(Source: Nothing But Dogs)
By: Jessica Christensen
Show of hands if your furry companion is a rescue!
The unfortunate reality is that a shocking majority of puppies sold in pet stores, on the internet, and from classified ads are likely from large-scale breeding operations called puppy mills. The minimum federal standards of care allow puppies to be born into a life of cramped, uncomfortable cages, unsanitary living conditions, and little-to-no positive human interaction, training, exercise, and veterinary care.
The prioritization of profit and productivity over the well-being of the animals involved means over breeding and inbreeding is common which often equates to health problems and lifelong behavioral issues.
In October of 2017, California passed the historic first statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits that come from puppy mills in an effort to help end this cruel practice. After January 1, 2019, there will be a $500 fine for any animal sold from a pet store that is not a rescue.
Over 250 individual cities and counties throughout the country have already enacted similar bans, but California is paving the way for more states to follow suite.
The East Coast has showed a strong response with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland all moving forward with similar legislature.
These bans have the potential to ensure better animal protection, encourage the adoption of rescues, and dramatically decrease to the number of animals euthanized each year due to irresponsible breeding.
Take a stand against puppy mills!
- Adopt from rescues or shelters
- Never shop for a puppy or support breeding operations
- Only support pet stores that sell rescue or shelter dogs
- Help educate others on puppy mills
