Much like in a residence, most visitors to the Puppy Parlor enter and spend their time in the front section (or parlor, if you will). Few ever step foot in the rear of the building, and definitely no visitors. The back room of the Puppy Parlor in Lisle has apparently been a well-kept secret – until now. Concerned citizens have expressed that it seems to be a puppy factory in its own right, within a store that sells dogs from puppy mills.
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| The Puppy Parlor in Lisle, IL: Back Room Image from DOA reports |
While no one knows for sure what goes on in that back room, there are a few unmitigated facts. Companion Animals Protection Society (CAPS) recently obtained inspection reports from the Illinois Department of Agriculture about the Puppy Parlor. These reports state there were 40-60 adult dogs housed in the back room, two to a cage, with the cages stacked three and four-high.
“I walked in the alley behind the store and could hear the dogs screaming and crying. Do they ever get out of the cage? Just where do these dogs go to the bathroom? In the cage? Do they get any vet care? Do they get anything at all? The smell by the back door is horrendous!”, reports Ida McCarthy, CAPS Chicago Campaign Coordinator.
The Puppy Parlor, owned by Tammy Coglianese (who has been banned from the AKC for life), was inspected by the Department of Agriculture five times in 2012 alone. In 2011 the store experienced an outbreak of parvovirus. Mills are notorious for not vaccinating their puppies, leading to outbreaks of such illnesses. In 2012, Happiness Is Pets experienced an outbreak of distemper, another preventable illness, which caused illness and even death among some dogs, and led to a now-ongoing class-action lawsuit against the business.
The Midwest is known as the home to most puppy mills, with states like Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana coming to mind. But mills can be found in any state, and in any quantity. Chicagoland, however, has not been known to harbor puppy mills, perhaps because the presence of farms are long-gone from the area.
It is, however, home to many pet shops that sell dogs from mills. Last Fall, the Humane Society investigated several pet store chains in the Chicago area. The results can be found in the investigations report. Puppy Parlor is included in that report. Documented within it are some of the puppy mills and brokers these stores do business with, including some which CAPS has investigated – Prairie Lane Kennel, owned by Dennis and Donna Van Wyk, is one. You can view results of three investigations by CAPS here.
Whether or not that back room is hiding a breeding operation, it is most definitely a denizen of inhumane treatment. Unsanitary conditions are a given, and it’s certainly not the caring treatment of these dogs that any consumer would ever consent to. No one who appreciates pets would condone such careless, even cruel, treatment of dogs. The only way this store sells to unwitting customers is through lies and deception. And keeping them from the back room.
What can we do about this?
Granted, this is the story of one pet store in one local area. Regardless of where you live, however, the standard rules about pet stores apply here as well:
- Do not buy from a pet shop* – adopt from a rescue or shelter, or buy from a responsible breeder. How to find a responsible dog breeder. (And remember – there are many purebreds in shelters/rescues waiting for a loving home!)
- Become aware of the stores in your locale and their practices.
- Educate yourself on the issues behind pet shops and puppy mills.
- Petition your village board/city council to enact strict controls over these businesses, or better yet — plead with them to consider becoming a humane community, as Villa Park recently did when they banned the sale of pets in their town.
- Join CAPS volunteers in peaceful demonstrations – you’ll be raising awareness of the truth behind pet stores and puppy mills, educating potential consumers, perhaps even helping a shelter pet get a home.
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The backward, evil behavior of those involved in this Lisle pet shop truly stunned me – it’s way too close to home. Puppy mills are supposed to be in other states, other areas. But this does not have to be a stain on our communities, nor must we tolerate such treatment of dogs just because these businesses already exist. Change is occurring, one small step at a time, in our country as well as others.The dogs may not have a voice, but someone is speaking on their behalf, someone is fighting for their freedom to live a humane life.
Kudos to those who stand out in whatever weather Mother Nature offers to speak on behalf of the innocent puppies – and their equally innocent but horribly mistreated parents. My utmost respect and admiration goes out to all those who dedicate their Saturday or Sunday afternoon to educate their community on this issue.These people have shown that it doesn’t take much, but it does take a decision to do something.
Today is Blog the Change for Animals day – a quarterly event to blog and/or read about…and be the change for animals. The volunteers who protest pet stores and the heinous puppy mills they support are already change agents. Join them.
Be the Change for Animals.
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| Click here for more great blogs for change |
*Exceptions for the few but growing number of pet shops that offer pets from rescues and shelters. These stores are clearly working with the organizations, as opposed to many stores that imply “adoption” as a way to deceive you. A great example of a good pet shop selling pets is Dog Patch Pet and Feed in Naperville, IL.
This vitally important posting will be forwarded to the various social networks. What you have alluded to is most worrying and we all must take action, wherever we live, to ensure the welfare of our beloved animals.
Peace and hope,
Gary
What is happening at The Puppy Parlor must have come as such a shock to the community! Where do we breed these evil people who think it is acceptable to treat dogs in such a manner – to keep them caged, with no access to outside, no where to do there business, to just produce more puppies?!? I am so glad you wrote this post! Good for you getting the word out on these scamming pet stores!
Okay STOP IT. MY GRANDMOTHER HAS GOTTEN DOGS FROM THERE AND SO HAVE I. HER DOG IS MORE THAN TEN YEARS OLD PEOPLE!!!!! SO SHUSH AND LISTEN TO WHAT THE WORKERS HAVE TO SAY FOR ONCE. Hint, they ARE NOT A PUPPY MILL!!!!!!!:-[
I despair of the human race at the best of time.
Absolutely disgusting.
Will tweet this post.
Kim – thanks for bringing this important issue to the attention of the BTC community. Thank goodness for the CAPS volunteers who work tirelessly to increase public awareness of puppy mills. As always, thanks for participating in Blog the Change Day and for being a member of Team BTC!
The back room sounds terrible. If no one’s ever ventured there or seen dogs come and go, I have to assume they live and do everything else in those stacked cages. I hope it gets closed down soon.
We unfortunately have a pet shop in the area that still sells pups and kitties despite bad press. She insists they’re from good breeders but which good breeder would allow their litters to be sold through pet shops? Sadly, people still go to her because she’s now the only pet store in the area and it’s “convenient”. Call me judgemental but I don’t know they can do this when they’re dog lovers and owners themselves 🙁
It is so hard to believe people can be so cruel, but we know it is true. Just heartbreaking.
I just will never understand how someone can make money from something so evil. Thank you for such a great post.
Thanks for writing this Kim. We rescued a skinny, abused breeder lab named Maggie last July. She has bite marks all over her, and her tail is bent at the tip (likely due to a cage that was too small). She is fearful, but has been gaining confidence as we have incorporated exercise, mental stimulation, proper diet and of course, a lot of love.
I have nothing against breeders. But I have a lot against those that force their dogs to live in such horrendous conditions. Adopt when you can and avoid breeders that have questionable practices. The fastest way to eliminate the unscrupulous ones is by eliminating their profits.
Thank you Kim for exposing this horrific pet shop. We have to keep spreading the word, shut this place down once and for all!!!
PUPPY PARLOR IS NOT A MILL!!!!! MY GRANDMOTHER HAS GOTTEN A WHOLE LOT OF DOGS FROM THERE AND THEY ARE OVER TEN YEARS OLD!!!!!! I HAVE GOTTEN DOGS THERE TOO AND THEY ARE NOT DEAD OR SICK!!!
Why cant we get a local news cast invovlved on this investigation? Fox news or something, you would think it would be worth more to raise this awareness mainstream instead of just this article, which was very wonderful, but needs a bigger publication I think so it can reach more people. Why do none of the newspapers report on this terrible place?
Thank you for sharing, Kim. It’s so important that people keep asking questions. Lives depend on the immediate exposure of back rooms like this, no matter what city or town they exist in.
But speaking of Chi-town, CAPS volunteers never cease to amaze me. They (and you) work so hard not only to benefit animals in need, but as real-life examples to us all. Thanks to all the CAPS volunteers who band together time and again – on the streets and online. You guys are awesome.
Coming from you, Kim, co-founder of both Be the Change for Animals (the host of this event) AND Dog House Adoptions, your dog rescue that helps both dogs and members of your Rensselaer County, NY, community — I bow with deep respect for such an honor and appreciation.
On behalf of all the CAPS volunteers, Thank You for the compliment – you, if anyone, knows what it takes to be involved!
Fantastic post Kim. How awful to think those dogs and puppies have been living in staked cages in the back. It reminds me of the place that was run out of a strip mall owned by a veterinary dentist I was investigating as part of the Pet WebDesigner fiasco. The vet knew there were stacks of dogs in the back. Instead of reporting it, he simply worked out a deal with the pet shop owners that guaranteed all their purchased puppies would receive their initial puppy visit with him.
I had no heard of the puppy parlor, but I sure hope you writing about them and what they are doing brings attention to it and leads to them going out of business. Stopping puppy mills is a long-term goal, but it will be done.
Mel Freer
Team BTC
Yikes. The more people that are exposed to the horrible conditions of pet stores and puppy mills, the better. Thanks for sharing!
Ugh – when Pocket Puppies was mentioned I remembered when they tried to get a shop on Lake Street here in Oak Park. Lied through their teeth about the source of their puppies too. They were not allowed a license, thank dog! Great little video HSUS did, and so glad you put a link to how to find a reputable breeder! So many have no clue! Thanks for writing for Be The Change for Animals Kim!
Mary Haight
Team BTC4Animals
Dancing Dog Blog
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this just tore me apart. Why is this store still operating? It needs to be CLOSED and FAST! Thank you for this important post!
You are so right…we don’t think these evil goings-on happen in our own town…thankfully, there are no puppy stores in my area. But, I do recall when there were. Hopefully, through awareness posts such as this, more and more folks will become educated and not buy puppies through a store. Maybe then, one day, these poor mill babies will never have to have this horrible life again. Thank you for such an informative and all-too-important post.
People are often simply ignorant of what they are buying into when they shop at pet stores for a new pet. Thank you for posting this. I hope that in the future if someone web searches this place they will read your article first.
-PoochieProject.com
Thank you for all the kind words about CAPS. I am proud to belong to such a dedicated, down to earth, grass roots organization. All the people standing up for the poor dogs at this place deserve a huge pat on the back. Thank you Kim for this so well written article! Ida McCarthy
You’re most welcome, Ida, just doing what I can for those dogs. The people who are speaking on behalf of the dogs are to be commended, and have our utmost respect. Thank you, Ida, for leading the “pack” against those who have no respect for dogs and their welfare!
The photos and the back room make me very sad. Thank you for calling attention to this – I think that reminding people not to buy from pet stores and shedding a light on the puppy mill problem cannot be done enough.
A.J.
Team BtC4A
Please help We rescued a Doxie from here a few weeks ago we were told she had gotten him from an elderly woman who when into assisted living in December well his behavior told me something was not adding up don’t get me wrong he is doing well and is a total love but as I started digging around I start finding the complaints and horrific conditions I’m appalled and heart sick at what this poor boy must have been through then I find a site that has him up for re homing at age 2 1/2 but we were told he is 4 1/2 so if she had him for 2 years how is it he came to here in Dec of 2012 so my question is to whom do I file a complaint as we were very obviously lied too don’t get me wrong we would never give him up but knowing his true history would have benefited him immensely and all of this was found simply because my gut knew something was wrong any help or info would be greatly appreciated.. thank you
Cynthia, I am sorry to hear you’ve been deceived by Puppy Parlor’s lies. My name is Dianne Arp and I’m the Chicago Outreach Coord for CAPS. If you go to our website: http://www.caps-web.org and go to the Complaints tab, you’ll see the complaint form to complete. Then pls “friend” me and Ida McCarthy on Facebook so we can stay in touch that way.
And pls be sure to have your pup checked out thoroughly by your vet (complete bloodwork, urinalysis) because, puppy mill dogs have a horrific life. And, because of that, you need to be vigilant about their care.
I’m certain Ida McCarthy will respond to you as well.
I’m sorry you were a victim of Puppy Parlor’s lies Cynthia. My name is Dianne Arp and I’m the Chicago Outreach Coord for CAPS. Pls go to our website: http://www.caps-web.org and click on the Complaints tab. You’ll find the complaint form there.
Pls be sure to have your vet check out your dog thoroughly (complete bloodwork, urinalysis) as puppy mill dogs have lots of problems. So best to be vigilant about his care.
I’m certain Ida McCarthy will also respond to you. She’s the Regional Director for CAPS. Pls “friend” us on Facebook, we can stay in touch there.
Please help we rescued a Doxie from here and we were told he had just come to her in Dec 2012 from an elderly woman who was going into assisted living but something was not right in his behavior don’t get me wrong he is a loving soul and we wouldn’t give him up for the world but knowing this information breaks my heart as to what this poor boy has been through She lied to us plain and simple I’m heart sick however since he does not have a voice I will file complaints (any advice would be greatly appreciated) and will now crusade for him anyone who could point me in the right direction would be marvelous and please keep up the good work!
Hi Cynthia, me again! LOL! Please keep me posted and let me know what happens. Thanks much, Ida McCarthy
I purchased a sick puppy from that Dreadful Wretch Tammy and she still has not given me back my money. Close to $700. The courts are all over her. I Dread Her. She’s not even worth my thoughts and prayers. Anyone that can mis-treat an animal and the innocents that love them is not worthy of GOD’s Love.
Dont beleve it i go dare naver seen anything wrong with the place i brought my dog from dare. She was find my kids love they dog mimi. We take her dare every month to get groom. The peoples is nice dare plus cheap price for groom. I naver seen anything wrong if its a problem dare. Please make me a belever.
To find out the truth behind allegations leveled at Tammy Coglianese and Puppy Parlor please read the in depth interview and to see the Illinois Department of Agriculture Docket Finding Reports please follow the link below. A Docket Finding Report is the final out come of complaints filed, routine inspections and the inspections done because of them. Tammy invites you to come into the store and form your own opinion of her business, puppies and dogs.
petindustryfactvsfiction.blogspot.com
There are other blog posts you may find interesting as well. To set the myth straight The Humane Society of the United States is not a governmental department, it is a private non-profit organization funded only through donations. To find out what they do with your money please read the blog posting that sets some truths out before the public.
Puppy Parlor Discloses ALL-Illinois Department of Agriculture Docket Finding Reports
Docket Finding Reports are the final word on inspection reports, violations and complaints filed against a facility. How this works is: After a complaint is made or for routine inspections an Illinois Department of Agriculture inspector comes to the facility. Does a thorough inspection of the entire facility including in this case at times looking at an individual puppy or dog at random or if a complaint was made concerning a specific puppy or dog that one is looked, the puppies and dogs living conditions (lighting and housing), whether they are being adequately fed and have water readily available. The inspector’s findings are then sent to a review board and they decide whether the inspection report can be closed or if any follow up action and/or visits are necessary.
Tammy felt it was important to provide me with the inspection report, Docket Finding Report and the follow up documentation of her one and only violation to date besides all the other Docket Findings Report(s). Her only violation, in 23 years of having an Illinois department of Agriculture license, was a small Parvovirus outbreak contained to 6 puppies that came from one breeder that Tammy had only got puppies from a total of four times. The first three times the puppies she got puppies from this breeder they were healthy unfortunately the fourth batch was not. Following state protocol the puppies were frozen to be returned to the breeder for proper disposal. As the breeder could not be reached by phone, regular mail or email Tammy paid for the proper disposal herself.
Tammy told me in the email that accompanied these reports that she felt it was important for her to give a full disclosure of all the Docket Finding Reports because what has been put up on the inter net about her and how Puppy Parlor is ran were false allegations and when the “truth” was told only part of the correct information was sometimes given. Tammy asks that you read these and make your own decisions on her, her staff and store. She invites anyone to come in to look around the store, and visit with the puppies and/or dogs. Store hours are Monday-Friday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Below is a copy of every Docket Finding Report for Puppy Parlor, owner Tammy Coglianese, (to see docket reports http://petindustryfactvsfiction.blogspot.com/2013/05/puppy-parlor-discloses-all-illinois.html) provided by the Illinois Department of Agriculture sent to me, through the Freedom of Information Act from her initial inspection before she could open Puppy Parlor in 2009 to the last inspection done in January 2013. She also included her letter to the state asking for a copy of the documents. Below all the Docket Finding Report(s) is a letter from Puppy Parlor’s consulting veterinarian. In which he states there is no breeding being done there.
Read the verifiable facts for yourself and then make your decision about this facility based on facts not fiction.
Joanna, please really. You are making a fool out of yourself. Ida McCarthy
On February 28, 2014 Puppy (Mill) Parlor closed its doors for good – due to pressure from the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS). Sadly our efforts to work with Lisle’s Mayor Broda, his Trustees, and the Lisle Police Dept about the animal abuse inside this store, fell on deaf ears. That left us with no choice but to peacefully protest this store daily, for months. Our outreach, and education of potential customers is what finally did them in. People were able to take our information and do their own research. The facts were undeniable. While our hope is that pet stores – that sell sick puppy mill puppies – will choose to go humane, i.e. work with legitimate rescue groups to adopt out homeless animals, some pet stores like this one are hell-bent on supporting puppy mills. They have no desire to change their cruel, abusive, and fraudulent ways. Just like Happiness Is Pets (Chicagoland area), and Petland (nationwide). They’re an abomination and must be stopped. The Almost Home Foundation took 35 of Puppy (Mill) Parlor’s dogs when they closed down. The dogs are in terrible shape. All need to be spayed or neutered. They all need dental work from years of neglect, some had broken legs, torn ACLs, and tick-borne diseases. They were all matted and were in desperate need of grooming. We had to shut this place down. The dogs were counting on us to help them, when no one else would. To donate to CAPS and help further our mission, please visit our web site at http://www.caps-web.org Thank you.