This may not be a prioroty for USDA but why is it not a priority for consumers? We have the power to shut down these puppyfarms/mills by not buying from them.
NEVER buy a puppy sight unseen over the Internet, it more than likely comes from a puppy mill. NEVER buy a dog from a pet shop. It really is that simple.
Please help spread the word!
On September 20th 2011, I went into Petland Naperville and asked for breeder information. The sales manager Alex Falconio would quickly show me some info and then put it away. I had to be extremely persistent to get the information. I finally got the breeder info on LInda Bean, Bean Hill's Z-P-D Kennel, 4640 N W 751 Road, Appleton City, MO 64724. The reports from 06 to 10 were filled with violations but the 09' report read like a Stephan King horror novel. She was written up for stacking dead animals and animal parts by the kennels, in her food freezer and food fridge. Why would anyone do that unless they were using the dead animals to feed the others? That was the day I started protesting the pet stores in Naperville, including Happiness is Pets which just had a distemper outbreak and is now getting sued! I protest every almost every weekend to try to educate people on the connection between Puppy MIll cruelty and Pet Stores. I read that over 70% of people don't know what a puppy mill is. We have to change that. When that pet store owner looks a consumer in the eye and lies about the quality of the breeders and the puppies and where they come from, that's consumer fraud and that is against the law. I know we're up against a billion dollar industry but we have to do something to turn this thing around. Companion animals should not be classified as livestock under the USDA. They should not be under the jurisdiction of the USDA. What else can we be doing to stop this disgusting animal abuse and consumer fraud?
ReplyDeleteFactfinder,
ReplyDeleteWhile PupQuest has no confirmation that the specifics you refer to are valid, we know that many folks have had the same experiences at other places. We agree that it is consumer fraud. We recommend that consumers complain to their local Better Business Bureau and to whoever in your state is responsible for consumer protection. In MA it is the Attorney General. Often there is an online form you can complete.
If enough consumers make legitimate, documented complaints perhaps someone will pay attention.
Thanks for your comment.
ALSO, consider the local media, often consumer reporters are interested in this type of story.
PupQuest is one attempt to stop "this disgusting animal abuse and consumer fraud". We hear you.....