An Ames-based animal welfare nonprofit that exposes puppy mills and offers free pet food is turning 15.
Bailing Out Benji is a nonprofit that tries to stifle the puppy mill industry by providing transparency. The organization was founded in 2011 in Ames and has since blossomed into a national brand, offering vaccine and microchip clinics.
Bailing Out Benji hosts the largest database in the country of breeders and how they sell dogs, finance and operations Director Kristen Petty said. People can use their online directory to search for a specific breeder, see whether they have any violations, and how many dogs they have.
“We’re never going to recommend a breeder, but we try to give people the tools they need to make the decisions themselves,” Petty said.
Bailing out Benji also provides a free pet food pantry in Ames that feeds about 400 pets a month.
The third annual free vaccine and microchip clinic, in partnership with the Ames Animal Services, is set for Saturday, May 30 at the water plant. Services will be provided to 480 pets, double last year’s clinic, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Bailing Out Benji fills an important gap in the animal welfare system, Executive Director Mindi Callison said.
“Whether we are helping families keep their pets through our pet food pantry or we are helping families avoid inhumane places when adding a new puppy to the mix, the positive effects of our work are deeply rooted here in Ames but are felt across the country,” Callison said. “We are honored to have had it start right here in this community.”
From local protests to a national reach
Bailing Out Benji started as weekly protests at a local pet store that was buying dogs from a puppy mill. Callison was researching puppy mills and began blogging about everything she learned.
Petty remembers being skeptical of how much impact Bailing Out Benji could have when it started, but is pleased to see how the organization has blossomed into the nonprofit it is today.
“We started on a sidewalk and now we’re all over the place, with volunteers across the country” Petty said. “I’m sitting here eating my words because that passion in her led to all of this and really, truly changing things.”
How does Bailing Out Benji distinguish reputable breeders from puppy mills?
The nonprofit accesses inspection records from the USDA or the states where they’re required, along with certificates of veterinary inspection, to determine if a breeder is problematic. If the research uncovers red flags, the organization files complaints with the state or with the USDA.
“We operate within the system, trying to bring people into compliance while also trying to change the system,” Petty said. “Using the data and research that we have accumulated over the years, we’re able to use that to try to influence regulations around inspections or licensing requirements or state laws.”
Anyone wanting to report a puppy mill can reach out to research@bailingoutbenji.com, and the information will be added to its database.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames’ Bailing Out Benji celebrates 15 years of free pet food, wellness
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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