Wow! I just heard on TV and the radio that Petland sells puppies from puppy mills! What an incredible development that the HSUS spent much time and money investigating. They could have saved those resources by calling me, because anyone that works in animal welfare in this area could have told them without any doubt that of course Petland sells puppies from puppy mills. We know the puppy mill breeders, so we know exactly where they come from.
What reputable breeder would hand over a puppy to be sold in a pet store? Not any reputable ones that I know of. I cannot tell you how many people surrender puppies here at the shelter, that they bought on impulse, had them overnight, realized they were overwhelmed and tried to return the dog to the store only to find out that the store would not take the dog back. No refunds! They would not even take the dog back and not offer a refund. How is that for being responsible, Petland?
Here is how the puppy mill system works. Breeding farms raise hundreds and sometimes thousands of puppies a year depending on the size of the puppy mill. These dogs are sold to puppy brokers, usually for about a hundred dollars each. The puppy mill brokers then have contracts to sell these puppies to puppy stores, Petland being the largest in the U.S., I believe. The brokers sell the puppies for a few hundred dollars, then Petland marks up the puppies a couple more hundred dollars.
So, the consumer who loves the look of say a Cavalier King Charles spaniel will walk into a pet store and see one for $900 or more, and think well, that is a great price for that trendy breed. They have maybe looked into breeders that charge at least that and more for a Cav puppy. What is the difference, right?
Well, Petland puppy was conceived and whelped by any two dogs thrown together for breeding purposes, they could even be littermates. Breeder puppy has parents that were shown in a ring, have gotten championship titles for being the best of the breed in that competition. Their parents were tested for genetic problems that can be passed down, and they themselves would also be tested for any problems that occur in the breed.
Petland puppy did not see a vet until they arrived at the pet store, but it would have received several vaccinations more than it needed, given to prevent the spread of disease. Breeder puppy has been to the vet at least once since it was born, and was properly vaccinated.
Petland puppy was taken away from it's mother and littermates too young to learn lessons like bite inhibition, and are often socially underdeveloped. Breeder puppy stays with it's litter until around 10 - 12 weeks. This puppy learned how to play nice with others, is not fearful, and has gotten the best possible start in life, going from a home to a home.
Petland puppy was given to it's new family because they had a credit card, cash or check. Maybe they came in on a whim. Maybe they think shelters are dirty, and they do not like having a background check done on them. Maybe they do not know where to find a reputable breeder. But they want a puppy. Today. After spending a few minutes with the puppy, they are sold a puppy and a bunch of supplies and are sent on their way.
Breeder puppy's new family have know about him/her since before they were born, or shortly after. Often the breeder will wait to match personalities to a new family. She will save the show quality pups for show families, and then find families for the other puppies that for whatever reason (like markings, structure, personality) are not destined for a breeding program. These are still wonderful puppies. This family has seen pictures of the puppies each week, have watched them grow up, and are fully prepared to take the puppy home after waiting 10 weeks.
While both puppies now have families, who had the best start in life? Who's life was started in a chicken coop type cage exposed to the elements, and was brought into this world just to make a buck?
When Petland puppy has behavior problems, training issues, or develops genetic issues after the 1 year "warranty" is Petland going to care? I think not. When breeder puppy has these issues, the breeder is always there for the new family, and will replace or take back a dog no matter what.
So, now that it is on the news will people listen? Did they listen when Oprah said that pet store puppies come from puppy mills? Some people thought so. Yet, we see pet store dogs each week surrendered here because the cute little puppy grew up and needs too much attention, or it costs too much to take care of. Or they are not home enough to take care of a dog.
Well thank goodness we now have confirmed that Petland sells puppy mill puppies. I have been around long enough to know that things will never change, and Petland and other stores like them will find another source or another way to justify selling puppies to make money.
I will just thank goodness for shelters and breed rescue groups, because until people stop wanting to instantly satisfy ever whim they get, including buying a little puppy in a store because it was so cute, but without realizing the commitment they are making, places like EBHS will always be available for these animals. Petland sure isn't going to be.
