Pet Store Supports Puppy Mills

[marie]

Originally Posted by EmilyB

They shouldn't be buying pups from puppy mills (backyard breeders)...period.

Do you think a three-legged dog will find it's best home through a pet store???

Backyard breeders and puppymills are not same thing. I have seen some wonderful backyard dogs that have had a litter of puppies that are better socialized and cared for then some reputable breeders puppies.

[dsaundry]

The one question I asked and you have still not answered is how do you know that this dog is from a "puppy mill"? If you do report this to the authorities, the first question they will ask is what proof you have. "Gut" instinct isn't enough. You have said in your previous posts that another member should do his research. Have you done yours? I am very familiar with the deplorable condition that dogs{amongst other animals} are kept in when they are in these inhumane breeding factories. My question still stands. What proof do you have that this animal is from a "puppy mill"? If it is indeed from a "mill" then the pet store in question and the "mill" operators should face the concequences. I have worked with both the S.P.C.A. and law enforcement officers and have seen some horrible situations regarding animals. I have also seen reputable breeders been put under the microscope due to an uninformed opinion. I am talking about breeders who go above and beyond when it come to the care of their animals. If you are going to proceed with your charges against this "Store" then make sure you have all your facts and document all your evidence against them so they can face charges. I am not against you on your quest for humane treatment of animals, I am concerned that you may not have the "evidence" that you need to charge these people.

[Matt]

I have worked in several pet stores, and for about 10 years, my family owned and operated one. We sold dogs, as well as the rest of the usual small-animal and bird menagerie. We were reasonably responsible, and bought from local breeders for our purebred stock, and sold love-pups, too (small town, no local shelter).

I offer this advice to anyone looking for a dog: A pet store is the last place to go to buy a dog. Staff are low paid, often untrained. Puppies are separated from their mothers too soon, as they sell best when they are fluffy and cute, and you need to allow for some "stock" time. It isn't unusual to see 5 and 6 week old pups in pet stores. Their immune and digestive systems are still developing, and they're put in a high-stress, high-contagion environment.

There are pet stores that do a marvellous job of caring for thier dogs, training their staff, and sourcing and placing dogs. But, given that there are much better alternatives, as described elsewhere in this thread, this is a slice of the business that doesn't need to exist.

In the words of Dennis Miller: "But that's just my opinion... I could be wrong."

[Ephraim]

Evidence is not a common tool use for these people that complain about retailers that deal with puppies. They consider some random links pertaining to a random franchise in the US as all they need. If someone wanted to get evidence, they would have researched this 3 legged dog a bit before posting here. They would have found out, as I did this morning, that this poor pup was rescued from a reserve by the Pets for Life Foundation. They would have also found out that his leg needed to be amputated because he was found after being struck by a vehicle, the damage too severe to save the leg.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Ephraim

You may wish to see this animal destroyed, but it still deserves a life.

Um, that's not what she said. She wanted it rescued from the pet store, which in my opinion, is the worst place for a dog to be.

If you want a dog, research breeders, talk to dog club members, get to know something about the breeder. I'm looking for a Border Collie right now, so I need to check for eye sight issues, hearing problems, hips, etc. Early neurological stimulation is another thing that might be worth researching. Also, many of the best breeders don't own both parents, so you can't see both. This way they get to breed with the best out there, not just the best in the yard. Inspect bloodlines of the a few generations back, good breeders have these records. I'm looking for an agility/herding dog, so I'm being picky, but if you just want a dog buddy, go save one from the SPCA. My dog came from there and is just the greatest bozo around!

[Ephraim]

So your saying that this dog is better off in the SPCA where it will be put down if it cannot find a home, which is quite likely for a dog in this condition, opposed to a pet store where it is guarenteed to find a home? Correct?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Ephraim

So your saying that this dog is better off in the SPCA where it will be put down if it cannot find a home, which is quite likely for a dog in this condition, opposed to a pet store where it is guarenteed to find a home? Correct?

No, you're getting all excited and not reading. Deb suggested contacting a blue heeler rescue for the dog, if one existed in alberta. And yes, the dog would be better off in a rescue environment, where they would likely find a home setting for it until such time as they found it a real home. Sitting in a retail box is not good for anything smarter than a hamster....

[Ephraim]

If it wasnt for the Pets for a Lifetime organization going out an rescuing the dog it would be definately dead by now. Now realistically, yes a home setting would be better for this animal. And he came from a home setting while he acclimated to a condition to where he would be fit for a transition to a new home. Unfortunately he cannot stay there for it's entire life because there is more dogs/cats that need to be rescued from these conditions. That is why he gets moved to a venue for maximum exposure in order to find him a home.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Ephraim

That is why he gets moved to a venue for maximum exposure in order to find him a home.

Ya, the point, I guess, is some of us don't think maximizing exposure is worth putting a dog in a pet store. And let's be honest, unless the pet store is giving him away (maybe they are? ), nobody is likely to buy a 3-legged dog. Not even for 25% off
The general point of this whole thread is that dogs should not be sold in pet stores. And I strongly believe people, that just because they own one of each sex, should not try to breed sub standard dogs in their backyard. This applies to commercial operations (puppy mills) as well. dogs should be bred and sold by qualified and caring breeders who have the experience to produce great dogs that aren't going to end up with tons of medical issues or mental issues.

[Reefer Rob]

Originally Posted by reef_raf

dogs should be bred and sold by qualified and caring breeders who have the experience to produce great dogs that aren't going to end up with tons of medical issues or mental issues.

It is very rare to find a breeder like this. Almost nobody waits until the hips are checked before they even show a dog, and if you've spent a ton of money getting a CKC championship on your puppy most can hardly wait to breed them. Honestly, barnyard dogs most often make the better, healthier pets.