How can we stop it?

[kahlua]

I have been depressed these last few days thinking about puppy mills and animal abuse in general. I think that my Kahlua has come from a puppy mill. She shows the signs I would think - shyness, scared of hands, scared of fences, many health problems. I, very ignorantly, got her from a pet store. I had read up on boxers and looked for all the signs of a good pup but didn't look into why it is so important to get a pup from a reputable breeder. I knew her conditions weren't great and I felt sorry for her and took her home, not realizing the important fact that I am hurting her mother... I realize NOW that I should never have bought her. Now, my question is how can we prevent puppy mills or shut them down? How can we get the word out to uninformed people like I was not to buy from pet stores so that they in turn will be shut down?

 

[BRIDGIT]

I remember reading your original post about how you bought her. I know how you feel. There is a puppy store where I live caleld, The Puppy Mill. When we got Jasmine and took her into our vet she asked us before even touching the dog if we got her there. We of course did not. She was relieved to hear that.

I'm not what exactly can be done to stop them but I know there is a lot of info on the net about stopping them. Unfortunately I think if there's a will theres a way. These people will find a way to keep producing these pups as long as the demand is there.

 

[Claudia807]

I think the most important thing you can do is to educate others. You've helped to do that just by posting here. It is VERY hard to walk away from a litter of puppies that are being kept in substandard conditions. Maybe your post will give someone the courage to do that. By buying one of those poor pups, the buyer is telling the "breeder" that there is indeed a market for his/her services and that he/she should keep breeding more.

Just keep reminding people not to buy dogs from pet stores and to do their homework before buying a puppy. It's tough to shut puppy mills down because most of the time they aren't breaking any laws.

I wouldn't spend a lot of time worrying about whether or not you should have bought Kahlua. I'm sure you would love her if she had three legs and one eye.

 

[evolvedn2]

Puppy Mill Delima

I'm sorry that you feel depressed and frustrated, however, it does give me hope! I have been fighting to stop puppy mills and am an active member in several organizations that specifically target putting an end to these horrible places.

There are many things you can do, including posting the name of this place and give the address and any additional information you can find (phone number, email address). Ask everyone to write to this place encouraging them to STOP selling puppies! Spread the word on puppy mills telling all of your friends and family. Of course greed generally prevails but I feel that we (animal LOVERS) are making strides...

Give your baby lots of love and kisses from me!

Boxer, Lab, Beagle, Bunny and Kitty Mommy.