Stop the puppy mills
I was recently in one of the places where I frequent for my regular supply of dog and cat food. Each time I go there my heart dies a little because I see how the pets being sold are kept.
The heat in this place can be really unbearable such that I usually have to take a break from looking around by going outside to cool off.
It is when I am outside that I feel even more pity for the pets that are kept in the cages that have no escape from the heat. Many of the bigger dogs are in cages that are too small for them, yet the owners of the pet shops refuse to buy bigger cages or create pens for them.
I know that selling pets is a business, but cruelty should have no part in this business. For, in truth, it is the sold pets that bring income to the breeders, right?
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There are other who have similar complaints like this one sent to Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA).
Tad writes:
Just dropping you a short note to share with you my experience at Tiendesitas last weekend. Most of the animals in the pet area are all scruffy-looking. There were two particularly serious concerns I noted, though. One was an adult husky in a kennel that he barely fit in lying down! The other was a basset hound that was so thin; he looked like he was knocking on death’s door! Is there anything you and your organization can do about that place? It’s quite sad, really.
Am looking forward to hearing from you and how you are handling that problem.
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CARA president Nancy Cu-Unjieng sent this reply to Tad:
Dear Tad,
Animal welfare NGOs have been formally complaining about the pet shops in Cartimar, Tiendesitas and Bio Research to the Animal Welfare Division of the Department of Agriculture. All our complaints fall on deaf ears; and it is this same Bureau of Animal Industry that gives the permits to these pet shops with no rules or regulations that are complied with.
The best way for any positive change here is exposure in the media and public complaints to DA Sec. Alcala
Will forward your e-mail to the Philippine Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) for their suggestions.
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PAWS has always been firm in its campaign that adoption from shelters is really the best way to show love for our pets.
Today, the number of animal welfare organizations that offer dogs and cats for adoption has increased. There is the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center in Quezon City, the Animal Kingdom Foundation runs a shelter in Tarlac for dogs rescued from dog meat traders, CARA holds adoption days for rescued cats at Greenbelt and the Island Rescue Organization (IRO) in Cebu also has pets for adoption.
What are the advantages of adopting from a shelter?
For starters, you know exactly what you’re getting. Shelters spend time rehabilitating the animals and can tell you a lot about the animal’s personality. Animal welfare NGOs never rush prospective owners into making a decision about adopting a pet. Matter of fact, they conduct interviews and house inspections. Vaccination cards are also provided where the rabies and five-in-one vaccinations (for dogs) are clearly updated.
But what is most important is that you save a life.
I have heard from people who have adopted a pet that it is more grateful, loving and loyal.
There are many testimonies from pet adoptees at PAWS about how grateful their pets are for having been given a second chance at a better life.
PAWS believes that by not buying from a pet shop, you help send out a clear message to all puppy millers out there — you will not fund cruelty. By telling your friends and family members not to buy from pet shops, PAWS hopes to make sure that the only source of pets for people will be responsible breeders.
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For information on adoption from PAWS, visit the shelter at Aurora Blvd. Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City on Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.paws.org.ph.
