WASHINGTON-- Internet shopping has made life easier when it comes to buying products like music, appliances and clothing. However, purchasing a puppy online will rarely end in customer satisfaction.
The Humane Society of the United States reports an increase in puppy sale websites and a rise in complaints from heartbroken consumers scammed by these virtual pet stores. Similar to reports from people who unknowingly purchase sick and dying dogs from pet stores, puppies sold over the internet are likely to be from puppy mills. The HSUS is determined to stop online puppy sales.
According to Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals for The HSUS, "We know of puppy mills and so-called breeders who had a history of legal violations, closed up shop, and now sell dogs over the internet – hiding in plain sight. It is very easy to create a beautiful, professional looking website. And, describing dogs as 'our little darlings' and 'babies,' or noting that they only sell to 'qualified homes' are simply tricks of the trade to make these animals seem irresistible and the breeder seem responsible. These dogs are shipped to the buyer -- often with heartbreaking results."
The bottom line is that an animal should not be purchased online, or in any other way that does not enable the buyer to see first-hand where the dog came from. "Unless you visit the seller's premises in person, you have no way of knowing the difference," Shain emphasizes.
Puppy mills are factory-like facilities, churning out large numbers of purebreds who are then sold to the public via pet stores and over the internet by people claiming to be reputable breeders.
If consumers do their research and insist on seeing where an animal comes from, puppy mills would be put out of business. Shain adds, "It may take a little more time and seem like a hassle to do the legwork but in the long run, it will save you time, money and heartbreak, and you will end up with a healthy and happy animal companion. A dog can be in your life for 10 to 20 years, so you want to be sure you do it right."
For more information on finding a reputable breeder, buying or adopting a dog, and about puppy mills, visit www.puppybuyersguide.org or www.stoppuppymills.org.
Facts:
- Puppy mill dogs face deplorable conditions including inbreeding, minimal vet care, limited food and shelter, lack of socialization and overcrowding. Mills only look to make a profit; commonly disregard the dog's physical and emotional health; and do not adhere to sound breeding practices.
- Dogs from mills are more likely to end up sick with genetic, mental and physical problems not always apparent at first sight. Some puppies die within weeks.
- Breeding dogs suffer for years in puppy mills only to be killed or dumped when their ability to produce puppies declines.
- People who own puppy mill dogs often spend thousands of dollars in vet bills and face the emotional costs of watching their new dog suffer.
- Reputable breeders insist on meeting hopeful adopters and will never sell via pet stores or the internet to people they have not met.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org.
