"A Few" Dead Dogs? Thank ALFA

Two years ago, a bill was before the Alabama Senate that would have outlawed puppy mills. If you aren't sure what a puppy mill is, think a big business where registered canines are forced to breed several times a year, live their lives in cramped conditions, and never see love in their short, pathetic lives.

Thanks to five senators who sold their souls to ALFA (not a rare occurrence in this state), the bill never made it into law. Last week the results of this inaction were brought home to roost in a dilapidated chicken house.

Sheila Johnson and her daughter own a "working farm" in Vinemont just outside Cullman. Last week a fire rapidly raged through the dilapidated chicken house used to shelter the caged animals and free-roaming birds from whom Johnson made her living. Not surprisingly, most of the birds escaped; rabbits, dogs, and other small animals not able to move more than a few inches in their cages did not. 

How many died? Johnson says in one interview that "a few" dogs lost their lives. Later she says the number ranged from 50 to 100, all of whom she claims were working farm dogs. Of course they were working - they were breeding more of themselves for Johnson to sell. 

Cullman County Animal Control had been called to investigate the conditions of the property more than once and will now be looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire. So far, no word from the five men who made this possible.

Of the five 2017 state senators who voted against regulating puppy mills in this state, only Clay Scofield and Shay Shellnutt are still in office. Voters need to remember these two men during the next election cycle.

All of us should remember ALFA/ALFA Insurance and its vice-like grip on our Senate. Let's hurt them where it hurts, and that's not the switchboard. That's in the pocketbook which should become a lot lighter after customers become aware of the latest results of the Federation's intrusion into animal welfare in this state.

ABC News Photo Depicting Doggo Death Trap