Couldn't be better timing for my column tomorrow about the connection between puppymills and pet stores.
The Humane Society of the United States announced today that upscale "pet boutique" Pets of Bel Air, which assured celebrity customers like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Robin Williams that its puppies came from private breeders, was flat outlying.
A months-long HSUS investigation showed that the pups came from commercial breeding operations in the Midwest -- the heart of puppymill country.
According to the HSUS, some breeder-dealers had been cited for failing to comply with animal-welfare regulations, including inadequate shelter from the elements, rusted and overcrowded cages, feces-encrusted runs and cages, and, at one Missouri puppy mill, a leaking waste disposal system that "allows the waste to flow out onto the ground and on other animals."
For some of HSUS' damning undercover video, visit http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/pets_bel_air_121107.html.
Comments (3)
Maybe celebs should start looking for the poor souls that are left at shelters, rather than forking out thousands of dollars for their "special" breed. Yeah, they have the money, but how 'bout the sense to think of the millions of dogs that are put down each year because we are ignorant. There are so many wonderful dogs at shelters - people would be pleasantly surprised!
SUSAN - I SO agree with you. There are also so many full-blooded breeds, that it is getting harder and harder for the poor mutts to find homes.
These puppy mills MUST be put out of business!
When will people realize that the puppy they "save" from a pet store will just get replaced; while its brothers and sisters live and die in filth? Investigate the people you will buy your pet from as much as they should be investigating you. Get references. Get health and genetic certifications. Get a contract. If the breeder will not be there for that dog until it's dying day they are not worth doing business with. Remember, this is a life that you will be responsible for as if it was your own child.