So you have met Elvis and have decided he is the 2nd cutest westie you have ever seen (I’m the 1st of course). You also think that Elvis’s previous life was terrible and you want to know how can we prevent other doggies from living in a puppy mill (See I bet you didn’t know I was a mind reader too hehehe) So I have some suggestions on what we can do to help end these terrible mills
- DON’T buy dogs from a pet store (period!). These dogs typically come from the large-scale breeders. So buying a dog at a pet store is just encouraging these puppy mills to make more puppies since the demand is there.
- Beware of Internet buying There are many websites out there selling dogs. But you have no way to know if your really dealing with a puppy mill on the other side of the computer screen. Unless you can visit the kennel you have no way to ensure that this breeders is taking good care of their dogs. Also, these places can even be worst than a typical puppy mill since Internet sellers are not held to the Animal Welfare Act and are not inspect by the USDA.
- Adopt First If you want to get a puppy check your local shelters first. Many shelters have younger dogs and smaller dogs too. If your looking for a specific breed contact breed rescues. There are rescue groups for about every dog breed out there and they even have puppies too. If you get your new pet from a shelter or rescue that ensures the adoption fees don’t go to the puppy mills.
- Speak out! Tell your congressmen and state legislatures that you will not tolerate the inhumane treatments of doggies by these puppy mills. The more people who say i won’t stand for this the more likely laws will be passed.
- Share! Many people aren’t aware of this puppy mill industry. Tell your friends and co-workers. A little bit of education goes a long way!
If everyone just did a little something to help end puppy mills then maybe Elvis will be one of the last dogs that can ever claim to be a puppy mill survivor!
