Paws R Us is the largest commercial dog breeder in Canada

And they're proud of it.

From USABreeders.com, a press release on behalf of Paws R Us Kennel:

LARGEST COMMERCIAL DOG BREEDER IN CANADA FOUND NOT TO BE A "PUPPY MILL" BY OTTAWA COURT

Counsel for the Plaintiffs, Luc Barrick, is pleased to announce that the Plaintiffs, James, Charlene and Nicole Labombard, carrying on business as Paws "R" Us Kennel, were successful in their Small Claims Court Action against the Defendant Lorie Dixon, a.k.a. Lorie Gordon.

Paws "R" Kennel is a commercial dog breeder, operating in Shawville, Quebec and run by the Labombard family. They take great pride in their puppies, as well as taking great care of them.Countless visitors and clients of the Kennel have complemented the Kennel for its size and cleanliness, the dogs for their friendliness and social skills, and the family for their sincere concern and care for the dogs. Paws "R" Us is the largest commercial dog breeder open to the public in Canada.

Lorie Dixon is a past client of the Kennel, who wrongfully alleged that the Kennel was a puppy milland proceeded to defame the Kennel on various Internet discussion boards.

In making his decision, which is attached to this Press Release, Deputy Judge M. Galligan, of theSuperior Court of Justice (Small Claims Court) at Ottawa, made the following findings:

• It is common ground that the term "puppy mill" used in this sense is derogatory.
• Having reviewed all of the evidence led by the parties, he found that Paws "R" Us is not a"puppy mill" within the definitions which have been used for purposes of description, and that Paws "R" Us is wrongly described in that respect.
• Not only has the Defendant defamed the Plaintiffs, but the defamation is worsened by the use of the internet, which is said to be not only different, but more serious for purposes of damages than defamation in other media.
• The Defendant's action is particularly malicious in that her purpose was to close the business of the Plaintiffs', notwithstanding that she knew it to be the source of income and support for a family of some eleven persons.
• In view of all of the circumstances, there will be Judgment for the Plaintiffs for damages in defamation, for interference with economic interests, and for interference with contractual relations in the amount of $10,000, plus costs.
• He found no liability on the part of the Plaintiffs in respect of the Defendant's dog's care and the Defendant's Claim is dismissed without costs.
• The Plaintiffs shall have costs of this action against the Defendant consisting of a counsel fee of $3,000, plus $1,000 on account of disbursements and post judgment interest at the court rate from the date from which this judgment is issued.

Any further inquiries can be directed to Luc Barrick, Counsel for the Plaintiffs, by email at lbarrick@barricks.ca or on his cell phone at (613) 282-3553.

We all know this is a travesty.

Lorie Gordon needs to appeal this. She needs to appeal not only for herself but also for the future pups who are going to be born into that place. She needs to appeal in order to stand up for our right to express opinions on-line which are counter to business interests who can afford lawyers to shut people down whenever they so choose.

Update:

An appeal date has been set for May 18 2011. A Toronto firm will be representing Ms. Gordon pro bono.

(For coverage of the Sept. 17, 2011 seizures at Paws R Us, please go here. For post on November 24 court decision against Paws R Us regarding HSI raid, go here.)