Why you shouldn't buy a puppy from a pet store or over the Internet

July 5, 2007 : 12:00 AM

Reasons to help shut down the puppy mills

 It’s estimated that more than 90 percent of dogs sold in pet stores come from puppy mills – large, commercial breeding operations where they’re treated like inventory and stored in crowded, filthy cages with other dogs.

 In recent years, there has been an explosion of websites selling dogs from large, for-profit commercial breeders.

 There are no limits on breeding. Female dogs used for breeding are bred over and over again until their bodies give out. Then they’re destroyed, sold for research or dumped at the local pound. Dogs may well be inbred, which means their puppies might have deformities.

 Dogs raised in substandard conditions often suffer from all kinds of physical ailments, which can result in large veterinary bills – and a lot of heartbreak – for their unsuspecting new owners.

 Puppies raised in large, commercial breeding operations are not socialized and often have behavioral problems.

 Because they suffer from diseases and behavioral problems, many of these animals end up in shelters, and are then euthanized. It’s estimated that one in four animals in a shelter is a purebred.

 When you buy an animal from a pet store, you’re feeding the pet trade – in which the main motive is to make profits for breeders, brokers and pet store owners, all at the expense of the dogs and their new owners.

 There is no reason to support the exploitive breeding of companion animals when millions of animals languish and die in public shelters every year.

 Instead of buying a puppy from a pet store or over the Internet, save an animal instead by adopting from a shelter or rescue group. PetSmart and Petco pet supply stores also sponsor adoption days. You can also search petfinder.com, 1-800-save-a-pet.com and pets911.com, or google breed rescue groups in your area.

Comments

October 10, 2007 at 10:54 AM
posted by: mapollard

I Hate that people think that it's okay to breed and sell animals, if you were to see everyday what I see and how many animals need homes and that's not even half of it. All animals should be spayed and neutered so that we can stop this overpopulation and homelessness of animals. There are billions of animals right now being euthanized, for most of them TODAY is their LAST Day on earth, think about that:) Put yourself in their shoes, how would you like to be caged up in your own feces/urine and not have anything soft to sleep on but sleep on the concrete floor instead with no kind of love or human contact, animals need our love, NOT to be sold! We need to learn how to love God's creatures, I can't see Jesus selling animals, I don't believe that's what they were created for. Please let's stop this cruelty!

July 9, 2007 at 9:53 AM
posted by: Rookie

I too have been sending money when I can to support this organization. Two of my grown children have been laid off from their jobs and they both have children so there hasn't been a lot of funds to send like I want to. BUT, still I try and will go back to sponsors several animals when my children get back on their feet. At no time have I had "rules" for giving. I give because I truly love animals and some of the stories of their lives so far break my heart. The post on July 7 from djackson sounded like there are "rules" for her/his giving. Hey, call me anything you like, accuse me of whatever you wish, nothing will stop me from giving whatever money I can to save the animals. These people from Best Friends are good people, they should carry no shame within them. Shame on YOU for that comment.

July 9, 2007 at 9:33 AM
posted by: TashasMom

To jmuhj - I am in total agreement. I do know many breeders and they are genuine, caring people who would never think of ever causing any harm to any animal whatsoever. However, I believe that all of the animals in rescues, in shelters and domestic animals living on the streets around the world should experience the love and affection due them instead of more animals being created strictly for this purpose. I know breeders want to "protect the integrity" of the various breeds but as long as the above-mentioned homeless animals feel the same pain as do their manucactured ones...the choice should be clear. I'm sorry to ruffle feathers but I will never waiver on this point.

July 8, 2007 at 4:05 PM
posted by: crzktldy

To djackson - I truly believe that you are a responsible breeder that cares. I was involved with an animal rescue group that was started by a group of show dog, cat and rabbit breeders that was largely responsible for having the decompression chamber outlawed in Pennsylvania. I know how much each of these individuals cared, and contributed both monetarily and physically. All of them actively went on rescues of any animal in need (very few of which were purebred) and worked diligently to raise funds to provide vet care and ensure placement in loving homes. Most all of them would foster the animals in their own homes or kennels. Please try to not be personally angered by the points raised in these articles. Unfortunately the many reputable breeders are overshadowed by the practices of these soulless individuals that exploite animals for their own personal gain. All I can say is please try to be the one that educates the rest on the right way to promote your chosen breed and have patience with those of us (I include myself) that sometimes make rash statements that include the good with the bad. We just care so much and want to see the abuse stopped.

July 7, 2007 at 9:41 PM
posted by: jmuhj

rosehill and others:

Your intentions are good, undoubtedly; but many of us feel that while millions upon millions of healthy, sweet, beautiful cats and kittens (and other animals) forfeit their lives annually in domestic shelters alone simply because there are no loving, forever homes for them, a "responsible breeder" is an oxymoron. Those of us who truly LOVE cats and kittens (and/or other animals) want to adopt all who are homeless and in need first, and then, and only then, should "breeders" even entertain the thought of doing what they currently do. Personally, I oppose the selling of any living being on principle, and I am equally turned off by the thought of human beings "breeding" members of any species -- human or otherwise -- for any reason whatsoever.

Think about it, everyone.

July 7, 2007 at 9:40 PM
posted by: djackson

I send a great deal of money to Best Friends and I do not appreciate being called rotten names because I am a breeder. I advertise on the internet and I am a responsible dog breeder. If you want me to continue to support your organization with money and words don't treat me as though I'm among the very very lowly. Purebred dogs are important too!!! Shame on you!!!

July 7, 2007 at 5:02 PM
posted by: mhostrup

I pray that a petition is started to send to whomever in our country has the ability to shut down commercial breeders.
MBH

July 7, 2007 at 10:10 AM
posted by: GloriaJ

I agree that no one should purchase an animal from a pet store or on the internet or newspaper.There are a lot of animals that are in shelters that could bring as much, if not more joy and fulfillment to one's life than a bought one.All the pets I have are all rescues.They are all sweet and I love them all.All 8 of them,Jake,Katie,Sabrina,Wawa,Maxx,Miss kitty,Montster,Shamee.Those guys light up my life! Gloria J

July 6, 2007 at 7:02 PM
posted by: CBinID

Please respond to rosehill on-line. I would like to do the same!

CB

July 6, 2007 at 6:57 PM
posted by: rosehill

Hey, I'd like to get permission to give this out to people. Ii work with a local dog rescue and we often get calls from people looking to purchase a puppy. We always try to talk them into adopting a rescue, but alas, many folks have made up their minds and nothing you can say will change it (and we don't want to be rude). If they insist on purchasing a puppy, I'd like them to visit a reputable breeder. We always send these folks a packet of materials outlining what to look for in a reputable breeder. I'd like to include something about staying away from pet stores in puppy mills. This is nice because it's short, to the point, and not too graphic. Who do I ask for permission to give it out to the public??