Why it hurts when pet stores sell animals-- P.A.W.S.

Why It Hurts When Pet Stores Sell Animals

Sell unneutered animals that are free to breed at the whim, or carelessness, of the owner. Many pet owners can't resist the temptation to try to recoup their animal's hefty purchase price by breeding.
Sell genetically inferior purebreds that, despite AKC or other registration, are time bombs for hereditary and congenital diseases. No reputable breeder sells animals to pet stores. Check out this article from Time Magazine about the hereditary problems and the AKC.
Purchase puppies and kittens from puppy mills and "local breeders" who mass produce animals. They also accept litters that pet owners can't find homes for, without providing education about (or incentive for) neutering.
Sell unsocialized animals. In order for puppies to relate well to humans they must have close and comfortable contact with humans from a very early age. They cannot receive this type of bond from a puppy mill or being caged for most of their lives while in a pet store.
Encourage impulse buys, with kittens and puppies prominently displayed and special deals on animals that are getting too large to be top-dollar cute.
Keep doomed animals from being rescued. There are a limited number of people who can offer a pet a good home. Each time someone purchases a pet store puppy or kitten, a shelter animal is effectively condemned to death.
Rarely screen purchasers. Retail realities dictate that making the sale takes priority over matching the consumer and the pet. Although a TV will work in every household, a particular dog may not.
Contribute to the misery of adult breeding females who are bred twice yearly and confined for most of their lives to small kennels.

Please help homeless animals by adopting one from your local shelter or animal league and by refusing to support pet stores who actively encourage puppy mills and improper breeding programs. Saving just one life will change yours forever!

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This page created by Danielle Hamilton:
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Updated: 2 Mar 02 P.A.W.S.
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