I received an email from Walt Hargis, one of the organizers of Puppymill Awareness Day letting me know about the upcoming Monster Pet Store protest scheduled for tomorrow. The Saturday before Christmas is typically the busiest day for people who are purchasing puppies as Christmas gifts.
The Companion Animal Protection Society along with Puppymill Awareness Day and Boycott Monster Pets Campaign have joined forces to protest two Monster Pet Stores in Philadelphia tomorrow. Monster Pets is located at 1946 South Columbia Blvd, Philadelphia, 19146 and the other location is 1575 North 52nd Street, Philadelphia, 19131. If you would like to volunteer, click on their websites for more information. All volunteers are welcomed to a meal at a local restaurant after the protest. The cost is $20.00. Details will be given if you attend.
These three animal welfare organizations will be protesting each store tomorrow from 12-4PM. Protesters will be distributing info about the puppymill industry and the horrors associated with it and what we as consumers can do to break the cycle.
Protests will be taken place around the country and Canada as well. These protests want to get the word out that pet stores do not guarantee health, quality and breed standard. They aslo want people to know pet stores treat animals as merchandise that can be eaily returned for a refund or exchange. Store warranties often preclude reimbursement for veterinary bills.
Many puppies from pet stores given as Christmas gifts end up in animal shelters a few months down the road becaue the novelty has worn off, the puppy is growing or perhaps the little guy no longer matches the sofa (believe me, I’ve heard them all!).
My suggestion to moms and dads at Christmas is to go into an animal shelter together. Make it a family decision. Don’t make the decision on a whim. Think this ever-important decision through. Who will be responsible for the puppy? If your child is very young, you, as the parent must be realistic and realize you must be responsible for feeding, taking the puppy outside to housetrain and providing companionship. If you think your child will do all of these things, you, as the parent aren’t ready for the puppy either.
If your children are older and can handle responsibility, make sure you talk all of these responsibilities over with the children. As I said, make it a family decision. Research different breeds to see which would fit best in your family and lifestyle. Talk to the staff. Even though some animals are strays, the staff can give you better idea of the temperment of the animal. Do your homework.
Another idea is to get a few items for a puppy- as a friend of mine did. He and his wife gave a leash, dog bowls and toys to their daughter as Christmas gifts. She was so excited because she knew she would be getting a dog but not at Christmas. She had wanted a dog for quite awhile. When they thought she was ready and truly wanted a dog, this is the route they took. They adopted a dog after the holidays and everyone is doing very well!
Whatever you do, don’t SHOP at PET STORES!! The majority of pet stores that sell puppies and kittens use puppy and kitten mills. You, as the consumer, unknowingly contribute to the horrors of these mills.
Each year millions of animals die in shelters because there aren’t enough homes for them. Please save a life and ADOPT from a shelter or breed specific rescue. PA has a new dog law but it is up to us to stop buying from pet stores. If there is no demand, there is no puppymill business.