[Pegasus]

Hey guys, not sure where to post this, but I thought this would be the best place.

I have a shopping mall about 1/2 mile away that has a store for "PUPPIES"...and I think they get them from puppie mills...surely they do, there are only pups in there and this a richy community
We have been in there a lot, only pupps and kittens.

So, I want to stop them...bring them down somehow..I dont agree with it....what can I do..how can I stop these people from doing this..what can I do to stop this.....

Im a member of the ASPCA now and I can post signs, sit outside the door, talk to the owner, but what can we really do?? This is not acceptable when there are so many homeless dogs out there..

Any ideas how to go about this?

Amanda

 

[beaglesmom]

Amanda, I believe the Humane Society (National)has a link on their website that tells you some things you can do to help stop puppy mills - without "millers" there wouldn't be very many pups for sale in pet stores because no responsible, reputable breeder will sell his or her dogs through a pet store. I always tell people if they want a purebred puppy to go to a responsible breeder - your vet can recommend one. If they DON'T want a purebred puppy that are thousands of dogs out there that need a home - go to a rescue or shelter! I've had both - and they're all great pets.

 

[jassy]

Amanda, I have my own small form of protest. When I can stand to do it, I visit the puppy room at the store where I got Maggie. I stand around admiring the pups like everyone else but when someone comments on a pup I make sure to mention that I got my dog there and that she was extremely ill with guardia. I tell them that my vet says she was a puppy mill dog. I am always very nice about it. There are almost never store employees in the puppy room so no one has asked me to leave. I have had some interesting discussions with people regarding puppy mills. While I want to see those poor pups go to good homes, I like to take every opportunity to expose what the store is doing. I also tell people that the contract they will be asked to sign states that guardia and coccida are common in puppies and that dogs. I explain why that statement is untrue. So while I don't want to see a puppy stay in the store or have a miserable life I want people in the community to be aware of what is happening and if they take a dog they will at least be aware of the background and possible consequences. I also mention that I took all of my business as far as purchasing food and pet supplies to another store that does not sell pets. I think the reason I don't get noticed is that I am always nice and never confrontational.

 

[beaglesmom]

Connie, I have always felt that education is the key to shutting down puppy mills. The MORE people who know about where most "pet shop puppies" come from the better. I pretty much do the same thing. And you're right, as my mom used to say, "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". One of the pet shops in a town about 30 miles from here does sell puppies and kittens (and sometimes ferrets). Last summer one of the more "violent" groups painted "graffiti" all over his store front. I don't believe that such tactics WORK. For several years my beagle group had a "group" to help shut down puppy mills - and we were fairly successful - we finally closed the group because so many of the members were so "violent". There are legal ways to educate (such as you use) without all the "terrorist" tactics of some of the animal rights groups. We ALL want to shut down puppy mills. And I'm speaking as a (perish the thought) BREEDER. I know many RESPONSIBLE breeders - we are NOT puppy mills. Everyone that I know is also involved in rescue - the two are not mutually exclusive. I'm TIRED of being accused of being a PUPPY MILL - I have one breeding pair - both are from long lines of field and international field champions, and are excellent, healthy, and beautiful dogs. I hope JoJo can have one more litter (she's had two) before being spayed. My dogs are all "house dogs" and first and foremost beloved pets. MOST of my dogs (as all the dogs I've ever had) have been spayed or neutered. I don't "breed" my dogs for money, I do it because I have great dogs and love to try to improve the breed. Anyone who thinks there is money in breeding (unless you ARE a puppy mill) is crazy! My Lottie had one litter (c-section), 3 puppies, one was sold for $400 and one for $500 - but my vet bill was over $900. That does NOT include all the expenses involved in "pre-natal" and "post-natal" care - like special foods for mom and babies. When I have puppies they go to my vet within 2-3 days (earlier if necessary), they get vet checked, have their due claws removed, and when old enough, they get their shots, de-wormed, etc. It is NOT cheap, but I have great, healthy puppies who are born right here in my family room, are well-socialized, and raised with love. When it's time for them to leave, new owners are screened, and I often talk people into going to a rescue or shelter instead of adopting a puppy. Not everyone should have a puppy! I will always take one of my pups back for any reason, because I don't want them to wind up in a shelter or rescue - they're NOT disposable. Okay, off my soapbox. :soapbox:

 

[angelaH]

Have just checked, here in Bavaria one cant sell large animals, dogs, cats etc, in pet shops. I still find it a shame that small rodents are subjected to pet stores, but worse still 'wild'birds. These little creatures are caught and subjected to a life in a cage, just to decorate peoples homes.

 

[beaglesmom]

There is a pet shop in a town near us that does not sell puppies, kittens, ferrets, etc., but they DO sell mice and rats for snake food. As much as I'm not crazy about "rodents", I hate the thought that live animals are sold for "food".

 

[sulemanedify1]

study abroad consultants

Connie, I have always felt that education is the key to shutting down puppy mills. The MORE people who know about where most "pet shop puppies" come from the better. I pretty much do the same thing. And you're right, as my mom used to say, "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". One of the pet shops in a town about 30 miles from here does sell puppies and kittens (and sometimes ferrets). Last summer one of the more "violent" groups painted "graffiti" all over his store front. I don't believe that such tactics WORK. For several years my beagle group had a "group" to help shut down puppy mills - and we were fairly successful - we finally closed the group because so many of the members were so "violent". There are legal ways to educate (such as you use) without all the "terrorist" tactics of some of the animal rights groups. We ALL want to shut down puppy mills. And I'm speaking as a (perish the thought) BREEDER. I know many RESPONSIBLE breeders - we are NOT puppy mills. Everyone that I know is also involved in rescue - the two are not mutually exclusive. I'm TIRED of being accused of being a PUPPY MILL - I have one breeding pair - both are from long lines of field and international field champions, and are excellent, healthy, and beautiful dogs. I hope JoJo can have one more litter (she's had two) before being spayed. My dogs are all "house dogs" and first and foremost beloved pets. MOST of my dogs (as all the dogs I've ever had) have been spayed or neutered. I don't "breed" my dogs for money, I do it because I have great dogs and love to try to improve the breed. Anyone who thinks there is money in breeding (unless you ARE a puppy mill) is crazy! My Lottie had one litter (c-section), 3 puppies, one was sold for $400 and one for $500 - but my vet bill was over $900. That does NOT include all the expenses involved in "pre-natal" and "post-natal" care - like special foods for mom and babies. When I have puppies they go to my vet within 2-3 days (earlier if necessary), they get vet checked, have their due claws removed, and when old enough, they get their shots, de-wormed, etc. It is NOT cheap, but I have great, healthy puppies who are born right here in my family room, are well-socialized, and raised with love. When it's time for them to leave, new owners are screened, and I often talk people into going to a rescue or shelter instead of adopting a puppy. Not everyone should have a puppy! I will always take one of my pups back for any reason, because I don't want them to wind up in a shelter or rescue - they're NOT disposable. Okay, off my soapbox. :soapbox: