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Companion Animal Protection Society is dedicated to stopping the cruelty of puppy mills and pet stores. Photo Credit: ngader/Flickr.com
I’ve talked quite a bit here on Pet Health Care Gazette about puppy mills; about the living conditions of the breeding dogs, about the health of the puppies that come out of puppy mills, about why buying puppies (and kittens) from pet stores is a bad idea, about the documentary Madonna of the Mills and so much more.
Here we are talking about puppy mills again. The reason is because my Animal Cafe colleague Mary Haight interviewed Deborah Howard, Founder and President of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS). Naturally, Mary and Deborah talk about puppy mills and what CAPS is doing to fight the cruelty and abuse that are puppy mills.
For me, this interview really hit home when Deborah talked about Doktors Pet Centers. When I was a child (yes, this story goes back a while!), my family purchased a Persian kitten from one of the stores in this chain. The kitten died of feline distemper a few days after we purchased her. The poor thing was “replaced” with another kitten. The second kitten was also supposed to be a purebred Persian but obviously was not. This kitten also was ill and my parents made the decision to return her to the pet shop and have their money refunded. This happened in the 1970s, long before I ever heard of puppy mills. It was long before the news documentary brought Doktors Pet Centers and puppy mills to the forefront. I have no doubt now that both of those kittens came from the feline equivalent of a puppy mill however.
Have a listen to Mary’s interview with Deborah. I think you’ll find it interesting.
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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Thank you for including cats in the “puppy mill”/pet store list of sins! So little is ever spoken of them, but cats are suffering at the hands of these unscrupulous people as well. As are the customers who mistakenly believe they are purchasing a quality pet from them. I, too, had an awful experience with a pet store kitten, as well as a dog. Wish everyone knew what these stores are really hocking!
Deborah Howard has such a knowledgeable, in-depth history in battling these evil forces – this is a must-hear podcast.
Those kinds of experiences with “puppy mill” puppies (and kittens) are heart-breaking for everybody involved. I wish everyone knew, as you said, that these stores are “hocking”. I’m glad you liked the podcast. Deborah certainly does have a lot of knowledge and experience to share.