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Puppy mills are not responsible breeders. They keep dogs in poor, often inhumane conditions, where disease can run rampant and veterinary care is nonexistent. They overbreed, causing health problems for both the dogs used as breeders and their puppies. Stores that sell these puppies care more about making a profit than the health of animals.
There are responsible breeders selling dogs, and they have nothing in common with puppy mills. However, it is sometimes hard for the public to know the difference.
The third Saturday in September — this year, Sept. 20 — was National Puppy Mill Awareness Day, a reminder that those cute puppies at the pet store have a dangerous and sad puppy mill pedigree.
So what can you do? When you’re ready for a new furry friend, go to a shelter or rescue group. Shelters care for the animals they take in, including necessary vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries. PetSmart and Petco promote pet adoptions in their stores and do not support puppy mills or any breeders.
What can Texas do? It’s time to pass the Ethical Pet Sales Bill requiring pet stores to get their animals from shelters, rescue groups, and responsible breeders — not puppy mills. Remember that name: Ethical Pet Sales Bill! You will be hearing more about it from your local rescue advocates.
By supporting shelters — and responsible breeders — we can end the puppy mill pipeline to Texas. Are you with us?
Jan HerzogTexas Humane Legislation Network, Wichita Falls Chapter
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This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Support legislation against puppy mills | Opinion
Reporting by Jan Herzog / Wichita Falls Times Record News
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