You need proof that pet stores buy from puppy mills where helpless animals are kept in filth and cruelty? Okay, here it is.
Eighty-five animals have been rescued from what authorities described as the “quintessential puppy mill.” Cruelty investigators seized the animals from Raymar Kennels in Tenaha. A tip to a news program led a local TV station to purchase two miniature dachshund puppies from the "kennel's" proprietor, 78-year-old Mary Crane.
The puppies were taken by the news crew to the Houston Humane Society where they were evaluated by Dr. Tim Harkness. Harkness said he found the puppies were infested with internal parasites and fleas and he detected a smell which he suspected might be mange. Dr. Harkness reportedly said he believes the operation is "purely for monetary gain and has nothing to do with compassion for the animals.”
During the search of Crane’s property, authorities said they found kennels covered in feces from floor to ceiling, with the dogs standing in their own feces and no circulation of air. "The dogs are in horrible shape,” Harkness said. “I can't even describe it; it's so bad in there.”
The pet store connection? Crane said her kennel was doing business with a Houston pet store. “Pet City in Houston buys everything that I raise, and have for over five years,” she said.
Pet City’s owner, Frank Stack, said that relationship has ended. “She was, in the beginning, well-organized,” he said. “Puppies were cleaned and presented exceptionally well.” WHOA, Bubba! They were cleaned and presented well? So she cleaned them up before she delivered them? SO WHAT???!!!
Stack said when Crane's health started to decline, so did the condition of her animals and he stopped dealing with her almost a year ago. Does that mean she stopped cleaning them up as well as she had previously?
It's pretty easy to see where Pet City's at. Here's an ad from their website:
"Pet City has great deals on puppies that are getting older, and on ones where we buy whole litters and multiple litters. For the first of the the year we...are takeing [sic] reasonable offers on any of our older puppies. Make on [sic] offer, it can never hurt!"
There are no laws in Texas regulating commercial breeders, no licenses or inspections required. Wow. I can't cut hair or do manicures without a license, but hey, let's not infringe on the rights of dog "breeders"!
How plainly can I say it? If you buy a puppy from a pet store, backyard breeder, side of the road, Craigslist, newspaper, etc., there is an excellent chance you are keeping a puppy mill in business. And don't tell me you're rescuing it out of that situation. If nobody bought, these people would find some other way to make their grungy living.
Want a dog? Adopt FROM A BONA FIDE SHELTER. Want a purebred puppy from a breeder? Start at akc.org and look at their breeder referrals. Yes, it's going to cost more. But you may save a bundle on vet bills, and at least you'll be able to sleep at night.
The confiscated animals are now in the custody of the Houston Humane Society. http://www.houstonhumane.org/
Comments
Thank you very much for presenting a balanced story, and taking the time to distinguish the reputable hobbyist breeders from the "greeders" and puppy millers that breed and sell dogs commercially for profit. So many people lose sight of that distinction these days.
How dare you recommend people buy a puppy when there are dogs being put to death due to overpopulation. What kind of animal lover are you? And RachelK must be you because no one else would see this piece as being balanced.
Veronica, did you read that sentence before you went off? I did not "recommend" that people buy a puppy. The cold, hard fact is that there are those who want a particular breed, and they want a puppy. They are GOING to get a purebred puppy. Would you prefer they unknowingly support the likes of Ms. Crane and Mr. Stack?
The war against overpopulation and abuse will never be won by PETA tactics. It will be won by thinking people who understand who the real enemy is. If you have read any of my other posts, you will have noticed that I spend a great deal of time advocating for homeless pets and bona fide shelters.
Veronica u r so wrong of course ppl shuld buy puppies
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