Dog scam has a silver lining
Announcement posted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia 20 Aug 2020
Dear Editor,
It’s important to find the positive in every situation. So, what’s the silver lining in the case of an alleged scammer selling non-existent puppies to numerous Australian families, for thousands of dollars each? Well, fewer puppies born into a cruel industry that treats animals as commodities and robs animals in shelters of a chance at a loving home.
Many of the cute, cheeky puppies we see for sale have a tragic backstory behind those big eyes. Their mothers—confined to cramped, filthy cages—are forced to endure repeated pregnancies until their bodies are exhausted, and they are killed or abandoned. Irresponsible breeding leads to genetic issues like hip dysplasia, skin and jaw issues, and heart murmurs. These puppies are removed from their nurturing mothers soon after birth, leaving them poorly socialised. This means—when we factor in vet visits and socialisation training—any dog who comes from a puppy mill will cost far more than the original price tag.
Every time someone buys a dog from a breeder, they also take away a home from a dog waiting in a shelter. Each year, in Australia, over 200,000 healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in shelters are euthanised, because there are not enough good homes for them. If you have space in your home and your heart for a companion (or two), please, save a life and adopt from a shelter. Never buy animals from a pet shop or breeder – and always desex and microchip them.
Mimi Bekhechi
Campaigns Strategist
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
PO Box 20308 World Square
Sydney, NSW, 2002
(08) 8556-5828
It’s important to find the positive in every situation. So, what’s the silver lining in the case of an alleged scammer selling non-existent puppies to numerous Australian families, for thousands of dollars each? Well, fewer puppies born into a cruel industry that treats animals as commodities and robs animals in shelters of a chance at a loving home.
Many of the cute, cheeky puppies we see for sale have a tragic backstory behind those big eyes. Their mothers—confined to cramped, filthy cages—are forced to endure repeated pregnancies until their bodies are exhausted, and they are killed or abandoned. Irresponsible breeding leads to genetic issues like hip dysplasia, skin and jaw issues, and heart murmurs. These puppies are removed from their nurturing mothers soon after birth, leaving them poorly socialised. This means—when we factor in vet visits and socialisation training—any dog who comes from a puppy mill will cost far more than the original price tag.
Every time someone buys a dog from a breeder, they also take away a home from a dog waiting in a shelter. Each year, in Australia, over 200,000 healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in shelters are euthanised, because there are not enough good homes for them. If you have space in your home and your heart for a companion (or two), please, save a life and adopt from a shelter. Never buy animals from a pet shop or breeder – and always desex and microchip them.
Mimi Bekhechi
Campaigns Strategist
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
PO Box 20308 World Square
Sydney, NSW, 2002
(08) 8556-5828