This site is dedicated to the education in the fight against puppy mills and the brokers who buy these animals to make money from them.  By reading the information in this site, you will see that this is not something that will just go away quietly. Another atrocity that is happening are the puppy auctions that are taking place in our cities and rural areas. Someone (you and me) has to take a stand and begin doing something about this atrocity. A group has formed to work on just this problem. If you would like to get involved, write letters, visit pet shops, ask questions, then this is the place for you. We are not about breaking laws, or doing anything to get us into trouble. We want the best for our companions, and this is the only way to get it started.  From the bottom up. Let us hear from you if you would like to add your name to the many who are already committed to stamping out this greed-driven industry. We can never have too many in our group to fight this. 

This problem is not limited to the U.S. There are problems in Canada, the UK, Australia, Spain, Honduras, and many other countries around the globe.  If there are no breeders in a given area, then they import the puppies and kitties from the states or other countries.  Right now there is a pet shop in Spain that imports from the U.S.  Please give some of your time and effort to help us stop this.  We must stop the brokers, and the mills, and the pet stores from selling these innocent babies.  There are those who have said  "It Couldn't  Be Done".  The word can't is not in our vocabulary.  Together, we will make a difference.

The other atrocity in our cities works a little differently.  This would be the puppy auction.  Advertised in the local newspapers, talking of "registered" animals for sale. Puppy millers get many of their "breeders" in these auctions.  This is something that also needs to be stopped. Some of these "auctions" are sponsored or held by Veterinarians. Another is sponsored by a health products (for animals) business listed on the net. There is a petition being formed in just this regard (see Puppy Auctions below). Letters can be written, watch your newspapers for auctions or sales of any kind and report them to us. Give us all the opportunity to get involved in what is wrong about this.  Don't believe the comment from those who think it's "Only a Dog".

You have all, at one time or another, been to the mall or the local pet stores, and watched the cutest puppy or kitty in the cage, just begging for someone to buy them and take them home.  Remember the song by Patti Paige, How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?  Well, you really don't know until it begins to grow and have health problems.  Remember, this is not just in the U.S.   It's all over the world.  You have the power to help us stop this. You can make a difference.  Your voice will be heard. Read  "How to buy a purebred puppy"

The price you pay for the animal in the pet store, is just the beginning.  Most of these animals are not in good health.  Many of them have hereditary diseases that you can't see until they become older.  Some problems do not make themselves evident until the animal is an adult.  Read Real Stories of health problems as the result of in-breeding and unhealthy parents.

The AKC states, "There are no provisions in our Rules to preclude the breeding of dogs of questionable quality. We would certainly hope, however, that if the matter is brought to the attention of the owners of the dogs involved, they would give the matter very careful consideration before contemplating breeding the dogs again".   The AKC goes on to say, "The American Kennel Club is always concerned when we learn about the sale of a sick dog, or a dog that has been diagnosed as having a congenital defect. However, The American Kennel Club does not license or endorse anyone engaged in the commerce of selling purebred dogs and, therefore, has no control over the business practices of those involved in such transactions. Membership in The American Kennel Club is comprised of independent dog clubs located throughout the United States. No individual persons are members of the AKC".  See the AKC site HERE. This was something Dateline just brought out in a recent (4/26/2000) broadcast, just how many of these puppy mill dogs were being "registered" by the AKC. You can see the story HERE. Don't let the idea that if a dog is AKC registered, it is healthy and genetically sound!!!

When you buy an animal from the pet store, you are getting a "pig in a poke", so to speak.  In the case of a large breed dog, you don't see the certification for the hips and elbows being sound.   Is there something in the background of the sire or dam you can't see, or won't be told about?  You should never buy a puppy or kitten that you have not seen medical records, x-rays and certification of health.  There are no guarantees with a pet store puppy or kitten. 

Responsible breeders do all these things.  They have the hips and elbows certified through OFA to ensure sound hips and elbows in the offspring.   They are careful to feed the right foods and supplements to the bitch to ensure the health of not only the puppies, but of the bitch as well.  The responsible breeder also will give you a guarantee on that animal, that the health is good, and if anything happens that responsible breeder will take that animal back.  Many breeders will make these guarantees for the life of that animal.   There are questions you can ask your prospective breeder when you are looking for a puppy. And -- if the breeder isn't interviewing YOU, then don't walk, run from this breeder!

 

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