How Much is (the Social Cost of) That Puppy in the Window?

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2009-12-01 12:00:00 UTC
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Pet Store PuppyPuppy mills are not a new concept, but what do you when you come across a puppy mill dog? If you’re like me, you do your best to avoid pet stores that sell animals. What about the backyard breeder who happens to live next door to your aunt, or who brings a litter of puppies to the farmers market? It’s not easy to resist the pitiful puppy dog eyes and the knowledge that they’re probably not getting the best care if you leave them behind.

Unfortunately, puppy mills and backyard breeders are in a supply-and-demand business. What would happen if no one bought their puppies? The fate of the dogs themselves, and probably the next generation or two, would be tragic. But what if their sacrifice could save every generation that would have come after from suffering, not to mention the impact it would have on reducing the overall pet overpopulation problem? If puppies are no longer selling, the farmers operating puppy mills would move on to a more profitable “crop.” If backyard breeders actually had to take responsibility for all of the animals they brought into the world, the financial burden alone would make them think twice.

This is by no means an easy decision, emotionally or morally. That’s why it’s so important to support legislation that outlaws irresponsible breeding. If you do come across a backyard breeder desperate to get rid of his puppies, strike a deal: you’ll take them off his hands to find them good homes as soon as he spays and neuters the parents. I’ve seen this work for a number of rescuers. Not all of the breeders will be eager to accept the offer, but when you find one that will, you‘ll save a lot more lives than the just the pitiful puppy in your arms.

Photo credit: Flyinace2000

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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