Pet Store Supports Puppy Mills

[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???

[EmilyB]

Oh, you think I am about the dog....

Are you crazy? I wish I could have rescued it there and then. I hope that is what the humane society will do. I would call a breed rescue if I could fine a heeler one in Alberta.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

How do you know which stores buy animals from these "mills"? How is the consumer to know? And what's a better place to buy pets?

[EmilyB]

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

How do you know which stores buy animals from these "mills"? How is the consumer to know? And what's a better place to buy pets?

A better place to buy pets? From a reputable breeder...

You decide if they buy from puppy mills. Research.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

How do you find a reputable dealer? How do you know which ones are reputable? As a first time buyer, for example. I'm not being argumentative....I'm asking honestly. I'm relatively new back to Calgary (in the last few years), and don't know lots of people here who've purchased dogs. I never have.

How do you research these puppy mills, too? Do you visit them personally and inspect the conditions? And do you do this with the fish, invertebrates and corals you purchase as well? How can you be sure they were caught, transported and acclimated humanely?

[EmilyB]

Oh right I forgot, you don't have dogs do you? You should check out the Humane Society for cats, seems like that's all they have these days...

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Originally Posted by EmilyB

Oh right I forgot, you don't have dogs do you? You should check out the Humane Society for cats, seems like that's all they have these days...

LOL. No, but I do love dogs...and I'd hate to support an inhumane trade. I'm just saying...it seems difficult to really KNOW who is reputable and who isn't. At least for me....it seems like it might be.

But yeah. If I wanted a pet, I'd probably hit up the humane society first.

[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.

[Keri]

The problem with buying a puppy from a pet store is almost No reputable breeder could in good conscious sell to a pet store NOT KNOWING where the puppy was going to end up. Also, selling to a pet store decreases the risk that the puppy's owners are going to be able to get a hold of that breeder when the genetic issues turn up.
That being said, those pet store puppies still need good homes, it's a difficult situation... I guess when you buy one you should just know what you're getting yourself into and GET PET INSURANCE BEFORE issues arise so your *** will be covered

That's my 2cents.

Also: just because it only has 3 legs doesn't mean it won't be a great dog, it doesn't affect them the way it does many people....dogs are a little bit wonderful in that respect

[EmilyB]

If you need to find a reputable breeder for a specific breed, do some research. The same way you research your fish purchases I guess.

I can give you some leads for GSD's and Dobermans. Others on here can give you leads for other breeds.