My Doggy News On 05/16/2008
16 May 2008
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How much is that puppy on the side of the road?
Puppy mills, aka backyard breeders, are a growing concern nationwide—and the Rim Country is not exempt.
We’ve all seen these people selling puppies around town—in front of the supermarket or by the side of the road—probably without giving it a second thought. You may have even stopped to admire the cute puppies and give them a pat.
It’s important, first of all, to distinguish puppy mills from those who are, at one time or another, compelled to find homes for an accidental litter of puppies—although the importance of spaying and neutering cannot be overemphasized.
Backyard breeders are not actually breeders at all; they run small-time operations out of their homes selling multiple litters continuously for profit—at a time when shelters are filled to overflowing. “In these hard economic times, shelters and animal rescues are full—even pure breed animal rescues are overflowing,” said Payson Humane Society Vice President Lisa Boyle.
Backyard breeders have little concern for the animals themselves, selling defenseless puppies without concern for the new owner’s intent—which could be another puppy mill, or even dogfighting. But even worse are the unregulated conditions in which backyard breeders operate.
In many cases, breeders raise these puppies in deplorable living conditions with not enough food and water or proper veterinary care. Many backyard breeders keep their animals chained or confined in small kennels.
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Discover what it means to raise a seeing eye puppy!
In a joint effort between The Seeing Eye, Inc. of Morristown, New Jersey, and the Pike County 4-H Youth Development Program there will be an informational public meeting to learn more about raising Seeing Eye Puppies on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
The meeting will be held at the Milford Borough Hall, 109 W. Catharine Street in Milford.
The Seeing Eye, America’s preeminent dog guide school, relies on volunteer families to raise future Seeing Eye dogs. Volunteer puppy raisers in our area become members of the Pike County 4-H Paw Partners Club and attend meetings every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Children from age 9 and up can participate, and retirees also are frequent volunteers.