For the second time in as many months the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, New York, in partnership with News Corp, rescued 40 dogs from a puppy mill in Missouri. Most of the dogs this time are shih tzus, and mixed breeds. In a valiant effort to give the poor four legged prisoners of these commercial breeders a chance at a normal life, North Shore along with other rescue groups have been involved in the ongoing battle with these callously run businesses. There has to be a way to put these soulless people out of business. The only interest they have in the animals in their care is the money they produce. The fate of the puppy mill dog is dismal at best. So many of them live in the most deplorable conditions, with little if any protection from the elements, locked in a cage for years with no exercise; not even clean food and water. When they can no longer produce puppies, they have often been cruelly murdered or otherwise disposed of by uncaring owners.
People who buy their puppies from pet stores are, wittingly or otherwise, partners in the crime against these innocent animals. Before someone walks by and says "how much is that doggie in the window," as they look at the adorable bundles of fluff, they need to know these dogs come from puppy mills. By putting their money down on that adorable canine, they're condemning countless other dogs to a life of abject misery and pain. Thankfully, a number of states have begun to enact legislation, cracking down on puppy mills. In the last three years, 15 states have passed laws requiring at least basic standards of care. It's a long way from stopping the canine slave trade, but at least it's a step in the right direction. Missouri, a major puppy mill state has a proposal on the ballot in November's election. I pray it's electorate supports it.
We can only make a difference in the lives of man's best friend through education. If each of us can stop one person from walking into that pet store and buying a puppy, rather than going to a reputable breeder who work at the betterment of their breeds or from a rescue group, we too can make a dent in the problem
If anyone out there thinking of buying a puppy is reading this, I implore you, think twice about where you choose to go. Right behind the face of the cute little one you hold in your arms are the faces of the tortured souls forced to produce it. Look online. Google puppy mills. Check out the videos on YouTube. I promise you, you'll cry your eyes out . . . as I have, many times over.
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About the author:
Geri Sonkin is a Licensed Broker Associate/Stager/Decorator serving Long Island sellers and buyers for over 24 years. Areas of expertise include Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn. Specializing in resales, new construction, co-ops/condos, waterfront homes, estates, short sales, rentals and staging your home to sell for the most money the market will bear. For more information: www.LongIslandsBestHomes.com For new construction: http://2274Woodbine.GreatCustomHome.com 516-425-6098 Search all MLS listings and access up to date market statistics at AtHomeOnLongIsland.com
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