The guilty verdicts in the case of Otter Tail County v. Kathy Bauck of "Pick of the Litter" have led some breeders to cite the case as an example of how our existing laws work to protect animals. However, a thoughtful review of this case says otherwise. Consider this fact: complaints against Pick of the Litter date back more than 20 years. Then, ask yourself how many animals must have suffered at that hands of Kathy Bauck and her family during that time period. . . Another point that requires contemplation: Last year, Bauck pled guilty to practicing veterinary medicine without a license. In a cease and desist order issued by the Minnesota Veterinary Board, it was concluded that Bauck performed surgeries on her dogs, including Cesarian sections, without adequate anesthesia. Additionally, add this factor to the equation: following that conviction, Bauck has remained in business. USDA has continued to issue her a license to breed and sell dogs. Until the Companion Animal Protection Society went under cover on Bauck's property, Otter Tail County never had probable cause to search her facility, much less arrest her. In her defense, Bauck reported that some of the surgical procedures she had been performing are now performed by her husband, who is also not a veterinarian. On top of that, Allan Bauck testified in court that he shoots dogs that are no longer "productive". In spite of the recent guilty verdicts, which include 1 count of animal cruelty and 3 counts of animal torture, Bauck and her family continue to operate Pick of the Litter. Even if they lose their USDA license, they will still be allowed to operate. For these and other reasons, it seems clear that while some breeders would like to cite these convictions as evidence that our existing laws are sufficient to protect animals, the Bauck case clearly proves otherwise. To date, no animals have been seized from this property. Law enforcement officials need better tools to use in order to simply bring existing facilities into compliance with Minnesota's basic cruelty statues. That is the lesson to be learned from the Kathy Bauck case.

Related Links: Bauck Cease & Desist Order Bauck Tells Court Some Veterinary Procedures Still Performed by Husband The Companion Animal Protection Society

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Comments from readers:

On 05/27/2009 Emiy said: Sadness for the animals I hope everyone learns from this abusive situation. Please do not buy pets on the internet!! I adopted a retired breeder from an auction that rescued one of her dogs!! He is a beautiful long hair male young daschund! He is doing great! Rocky is housebroken, loveable and craves human attention and we are bonded... He gets the best of everything. I can't believe how well he is doing considering what hell he went through.. in her puppy mill. I have four that I have adopted. I will never! Never! purchase an animal from the internet and or pet store. I have always adopted or gone thru a Rescue (reputable). You need to do research on Rescues too!! If I lived in Minnesota, I would be so angry and I also would not vote for the governor and the judge! What kind of people are they? I heard there commercial dog breeders bill failed! I pray to god ours pass in the state of Wisconsin.God only know the poor innocent animals need our help! It is a vicious cycle, puppy mill, puppies in pet stores, on the internet, people giving away there pets, humane society, shelters, rescues! When is this all going to end? and on top of all this, thousands are euthanized everyday!! Not enough homes!! We need regulations and stricter laws for these breeders!!

On 04/19/2009 Amber said: Unbelievable!!!!!!! This story speaks volumes about how far we have to go in changing laws to protect animals. We have come a long way, but have so far to go. I am shocked and angry that The Pick of the Litter Puppy Mill hasn't been closed. We need to continue taking action!

On 04/06/2009 Mel B said: I, too, would also like to know how to help with this situation. I find it appauling that this woman is still able to run her facility. I can't understand how someone could perform surgery on an animal with out proper medication. I also strongly believe what goes around comes around...

On 04/02/2009 sharon mohn said: bauck trial will the new bill help with kind of inhumane treatment? I call my legislators to please vote for animal protection. Other states have some good laws for cruel treatment. What can we do to help with this kind of people? Is she getting any kind of punishment for this? Will the dogs be taken from her? Sharon

On 03/31/2009 cathie Briggs said: money talks hopefully the cost of the trial has put a dent in their pocketbook - anyway, call me cynical but it may be that the only way to shut them down anytime soon is to affect the profitability of their business: find out who their customers, sales outlets and other "partners" are and put pressure on them. has that approach been tried already?

On 03/27/2009 Candi Schutz said: Helping animals someone has to stop thopse people from EVER having dogs again. I want to know why AA, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Last Hope etc can't step in and do something about this!!!!!!! I'm typing here at work and I'm starting to cry.