Even the scroogiest of us can admit that puppies are an easy way to pull a few heart-strings. Don’t believe me? Try taking a wiggly bottomed, prancing pup for a walk down the street and see how many people approach you for some lovin’. Cute as they may be, not nearly enough people think about [...]
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Even the scroogiest of us can admit that puppies are an easy way to pull a few heart-strings. Don’t believe me? Try taking a wiggly bottomed, prancing pup for a walk down the street and see how many people approach you for some lovin’. Cute as they may be, not nearly enough people think about where these pups come from before their over-sized paws make their way into pet stores and homes across the country. Neither do they think about what exactly they are supporting when they purchase a pet-store pup.
Nearly all pet-store pups come from puppy mills; places that breed and house dogs in extremely cruel conditions, solely focused on what the pups are worth, with no regard for their welfare. They often don’t have access to adequate food, water, health care or attention. Additionally, the dogs are bred as often as possible, even when it’s not in their best interest. The average mill has between 65 and 75 animals housed in cramped quarters; the majority of these animals have health problems such as respiratory infections. Mills are not the only places that have inhumane conditions; some (though certainly not all) breeders also mistreat their animals.
Recent action in California banned selling puppies in pet shops and other public venues, in hopes of discouraging puppy mills and other operations where inhumane living conditions fester. Additionally, many organizations, like the Humane Society, are working hard to shut-down puppy mills, or at least bring them to public attention with the hope that if people are aware of them, they will stop supporting them.
Not convinced? Read some puppy mill rescue stories here.
I caught up with Mia Riback of No Puppy Mills Canada, a Canadian organization whose main focus is to educate consumers about puppy mills. Empowering people to make the best decision for themselves is what it’s all about, Mia says.
“There have been many small developments all over the US and Canada” she says, referring to California’s recent action. “Richmond, British Columbia has also banned the sale of pups in pet stores, which is a great step. It’s up to us, the consumer, to stop the cycle. There are many dogs in shelters, and breeders who breed quality dogs that are available for people to purchase and adopt. There is no need to support mills.”
Her top three tips for avoiding puppy mill pups? “Visit the breeder you are keen on buying from in person, don’t buy online, and don’t buy from pet stores.”
Additionally, Mia says, people interested in purchasing a puppy who are trying to avoid supporting mills and backyard breeders should start their searches with a breed club, a Canadian or American Kennel club, American Kennel club or a dog show.
But before you adopt or purchase a pup, really think about whether or not you can take care of it. Think about where you will be for the next 15 years, and if you can support your new family member emotionally and financially. When I asked Mia about the most common misconception around purchasing a pup, she responded by talking about how much time it takes to raise a pup, and how much work it entails.
“Puppies are cute, yet they pee, poop and play hard!”
Before you adopt or purchase that pup, think about where it came from, and what you’re supporting by taking it home.
Source: feedproxy.google.com
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