Puppy mill auctions exposed

July 16, 12:27 PMSF Dogs ExaminerShelley Frost

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Thorp dog auction in Wisconsin, provided by the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project

These days, retail businesses by the dozens are going out of business.  To liquidate remaining inventory including the store shelves and equipment, a "dispersal auction" is held.  When a puppy mill goes out of business, guess what gets liquidated and goes up for auction?  Dogs.

Puppy millers also hold auctions when they wish to dispose of animals it no longer wants or needs.  These are referred to as  "consignment auctions."  

Who are the buyers at these auctions?  Dog dealers/brokers.  These dealers purchase puppies in bulk and sell them to retail outlets or research facilities.  

Often dog rescue volunteers will attend these auctions, bid on dogs and place them into foster homes.  The dogs not sold at auction are often euthanized on the spot.

There are approximately 10,000 puppy mills in the in United States, most of them clustered in the state of Missouri.  These dog breeding factories house between 20 to 1000 dogs.   Puppy millers are in business specifically for the money.

Conditions at puppy mills are substandard.  Breeding stock (female dogs continually bred) are kept in small cages exposed to freezing and scorching temperatures, and receive little or no veterinary care.  When their fertility ends, they are either killed or brought to auction.

Some rescue agencies such as Underdog Rescue in Minnesota, specifically attend auctions, bid on dogs and place them into foster homes.  Other rescue agencies such as Small Paws Rescue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, urge people to not buy dogs from these auctions.  

Some argue that by purchasing these dogs, even though their lives are being saved, it financially supports puppy millers which allows their businesses to thrive.

Others believe that each life is worthwhile, and each is deserving of rescue.  They simultaneously support legislation that would further regulate puppy mills.

For more information about dog auctions, visit the ASPCA.

DOGS OF THE WEEK:  Marin Humane Society

Peanut
2-year-old
Spayed Female, 8lbs
Chihuahua Mix

Peanut was rescued from a puppy mill and she’s ready for a new beginning. Because of her difficult youth, she’s reserved and a bit cautious of people. She will be happiest in a calm, quiet and relaxed environment. Her new forever home should have had prior experience with dogs. Peanut spent time with a foster mom who worked on socializing her, and she did gradually relax and learn to feel a lot more comfortable around people. Peanut is content with being picked up and really wants to cuddle in your lap all day. Your nurturing can transform her into a wonderful lifelong companion! Peanut can be adopted alone, but she would also love to go home with her mom, Betty Bean.
 

Betty Bean
6-year-old
Spayed Female, 15lbs
Chihuahua

Betty Bean, who was rescued from a puppy mill, is utterly charming. Her new forever home should have had some prior experience with dogs. She needs a calm, quiet and relaxed environment. Sudden movements and harsh sounds can make her nervous. We suggest families with older children because she gets overwhelmed easily. Betty very much wants to be your friend and spend her days at your side. Just be consistent and patient, and provide her with the guidance and structure she needs. Then your nurturing will allow her to blossom into a wonderful lifelong companion. Betty can be adopted alone, but she would also love to go home with her daughter, Peanut.

 San Francisco SPCA
Gingersnap (A05760329)
Gingersnap is a 4-year old Chow Chow mix.  She’s a very energetic, friendly pup who is looking for a person who will enjoy spending lots of time exercising her and teaching her new things.  She already knows a few tricks, but she’s very smart and can’t wait to learn more!  Gingersnap is always excited to try new things and meet new people.  Her ideal home would have only adults, or adults and older children. She doesn’t mind the company of other dogs, but she does need a cat-free home.
 
When you adopt ADULT DOGS from The San Francisco SPCA, you’ll get all the awesome goodies that come with pets from The San Francisco SPCA: a free first Veterinarian Examination, 30 days of ShelterCare Pet Health Insurance coverage, 20% off SF/SPCA Hospital Services for the first 30 days after adoption, Pre-Adoption Behavior and Medical Evaluation, Microchip, Spay/Neuter Surgery, and up-to-date vaccinations. All this and an absolutely fabulous dog:  Senior - $80 (7+ years), Adult - $180 (6 months to 7 years), Young - $225 (under 6 months).  San Francisco residents pay an additional $14 License Fee.  Meet all our wonderful dogs at www.sfspca.org, or visit them in person at Maddie’s Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street; open daily 11 AM-6PM (except Wednesday, 1-6PM). Plenty of free parking is available.  415.522.3500.