Throughout North America, more than 75 jurisdictions have passed legislation banning the sale of commercially bred animals (primarily dogs and cats), encouraging pet retailers that opt to sell animals to source them from rescue organizations and shelters.  These ordinances make a vital connection by promoting animal welfare and exposing the risks and harms perpetuated by the puppy mill industry.  Federal Courts have thus far upheld these local ordinances as lawful and effective means for communities to protect the public from consumer fraud, promote animal welfare, and fight the puppy mill industry.

But these efforts have not gone without resistance.  In Chicago, one pet retailer planned a $95 per plate fundraiser to fight such an ordinance, but when the owners of Kinmont Restaurant learned more they canceled the initial event and hosted a benefit for The Puppy Mill Project and One Tail at a Time, two of the collaborating groups who helped pass the legislation.  One Tail at a Time is a Best Friends No More Homeless Pets network partner, and The Puppy Mill Project is an organization that supports widespread awareness raising through advocacy, rescue, and education.

Seeking a “perfect dog,” many people buy from stores or breeders and directly support the myths affiliated with commercially bred animals.  Sometimes unintentionally, the choice to purchase an animal results supports puppy mills.  Estimates indicate that more than 9,000 animals per day are killed because they don’t have homes, and that reality focuses the link between puppy mills and animal welfare.

Resist the Myths

• Believing that bred animals are easier to train or of “better quality” supports the myths that commercially bred animals are healthier, without behavioral problems, and/or are smarter than dogs found in shelters or through rescue groups.
• Believing that USDA licensed breeders are reputable supports the myth that existing policy is both effective and adequately enforced.  The USDA license standards actually establish a minimum care standard.  The standards for regulation have been criticized as vague, particularly regarding what constitutes humane conditions related to confinement, breeding frequency, cleanliness, and the number of animals held. There loopholes in regulation and enforcement suggests that licensing offers no quality guarantee.  Since breeders may misrepresent conditions, purchasing animals may only perpetuate the cycle.
• Believing you can only find purebred dogs by purchasing from a breeder ignores breed rescue needs.  For those with breed-specific needs due to allergies or other concerns, estimates indicate about 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred.

There are so many benefits of companion animals, so when it’s time to add a furry family member, consider the realities of finding a forever friend through animal adoption.  Consider taking action to support initiatives in your home town.

Love a Local Shelter Dog!