Do not be fooled. You know what I mean, when you see a cute dog wagging its tail at you, attempting to grab your attention. If you get pulled in and decide to purchase the dog, little do you know that you are supporting an animal cruelty facility known as puppy mills.
“Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations where profit is placed above the well-being of animals,” according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Do not be fooled. You know what I mean, when you see a cute dog wagging its tail at you, attempting to grab your attention. If you get pulled in and decide to purchase the dog, little do you know that you are supporting an animal cruelty facility known as puppy mills.
“Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations where profit is placed above the well-being of animals,” according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
In puppy mills, they are stuffed in filthy, stacked cages with wired flooring, wounding their paws and legs. They are given contaminated food and water, zero human interaction and obtain adequate veterinary care. Due to the forced inbreeding and filthy conditions, it results in physical and emotional problems for the puppies. Female dogs are disposed if they are incapable of reproducing and pet stores dispose unsold animals in harsh way as well..
This is unacceptable for a man’s best friend.
A tremendous way to help stop the production of puppy mills is to adopt from animal shelters. Animal shelters are for animals that are stray, abandoned, lost, surrendered, sick and rescued.
In 2016, I volunteered at an animal shelter for six months. Within that time, I acquired a lot of information about what happens behind the scenes. Whether I was watching surgeries or handling the animals, I could say that they were ethically treated. They all have equal opportunity to play, eat, socialize, bathe and receive constant veterinary care. Though, overcrowding situations did occur. To help the dilemma, we attended many adoption events to help let go of the animals that have been there the longest. Most of the time it turned out successful, but for those that stayed behind, I never saw again.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) stated, “Because of the limited space in animal shelters, every year, six to eight million dogs wait to be adopted from animal shelters — so many that millions are euthanized each year due to overcrowding.” Adopting helps more than just one animal. It helps create space for other animals and saves them from being euthanized.
Save the animal’s life. There are numerous benefits of adopting.
It costs less than buying from pet stores. Dogs sold at pet stores are usually more than $1000 -depending on breed. Adoption comes with first vaccinations, neutering/spaying and occasionally even micro chipping. This could add up to $150 on a regular trip to a veterinarian.
Due to their health conditions caused by the mills, it will cost more veterinarian trips. Adopting from the shelter is the best decision since they are healthier (food, water, and socialization is given) and has access to veterinary care.
2018 is the year we shall speak up about this situation and finally make a difference.
Adopt, do not shop! Little by little, we could help stop animal cruelty. I encourage all of you to support your local animal shelter and bring home a new member of your family today.
