F.U.E.L. Collection of Philadelphia is showing a harrowing exhibition this month to shed light on the dirty secret in bucolic Lancaster County: puppy mills. Gallery owner Jennifer Yaron mounted the show not just to expose the issue, but to educate and foster change. The month-long exhibit features the works of 30 artists, some of whom had never heard of puppy mills, but all who were compelled to become agents of change through their work.
The show’s sickening title comes from a mill owner in attendance at a Lancaster zoning board hearing. Responding to his neighbor’s concern about what happens to the dogs when they don’t sell, he replied, “Puppies are biodegradable.” — meaning they are used for fertilizer.
Learn more at the provocative and informative website puppiesarebiodegradable.com..
Puppy Mill Mommy (top) by Rachel Ogden.
Rejoyce (above) is the entryway floor covering depicting infamous puppy mill owner Joyce Stoltzfus. The image was created from pawprints of rescued dogs.