Dear Editor:
RE: ‘It’s heartbreaking’: family calls attention to suspected puppy mills, March 30.
The lack of laws related to puppy mills in our region, in Ontario, and in Canada is devastating!
My heart goes out to the family in last week’s article and to the puppies who were euthanized.
Until enforceable laws are in place it is up to each of us as individuals to put an end to the cruel puppy mill industry. If you are considering adding a puppy to your family, be absolutely certain you are not buying from and thereby supporting puppy mills!
Do not buy pets online; reputable breeders do not sell via Kijiji or Craigslist.
Do not buy from a breeder that sells multiple “designer breed” combinations.
Do not buy from a breeder who has multiple litters of puppies available.
If your heart is set on a purebred dog – do your research. Reputable breeders will likely ask you more questions than you ask them. Reputable breeders will require you to sign a contract outlining responsibilities and expectations. Reputable breeders will welcome you to visit and speak with you at length about the characteristics of “their breed”.
Reputable breeders will provide medical records and detailed vaccination records for each puppy.
Adopt from a reputable rescue, humane society or SPCA. Do your research here, too.
In the face of poor laws and little enforcement, it’s up to each of us to speak out if we learn of a puppy mill in our community. Write letters to township councilors, the premier of Ontario and the solicitor general (oversees animal welfare).
To report animal cruelty, call the Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-926 4625 or the OPP, as the police are the only agency empowered to enforce criminal animal cruelty laws in Ontario.
Sabine Maarse,
Elora