Why We Are Holding Peaceful Demonstrations in Front of Los Angeles Pet Stores:
Best Friends Animal Society is working to end the mass production of dogs in commercial kennels ("puppy mills"). We are working in Los Angeles to end this problem through public education about where pet store dogs come from, while at the same time working to help to solve the homeless pet problem.
Over 70,000 pets are euthanized annually in greater Los Angeles shelters, and pet stores could be part of the solution to that problem by helping homeless animals find homes, instead of pumping more animals from breeders into the community.
Things you should know:
Through extensive investigations, it has been proven that almost all dogs sold by pet stores come from puppy mills, even though the dogs are marketed as "AKC certified" or from "reputable" or "USDA licensed" breeders. Under the USDA Minimum Standard of Care, the animals NEVER have to be let out of their cages and only require only 6 inches in front of them to turn around - for LIFE.
There is a serious pet overpopulation crisis in our country. In California alone, over 500,000 homeless pets are killed every year, at a cost to taxpayers of over $250,000,000. Pet Stores that sell puppies from irresponsible breeders are adding to this crisis.
As many as 30% of the dogs in Los Angeles animal shelters are purebreds. If you are looking for a purebred dog, you can acquire one at a shelter, or through a breed-specific rescue group, and pay a small application fee. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars to buy a purebred dog. And you'll be saving a life.
Please boycott pet stores that sell dogs from irresponsible breeders. ANY money spent supports and perpetuates a cycle of cruel treatment of animals. Please support Rescue-Only pet stores, or pet stores that do not sell live animals.
What Best Friends is Requesting of Pet Stores
This is what Best Friends is asking of Los Angeles pet stores:
- Agree to no longer sell animals acquired from breeders in their store(s) or on the Internet;
- The only dogs transferred, sold or retailed shall be "rescued" dogs coming from government shelters or 501(c)(3) rescue groups;
- Agree to make these changes in every other business in which the store may have an interest, either currently or in the future.
What We're Offering Pet Stores
In exchange for the above commitment, BFAS will assist stores by doing the following:
- Best Friends will agree to no longer hold peaceful demonstrations at the store(s);
- Best Friends agrees to help promote the store. Such promotion may include: sending out a press release and/or holding a press conference, a feature on the Best Friends network, and/or an email blast to our members;
- Best Friends will provide stores that offer rescued dogs with a "Best Friends Endorsed" seal to display in the store and in other marketing materials;
- Best Friends will help facilitate relationships with the City and County of Los Angeles, and, if possible, various rescue groups and shelters, through which stores may acquire rescued animals to offer for adoption.
Have You Purchased a Puppy From a Store in Los Angeles?
If you have purchased a puppy from a pet store and have incurred a considerable amount of medical bills, please consider sharing your story so that your experience may help educate others.
We can help you learn more about where your puppy came from. Contact Jennifer Krause for more information: jkrause@bestfriends.org
About the Peaceful Demonstrations
Peaceful demonstrations and educational outreach schedule:
Puppy and Me (Sherman Oaks)
13753 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(Just West of Woodman Ave.)
Day: Saturdays
Shift: 12-3pm
*Shift times/days change on weekly basis as reflected in weekly alert.
Special Instructions:
- Park at meters or in neighborhood
- Signs and literature provided
- No doggies, please
How to Find
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13753+Ventura+Blvd.+Sherman+Oaks,+CA+91423&sll=34.040285,-118.43339&sspn=0.039829,0.011673&ie=UTF8&ll=34.148607,-118.439398&spn=0.039778,0.011673&t=h&z=14&iwloc=addr
Why we are protesting Puppy and Me:
We have documented proof that Puppy and Me acquires their dogs from mass-breeding facilities called "puppy mills" that keep animals in CRUEL AND INHUMANE conditions, in the interest of maximizing profits. Because puppies from puppy mills are more likely to have health problems due to neglect, inbreeding, and over breeding, many consumers are faced with significant veterinary bills, or even the death of their puppy. We have received numerous testimonials from individuals who have purchased a sick dog from Puppy and Me.
Pet Stores will tell you that they do not get their dogs from puppy mills, however, only these mass-breeding facilities can fulfill the demand. Responsible breeders would never sell their dogs to pet stores for resale.
BARKWORKS - Westside Pavilion
10800 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
(Cross Street Westwood)
Day: Saturday
Shifts: 12-2:30, 2:30-5pm
Special Instructions:
- Park at lot for Landmark theaters & Barnes and Nobles (free)
- Signs and literature provided
- No doggies, please
How to Find
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=10800+West+Pico+Blvd.++90064&sll=36.261992,-115.444336&sspn=4.756116,1.494141&ie=UTF8&ll=34.040285,-118.43339&spn=0.039829,0.036049&t=h&z=14
Why we are protesting Barkworks:
We have documented proof that Barkworks acquires their dogs from mass-breeding facilities called "puppy mills" that keep animals in CRUEL AND INHUMANE conditions, in the interest of maximizing profits. Because puppies from puppy mills are more likely to have health problems due to neglect, inbreeding, and over breeding, many consumers are faced with significant veterinary bills, or even the death of their puppy. We have received numerous testimonials from individuals who have purchased a sick dog from Barkworks.
Pet Stores will tell you that they do not get their dogs from puppy mills, however, only these mass-breeding facilities can fulfill the demand. Responsible breeders would never sell their dogs to pet stores for resale.
Alternatives to Buying a Puppy Store Pet
LA CITY Adoption Centers
http://www.laanimalservices.com • 888-4LAPET1
West L.A. Adoption Shelter
11361 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
South LA Adoption Shelter
3612 11th Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90018
East Valley Adoption Shelter
14409 Van Owen St.
Van Nuys, CA 91405
West Valley Adoption Shelter
20655 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
North Central Adoption Shelter
3201 Lacy Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Harbor Shelter
957 N. Gaffey Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
LA COUNTY Adoption Centers
http://animalcare.lacounty.gov • 800-253-3555
Agoura Shelter
29525 Agoura Rd.
Agoura, CA 91301
(818) 991-0071
Baldwin Park Shelter
4275 N. Elton
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
(626) 962-3577
Carson Shelter
216 W. Victoria St.
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 523-9566
Castaic Shelter
31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd.
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 257-3191 or (818) 367-8065
Downey Shelter
11258 S. Garfield Ave.
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 940-6898
Lancaster Shelter
5210 W. Ave. I
Lancaster, CA 93536
(661) 940-4191
More Adoption Options
Petfinder.com
www.petfinder.com
Adopt A Pet.com
http://www.adoptapet.com