Breeding mills are not exclusive to puppies. Some people are aware of puppy mills but breeders mill every type of of domesticated animal including kittens, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, birds and reptiles. Pet mills exist solely for profit without any regard for the living creatures in their care. These animals suffer in inhumane conditions ~ they live in dirty, confined quarters without adequate food, clean water or proper medical attention. Animals that are not purchased by pet stores are sold to laboratories or other testing facilities if not discarded by the breeder. By purchasing these animals at a pet store you are supporting and enabling breeding mills in their production of animal commodities. Your area animal shelter may have small pets and there are rescues for almost every breed of pet. We can all contribute to the solution by adopting not shopping. The following from the Humane Society of the Unites States explains: Pet Mills Churn Out More Than Puppies The impulse purchase of a pet is usually a big mistake—small pets dont always have small needs, and the decision to provide a lifetime of care to any animal should never be taken lightly. But when choosing a pet theres something more to consider: Your dollars might be supporting a pet mill. Industrial Breeding More Than Puppies Puppy mills are mass-breeding facilities that crowd hundreds of dogs into barren cages with little regard for their welfare. The breeding dogs at these farms are forced into lives of confinement, only to be destroyed or discarded when they can no longer churn out puppies. But puppies arent the only products of breeding mills: kittens, ferrets, rabbits, birds, and small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs are also often churned out in deplorable, factory-style conditions by dealers who sell them to pet stores. Shocking Conditions Commercial pet dealers who breed or sell most warm-blooded animals to pet stores are required to be licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But the HSUS review of USDA inspection reports reveals that many of these breeders are guilty of repeated violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act for crowded and dirty conditions. Dont Support the Industry As poor as conditions are for many of the animals in USDA licensed facilities, conditions are even worse in many bird or reptile mills. Because these facilities are not subject to USDA licensing or inspections at all, birds and cold-blooded animals often spend their lives without sufficient space, vet care, fresh air, and sunlight. Without laws in place to protect these animals, the best way for pet lovers to stop the pet mills is not to purchase pet store animals. Finding the Perfect Match So how do you share your home with a bird, bunny or hamster without supporting a pet mill? First, research the pets needs to see if you truly have the time, space and dedication to give him a lifetime of good care. Just because a pet is cheap does not mean his housing or vet care will be. Next, visit your local animal shelter. Many shelters have a variety of small pets waiting for new homes, and some keep a waiting list for people seeking a particular species. In addition, private rescue groups exist for almost every kind of pet, from rabbits to reptiles. With so many loving pets in need of homes waiting at shelters and rescue groups, avoiding pet-mill purchases should be simple.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:32:44 +0000