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There is this thing called "cosmic justice," a.k.a. "karma": When you perform an action that harms another, you will reap harm in return. So if you support the canine overpopulation crisis by buying a purebred dog from a breeder or a pet store instead of going to your local animal shelter or breed rescue group to adopt a dog, karma might come back to bite you with a gigantic vet bill.
This seems to be happening a lot. Basically, people are spending big bucks (in the thousands!) to purchase purebred puppies from breeders and pet stores (read: puppy mills), only to discover that they got a "lemon" with a congenital defect such as bad knees or hips, which ends up costing even more to correct than the original purchase price.
I would say, "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah!" if it weren't for (a) the pain and suffering that these inbred puppies have to endure because of their poor health and the surgeries to correct it, including operations like triple pelvic osteotomies, which involve purposely breaking the pelvis, (b) the pain and suffering endured by the shelter puppies who lost their chance to be adopted because of the existence of these purebreds, and (c) the greasing of breeders' greedy palms through these unholy sales, which enables them to continue their dirty work.
On Sunday, April 20, the Los Angeles Times published an article about California's "Puppy Lemon Law" (what an offensive concept!), which seems to be getting quite the workout. Californians who discover that their purebred puppy is "defective" (i.e., has a congenital defect) within one year of purchase have the option of returning the little cutie back to the pet store or breeder for a full refund of the purchase price, plus vet bills. But who, other than the most heartless of the heartless, could do that―especially if children are in the equation? So the only option is to bite the bullet and pay those vet bills. But if you live in California, the Puppy Lemon Law will allow you to get reimbursed for your expenses. However, if you live in California but you sent away for a purebred puppy from a breeder in another state, you get nada. Dare I say, "Serves you right!"? What are people THINKING who place orders for puppies from far away (or who buy puppies, period, for that matter)? I'll tell you what they're thinking. They're thinking (albeit perhaps subconsciously), "I couldn't care less about the welfare of living beings―I just want a cute purebred trophy puppy to show off to everyone I meet so that I will look cool and everyone will envy me."
I just have one question: Who is going to compensate all those "defective" puppies for all their pain and suffering?
Comments ( 8 )
I don't know when a lot of people are ever going to learn! Good point, KP
Posted by Annie | April 23, 2008 9:05 PM
Posted on April 23, 2008 21:05
Once you bring an animal into your life, you take on their problems... congenital or otherwise.
My neighbors went to the mall and purchased 2 dogs from the pet store. They tell us that many people told them not to support puppy mills in this way. Their feeling is that these pups had already been brought into the world and now deserved a loving home. They have high vet bills and they love their dogs regardless. They are certainly not "lemons".
>>>KP's Response:
Hi Rhonda,
Yes. The only problem with that concept ("Their feeling is that these pups had already been brought into the world and now deserved a loving home") is that if they give their money to the pet store (and, thus, the puppy mill), then these companies will use it to continue to make additional puppies suffer. It's an unending cycle as long as we keep feeding it. It's natural to want to rescue a dog from a pet store, but there are heavy consequences to that for future puppies. Better to rescue a dog from an animal shelter or a breed rescue group.
KP
Posted by Rhonda | April 24, 2008 9:35 AM
Posted on April 24, 2008 09:35
I agree... yet I struggle with the question of what happens to the dogs that are already sitting at the mall. My neighbors have had their dogs for 3 years and take excellent care of them, so I'm still glad that those 2 dogs have a home.
Also, I can't believe that people are willing to shell out hundreds and thousands of dollars to acquire a dog and then claim that they cannot afford the veterinarian bills that go with it.
Posted by Rhonda | April 24, 2008 11:57 AM
Posted on April 24, 2008 11:57
Peta has done such a great job in educating me on so many subjects, one of them puppy mills and breeders.
Rhonda makes a real good point, it's hard to believe that people would dish out hundreds and thousands of dollars to buy a dog, yet they can't afford the vet bills.
I feel so bad for these little animals that are bred under horrible conditions, finally go into a home, get attached to the family, only to be returned! It's not a car, it's a living breathing dog! Dogs become very emotionally attached to their people-family. And like KP said, what about if kids are part of the family?
Because of this law, there should be disclaimers/warnings in every store" be aware that your dog may come with congenital defects and other health problems... ofcourse if that happened it wouldn't be good for "business."
I met a guy at a dog park in my neighborhood who is obsessed with the "pureness" of his chocolate lab. He went into great detail about how in 23 generations, there's only one yellow lab, the rest are chocolate labs!!! (Was he expecting me to be impressed?) My response was to just say, I'm sure she would be just as loving and just as adorable if she was a mixed lab.
I know it's hard not to want to rescue a dog from a pet store, but once you rescue that dog... will you rescue the one that will come in his place... and the one that comes in the other's place...?
Posted by Jaclyn | April 24, 2008 4:47 PM
Posted on April 24, 2008 16:47
It is not just the breeders that are the problem. "Mutts" can have just as many issues. My aunt has two mixed breeds that have more health issues than my purebreed. One of my mixes also has more health issues than my purebreed. "Purebreeds" actually if one was to research history start out as "mixes" of breeds. Many breeders breed mixed breeds.
In essence the irresponsible pet owner who doesn't get their dog spayed/nuetered and it "breeds" is a breeder and they are the ones that bring the "unwanted litters" (that was one of the "reasons" given for bringing dogs in). It is the use of animals with health issues, people not being dedicated, and not understanding genetics etc that are the problem of unhealthy dogs and over population. And yes the uneducated people who support irresponsible breeders.
Posted by Angela | April 24, 2008 11:04 PM
Posted on April 24, 2008 23:04
Why are purbreds always blamed for taking the place of a "homeless" or "mix?" I know people who have gotten mixes from rescues and they have just as many health issues.
Also, some breeders sell mixes!! But why is it that those mixes don't get the stigma? Also, in essence getting dog from the humane society cost money. I think holding anyone who handles/care for dogs responsible is great, but controlling all genetics is impossible.
The shelters/rescues are not getting the dogs from breeders but from the people who are not being rsponsible pet owners by being educated and dedicated to their animals for the long run.
Posted by Sarah | April 24, 2008 11:15 PM
Posted on April 24, 2008 23:15
Jaclyn,
Just had a thought... I have a lab mix (we don't know what else she is) and I love that she's one of a kind!
Posted by Rhonda | April 25, 2008 10:56 AM
Posted on April 25, 2008 10:56
I agree with many here that breeders also sell "mixes." But typically, breeders try to market themselves as "higher end" and more "exclusive" because they provide pure breeds as opposed to those common run of the mill mutts. After all, that is their selling point, this is a pure bred lab which you won't get just anywhere. If too many breeders start selling just any mix, well, what's the point when you can get them from the shelter of off the street.
But I think that pure bred=better and mutt=so-so mentality is starting to wash out. Although maybe not as fast as we would hope so.
Any dog can have health issues, but being that there have been so many puppy mills dishing out dogs with health issue after health issue, they're getting the label.
What's really ironic, is that we're all mutts...
Posted by Jaclyn | April 27, 2008 5:25 PM
Posted on April 27, 2008 17:25