Think Twice Before Getting a Dog From the Pet Store

November 21, 2008 by Dog Service Network
Filed under Doggie News, Getting A Dog, Puppy Mills

As many people go shopping for the holidays, they will be passing by pet stores and stopping in to look at the cute puppies. Shoppers may think that the puppies are healthy and in good condition, because they’re at a reputable pet store. However, veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, reported on the CBS Early Show that they’re “being born in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions”.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reported several the pet store chain Petland Inc. advocated puppy mills and told their customers that the dogs came from good breeders.

HSUS investigators went to 21 Petland stores and 35 breeders and brokers who sold puppies to the pet chain store and claimed “to find classic puppy mill conditions – dogs in small cages, animals living in the cages 24 hours a day, 365 days a year”.

What I find funny is how Petland Inc. denied the allegations by stating that the HSUS makes this claim every year around the holidays, which is coincidentally around their annual fundraising efforts. They are a non-profit organization that advocates the protection of these animals.

What I don’t understand is how Petland Inc. has enough puppies to supply all of their chains and what their requirements are for what they consider to be a good breeder. Perhaps someone can help make some sense out of this for me?

Source: “Pet Giant Linked To Puppy Mills”, CBSNews.com; Retrieved on November 21, 2008.