Kathy Bauck continues to feel the heat over a shocking CAPS investigation video that has gone viral. As more people around the globe watch the disturbing images, her reputation as one of America’s most inhumane puppy mill operators is rapidly spreading.“How do these people get away with it for so long? Where were the authorities? What an awful awful woman,” commented a YouTube user identified as RescueHelpersUniteUK.
The undercover footage shows dogs that were sick, wounded, emaciated and often dead inside crowded cages. The investigator also caught Bauck practicing veterinary medicine despite being under a cease and desist order from the State Veterinary Board for doing so without a license. Her cruel and careless disregard for the well-being of the innocent creatures was evident in the way she violently picked up puppies from one leg.
The horrific documentary sums up years of CAPS’ hard work to stop the inhumane dog breeder. Since 1997, the small nonprofit investigated and fought to stop Pick of the Litter’s owner from selling pets. More than a decade after learning of the abuse, the USDA requested the termination of her license in 2009 and a year later it was officially revoked.
“CAPS had done their own investigation – very detailed, very professional – and they had brought that information to the Sheriffs office because they believed there had been violations of the laws. The trial was a very intense and long process,” said Heather Brandborg, Otter Tail County Assistant Attorney, in the video. “She was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 70 days of that were suspended, and so she served a 20 day jail sentence and I believe a 500 dollar fine.”
This last video became CAPS’ most popular to date and the comments keep pouring in to support the underdog contender that after 13 years is finally close to winning a match.
“Keep up the GREAT work! These dogs NEED heroes like you CAPS,” commented Therese Davis on Vimeo.
The tens of thousands of views in video sharing sites like CNN iReport, YouTube, and Vimeo are tangible proof that people out there crave the truth. The hits keep coming thanks to those who share the story on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
CAPS has persisted year after year exposing new generations to the horrors of puppy mills. Despite the long road and mild punishment from the law, Bauck’s case served as a huge step forward for them and animal lovers nationwide.
“I think [the Kathy Buack trial] really brought to the forefront the atrocities that are taking place at these USDA licensed facilities and the failure of the USDA to enforce the Animal Welfare Act,” said CAPS President Deborah Howard in a clip from a WCVB Boston report.
If you would like to raise awareness about the cruelty behind puppy mills, please share or visit CAPS’ website, where you can find a clearinghouse of information about breeding facilities and breeders such as Kathy Bauck.