12/20/2019Harley's Dream

Representing Harley at the HSUS Puppy Mill Boot Camp


Hundreds of our Harley’s Heroes from across the country volunteer their time educating the public about large-scale commercial dog breeding and the pet store/puppy mill connection. They provide public education by attending rallies, speaking in classrooms, peacefully protesting, setting up tables at various pet expos and other venues, and more.  Armed with knowledge, educational materials, displays and videos, they make a huge impact by spreading awareness about the cruel puppy mill industry.

One of our most dedicated volunteers is Darla Ghanat of South Carolina. Darla has spent several years working with us, often behind the scenes, helping make a difference for the breeding dogs suffering in cages.

Recently Darla was asked to represent Harley’s Dream by speaking at a Humane Society of the United States Puppy Mill Boot Camp and, not surprisingly, she did an amazing job! We are so proud of her and all the work she does to support Harley’s mission.

“I was proud to be asked to speak at the HSUS Puppy Mill Boot Camp to represent Harley’s Dream and have my presentation be so well-received. It was an honor to be among so many professionals and to also be part of raising awareness to help ‘stop puppy mills’ in South Carolina!” – Darla Ghanat

Kelsey Gilmore-Futeral, the S.C State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, said it’s important that members of the community join in on the fight. “This is a local fight that we have where we want people to call their council members. We want them to call their state representatives and senators and talk to them about restricting the sales of dogs and cats in pet stores because those are almost always sourced from puppy mills.”
Councilwoman Nikki Fontana from North Myrtle Beach was among those who spoke. Fontana helped implement a ban prohibiting commercial dog and cat sales. It’s the first ordinance of its kind in the state of South Carolina. “We are hoping as a municipality that this will spread out to our other municipalities, not only in Horry County, but through the state.”

Besides Darla, Kelsey, and Nikki, there were five other women who spoke, all amazing advocates for animals. What an inspirational and educational event!

Speaking out against Animal Cruelty in Puppy Mills

Learn about our Harley’s Heroes project here: www.harleysdream.org/harleys-heroes

Sources: abcNEW4 and HSUS

4 comments

  4. thank you so much and what an honor – I wish I could be as competent as you are to speak in front of others

    Reply

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