New study sheds light on source of puppies sold online and in stores
New study sheds light on source of puppies sold online and in stores
Sold online and in stores by brokers and retailers. This doesn't look into violations by private breeders who sell directly to individuals.
The article does not got into specifics. It only states the percentage of breeders in each sector that have had violations in the last five years, and the whole thing is basically a reprint from this source . The time spans feel wonky. For the last five years, 41% of the licenced breeders they tracked had a violation. For the last three years, the violation rates of tracked licensed breeders have been: Breeders to stores: 36%, Puppy stores: 63%. Rather than any number of years they only say 'currently' for these rates: Breeders to brokers: 34%, Online sales: 42%.
I didn't read the article, but let me guess... puppy mills, amirite?
This has been a thing for a very long time, and it's terrible
If you're the hero long enough, you'll see yourself turn into the villan
Dog breeders stocking pet stores were never the heroes. If you want a dog, adopt from animal control or a reputable rescue, or pay a responsible breeder directly. Don't go to a pet store.
While I tend to agree, I want to point out that it's a very modern view point.
American pet stores these days are pet supply stores. Way back when (1970s and before), they were stocked with all kinds of creatures; some that were probably illegally imported as well as a mix of cats, dogs, rabbits, mice, canaries, and the like that were partially from people whose pets gave birth. You fancy canaries and some of hatch chicks? A nice side hustle was to sell the excess offspring back to the store. Same for mice. Stores were offered enough rabbits, guinea pigs, and kittens that they'd be overstocked if they took them all -- especially kittens.
Spaying/Neutering was not common. Cats and dogs roamed off-leash and got pregnant. When you went to the grocery store, there was a fair chance someone was out front with a box of "Free Puppies!" filled with mongrels that pet stores did not want because they weren't pure. The same was true for "Free Kittens!" but that, again, was because no store wanted as many kittens as the supply. That's also why there were so many kill shelters: supply far exceeded demand.
I like it better now that most pets are NOT allowed to uncontrollably breed, but I do miss the chance to find some adorable mutt that isn't half pit bull.