Would it surprise you to know that the vast majority of puppies sold in pet stores originate from puppy mills (large scale breeding operations where profit is prioritized over the emotional and physical well being of the dogs housed there)? According to a recent study commissioned by the ASPCA, 78 percent of consumers are unaware of this. In fact, 80 percent of consumers indicated that they would not purchase a puppy if they knew it came from a puppy mill.
Given this data, the ASPCA launched their “No Pet Store Puppies” Campaign to increase awareness about the relationship between puppies sold in pet stores and puppy mills. The ASPCA estimates that there are thousands of pet stores in the United States selling puppies.
By taking the Campaign Pledge you and I are making a commitment to stop shopping at stores that sell puppies. This means no pet food, cat litter, toys, leashes or collars- absolutely no purchases of any sort at stores that sell puppies, period! The hope is that this financial squeeze will convince pet store proprietors to get out of the puppy mill trade.
Started last July, the “No Pet Store Puppies” Campaign has already garnered over 100,000 pledges! How about if we help jump start the next 100,000! I’ve taken the Pledge and am asking you to do the same. I also encourage you to share this blog post with as many people as possible. Together, we can end the insanity and inhumanity of puppy mills.
Please post a comment letting me know that you have taken the Pledge and your name will be entered in a drawing to receive a signed copy of Speaking for Spot or Your Dog’s Best Health. Three winners will be named. Thanks for supporting the “No Pet Store Puppies” Campaign.
Best wishes,
Nancy Kay, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Author of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet
Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award
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Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health are available at www.speakingforspot.com, Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.