Last week’s tragic death of seven puppies aboard an airplane has renewed efforts to improve airline safety for America’s pets. But it also points to another pressing issue today—the proliferation of unregulated commercial breeders now selling dogs online
As animal lovers become more aware that purchasing a dog from a pet store continues to support the atrociously inhumane practices of America's puppy mills, commercial breeders have now turned to using online sources to get their dogs directly into homes across the country.
On August 3rd, seven puppies died of suspected heat-related complications in the cargo hold of an airplane en route from Tulsa, OK, to Chicago, IL. The victims were seven of 14 pups transported by the airline, and reportedly came from a commercial breeder in Oklahoma—many of the puppies were booked on connecting flights, making it likely that they were purchased online by buyers in different cities.
“Puppy mill operators are creating professional looking websites that convincingly dupe consumers into thinking they are reputable breeders,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives.
“A sure way to spot a scam is that they often offer to ship the dogs to the buyer without ever meeting in person. No reputable breeder would ever ship a puppy to a buyer sight unseen.”
Buying a puppy over the Internet is just as risky as buying one from a pet store—you can’t see the puppy’s breeding premises or meet his parents. Furthermore, those who sell animals online are not held to regulations established by the Animal Welfare Act.
“The Animal Welfare Act requires breeders to be licensed and meet specific minimum standards of care for animals bred for resale, but a loophole allows puppy breeders who sell directly to the public—which includes over the Internet—to go unregulated,” says Menkin.
“They are able to keep inspectors away, and operate without being accountable to anyone.”
“The bottom line is the only way to be sure your new puppy isn't a product of cruel and inhumane conditions is to see for yourself where he lives—visit the breeder’s facilities, and meet the puppy’s parents,” Menkin states.
“Or better yet, adopt from your local shelter.”
For more information on the many risks associated with buying a puppy in a pet store or online, please visit the website linked below.
I stud out my dogs and the females in season
will usually fly into Chicago airports...
I can barely stand to see them leave for home
securely in their travel kennel...but alone...
They do have weather rules for them, so it is just
dreadful to hear this news about the puppies!!
I sent a spaniel named Ricky a few months ago home pregnant
and the air port "forgot" (?) or what they
did...she was left in a shelter doc awaiting her 2nd plane
and she didn't get loaded onto the plane!!
it made me so nauseous that she was alone for 12 hours or more
waiting to get home in New York...
The ladies took care of her...but still...
No-one should EVER EVER buy a pet without seeing the premises!!
Puppy Paws & Tail Waggers
Vickie
My heartfelt thanks in advance, and a big ((((((((hug))))))))) to you and yours!
(Btw, our page on FB is http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1757662072#!/pages/Riba-de-Ave-Portugal/Parque-da-Terra-Nova/199601730075?ref=ts&__a=18&ajaxpipe=1 - and our site is http://parquedaterranova.com )