities known as puppy mills.

Protectors of Animals, a Hartford-based rescue group, was on hand with dogs from their shelter to promote adoption as a humane alternative.

In 2013, the legislature called for the establishment of a bipartisan task force to examine the inhumane source of dogs and cats sold in Connecticut’s pet shops.
After several public hearings and meetings, the task force recommended that all new pet shops obtain their dogs from shelters and rescue organizations.

According to a national survey, nearly 80 percent of consumers would not purchase a puppy if they knew it came from a puppy mill. The poll revealed that more than three fourths of all adults nationwide are unaware that most pet store puppies come from puppy mills.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.