The Oprah Winfrey Show Investigates Puppy Mills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2008

Chicago, IL— On Friday, April 4, The Oprah Show exposes the secret underworld of puppy mills. The emotional and thought-provoking hour is dedicated to the memory of Oprah's beloved dog Sophie, who passed away March 10 at the age of 13. A tribute to Sophie begins the hour, which then includes an undercover investigation by Oprah Show correspondent Lisa Ling into the hidden world of puppy mills.

Says Winfrey, "Our show today is for anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment. I'm dedicating this hour to my little Sophie, who you may have heard died last month." She continues, "Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love. She was a true love in my life."

In a revealing hour, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, and Bill Smith, head of Mainline Animal Rescue in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, issue an urgent wake-up call to all pet owners about the prevalence of puppy mills.

Then, Ling goes undercover with Smith in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for a glimpse into a hidden world where dogs only equal dollar signs. Ling, a regular contributor to The Oprah Show, said of puppy mills, "I had no idea how horrific they are. And it's really haunting…I felt like I was crying two days after I returned because it's just a really, really scary sight."

Winfrey currently owns three dogs adopted from breeders—13-year-old Chocolate American cocker spaniel Solomon and two-year-old white Labrador retrievers Luke and Layla—and says, "I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show."

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Lisa Ling Investigates the Hidden World of Puppy Mills premieres Friday, April 4 (check local listings).

The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 21 consecutive seasons, winning every sweep since its debut in 1986.* It is produced in Chicago by Harpo Productions, Inc. and syndicated to 212 domestic markets by King World and to 135 countries by CBS Paramount International Television.

Source:
*Nielsen Cassandra Ranking Report—November '86 to July '99 and Wrap Sweeps, November '99 to July '07. Primary Telecasts Only.

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