Protesters say dogs up for auction in Clark County are from a Puppy Mill. Members of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project based in Madison-- held up signs outside the Hourst Stables Auction in Thorp.

Michael Glass is a former breeder who now works for America's Pet Registry says most breeders are doing the right thing and are trying to learn more about the industry. "We've run into breeders that are at different level rungs of quality but I've never run in to a breeder that said I'm happy with what I'm doing and I have no desire to grow," says Glass.

Glass says he is not going to defend what he calls sub standard breeders, and can't say for sure whether the dogs at Wednesday's auction are from puppy mills or not.

Eilene Ribbens, Executive Director of the group leading the protest-- The Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project-- says they have been working to shut down puppy mills and stop dog auctions for more than 10 years. She says no reputable breeder would sell their dogs via auction because they want to make sure the dogs are going to good homes.

Ribbens says the dogs sold at auctions like this usually have health problems. She suggests people get their dogs from a reputable breeder and offers some tips on their website listed below.