Christmas is often not an ideal time to add the stress of a frightened, new puppy; however, since many can’t
resist the lure of a puppy under the tree on Christmas morning, I would like to remind readers to please not purchase your
puppy from a pet store. Over 90% of all puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. In Pennsylvania, some estimates
are as high as 98%.
A puppy mill is defined as a commercial kennel that breeds and sells puppies for profit. The dogs in these kennels often
live their entire lives among horrible conditions and are disposed of when they are no longer profitable. As a pet sitter,
I have seen first hand evidence of the emaciated, infected results of this industry’s practices. One mother dog who
was rescued locally and given a second chance had severe mammary infections due to constant litters. She was fortunate enough
to be rescued; most females in her condition are merely discarded once they are no longer able to produce. Most of these "breeders"
are never discovered since many puppy mills are not registered or inspected, especially in Pennsylvania.
Lancaster County, PA is better known among animal rescuers as "The Puppy Mill Capitol of the East Coast" and because of
this, Pennsylvania breeds more dogs than any state on the east coast. According to prisonersofgreed.org, many Amish farmers,
no longer able to support their large families on agricultural farming, alone indicate a need to breed and sell large numbers
of dogs continually. The Amish dog farming industry is estimated to bring in over four million dollars per year. A group called
AWA (Animal Welfare Act) Watchdog has gone undercover to videotape the highly disturbing conditions inflicted on these animals,
which can be viewed on-line. Please educate yourselves about what is occurring just hours from Elk County.
This is the time of year for seeing mall shoppers oohing and aahing over the adorable, overpriced puppies for sale. Frequently,
these pups are taken from their mothers too early in order to quickly start a new litter, as well as to "fool" buyers into
believing the tiny dogs are "toy" and "teacup" breeds that they may not even be. In addition to the ethical issues this raises,
weaning a pup too early can result in a host of emotional and behavioral issues.
Uncontrolled inbreeding as well as the unsanitary conditions may also cause numerous physical and mental abnormalities
that may not show up until weeks or even years after buyers bring their puppies home. But because even ill pets may still
be adorable, thousands of people will pour millions of dollars back into this deplorable industry this holiday season. Fortunately,
because of the problem, some large pet store chains no longer directly sell puppies and now instead, support private, reputable
breeders, private shelters, and local SPCA’s. No reputable breeder would consider selling his litter to a pet store,
having no idea where the puppies may end up, losing touch with the breed lines, and with an awareness of the reality that
many of these sales, especially during the holiday season may be impulse purchases.
If you are considering a new pet, please take the time to find reputable breeders or even rescue organizations which foster
many ideal pets, displaced for a number of reasons such the death, divorce, or relocation of the owner, or accidental separation
from the owner. Not all dogs in shelters are there because there is something "wrong" with them. Frequently they are there
by mistake or because there was something wrong with their owners. My family has adopted four shelter dogs so far and each
has proven to be an exceptionally ideal pet for our family. There is no feeling that comes close to matching that of knowing
you have given what will become a loyal companion a second chance at a comfortable life. By typing your zip code into petfinder.com,
you will be provided with information, including photographs detailing a number of pets available in Elk County and the surrounding
area. If you have a specific breed in mind, state breed rescues exist for virtually all dog breeds. And the advantages of
adopting an older dog instead of a puppy are considerable.
The holidays are for giving, but please do not give to the puppy mill industry. If a pet is on your Christmas list, please
educate yourself and be realistic about the time and commitment involved in bringing a pet into your family. If you are ready,
please consider giving a shelter pet without a permanent home and family, a place to call his own.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Rosemarie Schaut
