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Support of AB 485, which would ban ‘puppy mill’ sales statewide, is gaining traction in North County. The bill aims to protect puppies, often separated from their mothers and shipped here from the Midwest, and the pet owners who buy them. At issue are the questionable conditions in which the puppies are born, the treatment of their mothers and the overflow of puppies available for adoption at rescue shelters. While many cities have adopted their own ordinances, a statewide ban would offer uniform standards and prevent pet shop owners from relocating to cities where puppy mill animals are still allowed to be sold. Stock photo
Support of AB 485, which would ban ‘puppy mill’ sales statewide, is gaining traction in North County. The bill aims to protect puppies, often separated from their mothers and shipped here from the Midwest, and the pet owners who buy them. At issue are the questionable conditions in which the puppies are born, the treatment of their mothers and the overflow of puppies available for adoption at rescue shelters. While many cities have adopted their own ordinances, a statewide ban would offer uniform standards and prevent pet shop owners from relocating to cities where puppy mill animals are still allowed to be sold. Stock photo
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California mulls statewide ban of pet store ‘puppy mill’ sales

A California bill that would prohibit pet stores from selling live dogs, cats and rabbits that aren’t from a rescue group or a shelter is garnering support from animal welfare activists across the state – including locally in North County.

Escondido Pet Protest

But opponents of the bill – including one prominent San Diego County pet store owner – argue that the bill strips consumer of the right to choose where they purchase their animals.

Assembly Bill 485, which was introduced in February by State Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, D-Long Beach, takes aims at retail pet stores that sell animals from commercial kennels, sometimes referred to as “puppy mills.”

 

Puppy Mill Protester
Puppy Mill Protester

The kennels, which often operate in small towns in the Midwest, Rust Belt and South, transport their animals to pet stores, where unsuspecting consumers pay thousands for animals that, in some cases, fall ill or have significant problems that wind up costing owners thousands of dollars.

The bill recently on Wednesday, May 17, passed a significant hurdle, clearing the State Assembly appropriations committee, a month after clearing the State Assembly business and professions committee.

 

AB 485 mirrors many local ordinance passed in recent years that bar retail pet stores from selling animals from puppy mills, such as in Encinitas, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos.

O’Donnell, who said he owns two dogs adopted from shelters, said the bill’s benefits are twofold.

“This bill will save lives and taxpayers dollars,” O’Donnell said. “It is a win-win. What we are trying to address is the drive-shopper who goest to the mall and decides on a Sunday afternoon to buy a purebred pet-store puppy, all the while there is a lovely puppy in the shelter waiting to be euthanized.”

O’Donnell said it costs the state $250 million to house and euthanize animals.

“If you have a pet store, you shouldn’t be procuring animals from the Midwest,” O’Donnell said. “You should be selling animals from shelters that need loving homes.”

Locally, groups such as Not One Animal Harmed and the Spay Neuter Action Project, have registered their support for the bill and are actively campaigning for its passage in the state legislature.

Puppy Mill
Puppy Mill

Animal welfare activists said the sale of animals from commercial kennels is a consumer protection issue because people who purchase animals from pet stores currently don’t know the conditions where the animals were born and with little recourse to learn about the conditions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates commercial kennels, this year removed an online cache of its inspection reports of the kennels from its website, making it even more difficult for consumers to learn about the origin of their pets.

 

“People see a puppy in a store window and have no idea that it was shipped in a big truck from the Midwest on a 30 to 40 hour journey or that the mother is still stuck in a puppy somewhere churning out puppies,” said Bryan Pease, an attorney who founded the Animal Protection and Rescue League. “This bill not only protects animals, it protects consumers from fraud. I don’t think anyone would be supporting this industry if they knew what was behind it.”

Pease and other supporters said that the state law would provide uniform standards, rather than the hodgepodge of local ordinances that allows for pet shop owners to set up shop in cities where regulations don’t exist.

In North County, two retail pet stores are operating in Escondido, the only city along the so-called “78 Belt” that has not passed an ordinance. Pease said cities like Escondido become, in a sense, like sanctuary cities for these businesses.

“I think it is time, a lot of cities have been holding off passing an ordinance because it is something that the state should be doing,” said Leslie Davies, education and outreach coordinator for SNAP and co-founder of NOAH. “Even (San Marcos Mayor) Jim Desmond said that this is an area where the federal government is not doing its job and the state is turning a blind eye. The state has to get involved at this point to protect consumers.”

But the bill faces stiff opposition in Sacramento from a number of dog breeder and commercial advocacy groups, including the American Kennel Club, the California Retailers Association and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, which has hired a lobbyist to fight the bill.

Locally, one of the strongest opponents is David Salinas, who operates four retail pet outlets in National City,  Temecula, Corona and a recently opened outlet in Escondido called Broadway Puppies.

Salinas has been the most vocal opponent of local efforts to pass ordinances in San Marcos and in Oceanside, where he previously had stores, but shut them down following the passage of the ordinances.

Salinas has also hired a lobbyist to fight the bill.

Salinas, who said AB 485 would effectively put him out of business, said the bill is misguided and that it would prohibit the sale of live animals from kennels that are heavily regulated and allow the adoption of pets from shelters and rescue groups that don’t have the same requirements.

“AB 485 turns a regulated, transparent industry into an unregulated one with no real trace or information as to where the dogs come from,” he said, citing reports of rescue groups importing animals from foreign countries rather than true rescues.

He said that banning stores like his from selling animals also unfairly limits consumer choice.

“Does the consumer have a choice or is local government going to decide where you are going to buy your products?” Salinas said. “If they do it with pets, what’s next?”

Salinas also argued that the pet adoption model would not work for businesses such as is that only sell animals and not animal supplies, citing an example of a local pet store owner who had to shut down because the adoptions caused her to lose money.

“We are not a pet product store, we sell high-end, purebred puppies, and what the state would impose is a completely different business model,” Salinas said. “It’s a losing model.”

Andrea Cunningham of NOAH, scoffed at Salinas assertions about consumer choice and the business model. Cunningham said that the bill does not prohibit consumers from purchasing animals from licensed breeders, which don’t sell animals to pet stores.

“Anyone who wants a purebred can get them from a reputable breeder, who wouldn’t sell to a retail pet store or online or to anyone sight unseen,” Cunningham said. “It is against their breed club code of ethics.”

“Taking away “choice?” No,” Cunningham added. “As with all of the other local ordinances that have been passed, all AB 485 will do, is take away (on a State level) these predators’ ability to victimize and exploit those who cannot speak, while preying on those who can.”

Editor’s Note: Since the writing of this article local Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez has pledged to be a co-sponsor of this bill, which seems to be gaining bipartisan support. The next step is a full assembly vote to be held in the near future. If this passes California will be the first state to pass a bill of this kind.

 

35 comments

Randy June 23, 2017 at 10:16 am

I think that all dogs should be illegal to purchase or acquire in San Diego. Then, I would not have to contend with irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to defacate and leave it for someone else to deal with or to urinate on plants and destroy them. There would also be no more dog owners who flaunt leash laws by letting their dogs run loose and terrorize other people. And, I would no longer have to listen to someone’s dog barking at 1 a.m. Dogs are not people. They are animals. They do not have the right to be treated like people. Let’s ban not only puppy mills but the ownership of all dogs. This will end the so called inhumanity and the stupidity of people treating dogs like human beings.

Gina June 21, 2017 at 11:16 am

Puppy mills are already unregulated sources. If they were regulated properly as they are supposed to be the animals would not be living as they do now. You do not love dogs if you defend the mass production of pets. You do not love dogs if you think it is okay they live as matted breeders on wire floors in small cages and not as pets. If you are okay with this you need to check yourself. We do not need mass breeding when we have over flowing shelters everywhere. It is common sense. There is no defense for this that makes sense or is acceptable. If you are a reputable breeder you should applaud a ban on puppy mills. Period . Animals are not inventory. Disgusting. And supporting the ban of puppy mills is not extreme it is basic human empathy for those that can not speak for themselves. Get a clue. Ignorance is rampant! To even suggest defenders of animal have their pockets lined. Absurd. The only people profiting from breeding animals are the people selling them not the people demanding responsibility and proper care. If you are reputable breeder you should welcome the closure of puppy mills. They undersell you, abuse animals and give all breeders a bad name not to mention what they do to the quality of a breed.

Cheann June 1, 2017 at 10:49 am

So it is better for the puppies at stores to be supplied from unregulated sources. How is that going to be better? This is only going to create an underground market and be so much worse for the consumer.

Connie M May 30, 2017 at 12:18 am

The likes of Al Smith is the reason why backyard breeders and puppy mill hell exist! And David Salinas is whining that this bill is going to put him out of business. GOOD! People like Al Smith and David Salinas are evil… I thank God that your days are numbered because God (in Christ) can hear our prayers and these poor abused dogs’ cries.. Animal activists are acting on emotions and not on facts? Well… lets check out https://bailingoutbenji.com ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlM6i_MftF8 ; https://harleysdream.org ; http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/the-dog-factory-inside-the-sickening-world-of-puppy-mills-w457673 ; Al Smith, you can keep deluding yourself in your sick world. As Ab Lincoln would say: “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

Shirley Anderson May 29, 2017 at 8:16 pm

Support AB485. Common sense to take control of the animal abuse breeding practice of out of state puppy Mills.

Karen May 29, 2017 at 2:49 pm

When this passes, and it more than likely will, it will be the result of more people knowing the truth and taking action. I can guarantee you Al Smith, NOBODY IS LINING MY POCKETS WITH ANYTHING!!! The majority of us who fight for innocent voiceless animals do it out of our own free time and from our hearts. We’re NOT paid by anyone. Those who TRULY know this issue can clearly see the deception, lies, cruelty, abuse, greed and neglect involved in the pet store industry. The USDA (who doesn’t even do a good job regulating our food) does little to nothing to oversee the commercial breeders pumping out millions and millions and millions of puppies trucked to pet stores all over the country every year. Those who buy their dog at a pet store are people who shouldn’t have a dog to begin with. Any intelligent person can see this industry clearly for what it is and what it’s all about. Pet stores are nothing more than 7-11’s for dogs. Their purchases are often spontaneous and short-sighted, and pet stores depend on these people to ‘sell’ to . Pet store employees are NOT experts on dogs, breeds of dogs, care of dogs, etc. they are merely salesmen and women , often very young, who are just working at a pet store for a temporary amount of time, this is not a ‘career’. The employees never ever ask any questions to the person or family they are selling to……ie; what is your family’s lifestyle, activities, knowledge of the breed, knowledge of pet care etc. All of these questions are asked by a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders who’s concern is for their puppies will ask you questions and answer the questions you have for them. (there SHOULD be many). I’ve personally had many conversations with former pet store employees who have told us just how horrible things are behind the scenes……..things they could hardly stomach. Watch the documentary that was released a couple months ago called “Dog by Dog”, this was produced by a totally neutral individual who after learning the truth about commercial breeders, the politics involved, the fraud, the abuse, wanted to expose it all to the public so he made this film. You can get it on Netflix or buy it on Amazon or at Walmart………..it’s worth it. Learn the truth.

Sharon Howsrd May 29, 2017 at 9:07 am

Pet stores a businesses.Period. They buy from mills or backyard breeders who know nothing about, or care about genetics, hereditary issues or where the puppies come from. Breeding stock can be from 20 dogs to 1500 ir more. Mills trestment of dogs ir cats is horrid. Visit http://www.caps-web.org and watch the mill videos. Google a dog auction and watch what happens. Go to the National Mill Dog Rescue sight and watch Lily story. Get Dog By Dog Documentary and watch the money trasil behind this industry. Research the number of animal welfare bills the AKC has stood against. Now the USDA has taken down the records site so buyers can no longer check our a miller before they buy from a pet store.

Google USDA Inspector Generals Licensed Breeders Report. Watch undercover investigation reports.

Even Petco and Pet smart have figured out the mill business and that holding adoptions brings in more money. Many pet stores have made the humane flip to a business model that actually increases profits. CA has no oversight agency to review breeding practices. The USDA doesn’t enforce their own rules and they also make business loans to those they are to inspect.

Pets don’t walk themselves into shelters and rescues. They are produced and disposed of like trash by irresponsible humans. There is no “right” to buy a life that superceds the right to live. Why should producers and sellers be allowed to continue to pump out millions more animals while millions of dollars, hours, time, adopters and taxpayers have to work to take care of that responsibility? Why should animals, who are at the mercy of humans, have to make that walk to the killing room or spend their time waiting for an adopter?

Do what is right for those who depend on our mercy for survival ir know the next dog in a black body bag has your prints on it.

Michele Walther May 29, 2017 at 7:34 am

Its a SHAME there are puppy mills,,,there are so many dogs from Rescues,,shelters,and Legitimate breeders,,,please this business of Puppy mills must END NOW,,,,,WATCH DOG BY DOG,,OR 2ND CHANCE DOGS ON NETFLIX,,,You will see why this is. HORRIBLE BUSINESS

Lili Feingold May 28, 2017 at 11:06 pm

I strongly support this legislation. David Salinas and his ilk are making millions of dollars off the suffering and exploitation of animals, while hundreds of thousands of deserving dogs are routinely killed in shelters. It’s immoral. I do not believe his propaganda about choice; pure hogwash.

Debra Kline May 28, 2017 at 8:25 pm

I would suggest that if you feel those who are in favor of the bill are exaggerating the conditions in a puppy mill, you should go visit one. My guess is you will not be allowed to actually see the way the dogs are kept.

Dee Forsberg May 28, 2017 at 7:02 pm

I’m sorry, there are enough dogs and cats in our shelters. Why do we need puppy mills? The pets that often come from the puppy mills have several medical problems. I know, I purchased a dog who came from a puppy mill and he had many medical issues. I also know of other people who were “convinced” to purchase the puppy in the window and ended up having to put the dog down, because of illness.

Marie Alice Nadeau May 28, 2017 at 2:11 pm

The only one who are against this are puppy millers, pet brokers and stores who profit from the exploitation of puppy mills. Pet stores can make their profit selling all the food, products, accessories to pet owners. They can do their part in helping to save millions of lives by supporting rescue groups with adoption -knowing they are creating future customers for themselves. Those who say they can not have a choice: either change their curriculum or shut down – they won’t be missed.

Kim May 28, 2017 at 9:10 am

The rhetoric of “consumer choice” is a smoke screen for greed and willful ignorance by these retail pet stores. The cruelty of the Puppy Mills is gut-wrenching. What is wrong with being an “extremist” in wanting to stop the horror of Puppy Mills in the East? Get informed.

http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/the-dog-factory-inside-the-sickening-world-of-puppy-mills-w457673

Pamela May 28, 2017 at 8:10 am

Puppy mills are deplorable places where the only goal is the bottom line. Money is what drives these mass breeders, never compassion or love of animals. And certainly not the welfare of the dogs OR the customers. AB 485 must pass to slam the door or these sham operations once and for all. Let these mercenaries peddle something inanimate to rake in their money, not a sensitive caring little creature like a puppy!

Jennifer Taylor May 28, 2017 at 8:08 am

I find it hilarious that person above stated that a puppy mills ban will line the pockets of animal rights activists. What garbage, he obviously works at or owns a pet store and already has his pockets lined by selling puppies from factories. No animal should be mass bred. Those poor parent and especially mother dogs are bred over and over until they no longer can. Has anyone seen the footage from ASPCA and Humane Society raiding puppy mills? Have you seen the condition of these poor animals? I personally have three rescued animals who are in great health and loving as can be. Our shelters are crowded because there is too much breeding. Please adopt, don’t shop! I am in full support of this ban!

Kathleen May 27, 2017 at 3:17 pm

Thank for the article! I have contacted both my congress people, Todd Gloria and Tonie Atkins to please support this ban!!

Craig Shapiro May 25, 2017 at 1:53 pm

This is a forward-thinking measure that should have broad support. Puppy mills are nothing more than mass-breeding factories where animals’ welfare is of no concern and dogs are treated like commodities: They’re confined to crude, cramped cages, and because they’re denied adequate veterinary care, often suffer from exposure and are malnourished. Once they can no longer produce puppies, mothers are usually sold, abandoned or killed. There’s another reason to ban stores from selling commercially bred animals–ALL breeders, not just the lowlifes who run puppy mills, worsen the homeless-animal overpopulation crisis. Every animal purchased denies a home to one waiting in a shelter whose life may depend on being adopted.

Andrea Cunningham May 25, 2017 at 8:57 am

Well, as the puppy mill retail outlet predators always say, “People should have a choice.” I actually 100% agree. But here’s the caveat: It should be an INFORMED choice! If someone still wants to spend thousands of dollars on a puppy mill “poorbred,” after being educated with all the information and concrete evidence we can provide about why that’s not a good idea – even using documented cases of other customers who thought similarly and found out the hard way – good luck and God bless!

Fortunately, most people who learn the truth behind the puppy mill retail outlet stores’ lies, are wisely exercising their “choice” toward favoring a more humane alternative, avoiding potential heartbreak at the pet store – even when the predatory business sleazily offers to finance that heartbreak into easy monthly payments! These are living, breathing creatures – not new or used cars!

Yes, people should have the “choice.” And while these predatory puppy mill retail outlet businesses still exist, there will always be an opportunity for people like us to level out their wallet-targeting, impulse-buying-centered lies, through Educational Outreach and legislative involvement. Why? Because it’s about making a truly informed, fact-based decision on whether to patronize or permit the operation of any establishment whose “business” is to victimize and exploit those who cannot speak, while preying on those who can!

Melissa Burg May 24, 2017 at 11:39 pm

There is no such thing as a health guarantee. Coming from a registered veterinary technician and previous animal control officer and animal shelter director. There is no way to guarantee of a pet’s health. There are however breed genetic blood testing which you can only request from a reputable breeder. There are definitely set guidelines from the USDA regarding specific caging requirements which are limited to ensure the animal can stand up and turn around, however no law is set to ensure proper exercise and veterinary upkeep is required however not every commercial breeder is regularly checked therefore not maintained. This is why breeders need to be researched and the public knowledgedknowledged.

al smith May 25, 2017 at 8:26 am

These are not “laws’ these are regulations. By following the regulations you get to keep your license and you agree to be inspected.. Just because you are not inspected does not mean you are not keeping up the regulations. What you consider “proper” exercise may not be what others do. Here is the section that applies to exercise:Chapter 4. Duties of Commercial Dog Breeders

15-21-4-1 Standards of care

Sec. 1. (a) A commercial dog breeder shall comply with the standards of care set forth in 9 CFR 3.1 through 9 CFR 3.12.

(b) A commercial dog breeder:

(1) may not house a dog in a cage containing a wire floor unless the cage contains an accommodation that allows the dog to be off the wire floor;

(2) who houses a dog in a wire cage shall house the dog in a cage that is large enough to allow for reasonable movement by the dog; and

(3) shall, subject to subsection (c), provide every dog with a reasonable opportunity for exercise outside of a cage at least one (1) time per day.

(c) A commercial dog breeder who permits a dog access to a run at least one (1) time per day has satisfied the exercise requirement described in subsection (b)(3). However, a commercial dog breeder is not required to provide a dog with the opportunity for exercise if exercise would endanger the dog’s life or health.
so yes there is an exercise regulation . As for health guarantees. at least when you purchase from a pet store or hobby breeder you do have recourse if something goes wrong, no so with a shelter or rescue.
Cage requirements are as follows
Measure Dog’s Length
Measure the dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail
– Standing or lying flat
– Measure in a straight line. Do not follow the contours of the dog’s body
– Add 6 to the dog’s length in inches
Dog’s length (in) + 6 = 37 in + 6 = 43 in This is usually where the animal rights people stop.. saying that is how to measure.. nope:Calculate Minimum Floor Space
Multiply sum from step 1 by itself
(Dog’s length (in) + 6) x (Dog’s length (in) + 6) = ____
(37 + 6) x (37 +6) = 1849 sq. in.
1849 sq. in. is minimum amount of floor space in square inches.
Convert to sq. ft. by dividing by 144 1849 = 12.84 sq. ft. floor space
You know who is exempt form these requirements? Shelters and rescues both public or private.

Paula Shepard May 24, 2017 at 11:29 pm

And by the way…those people on a Sunday afternoon who just up and spontaneously decide to get the cute puppy in the window because it is so dang cute (ALL puppies are so dang cute) are the people that are dumping off these dogs at shelters. Easy come, easy go. They get breeds that are inappropriate for their lifestyle (with no caring breeder to advise and guide them- my friend that got the shepherd thought she wanted a rotty, talked to my breeder about them and decided that was not a good choice for her needs and desires right now- what a blessing for her and the puppy that she did not get and ruin) then the dog is seriously a pain in their fanny and they dump it…till the next puppy in the next window. Perhaps the bit more planning and work that finding and dealing with a breeder to get a puppy takes would cause some people not to buy and others to take the pup more seriously and assign it more value.

Paula Shepard May 24, 2017 at 10:52 pm

Al makes good points

BUT…no puppy mill (aka LICENCED breeder is the official term) does health checks for those diseases common to the breed. Only private hobby breeders (usually dog show enthusiasts) do that. The guarantee on these puppy mill dogs is long enough to get them home and never on genetic diseases that may be found as late as two years old. When puppy mill supporters say LICENCED Kennel…that is them trying to confuse people between those excellent hobby breeders and puppy mills.

Puppy mill puppies are often sick or get sick…not always but often, they are more apt to carry genetic problems (as opposed to a hobby breeder puppy) because those things aren’t screened for or considered in breeding unless they are of the nature to prevent the dog from having normal litters of puppies (to sell), they often have behavioral issues because those also aren’t considered in the breeding. They have trauma from the circumstances they were born into and because they are a puppy the scars run deeper and more permanent. And the guarantee lasts what about a week or two and only if you jump through a bunch of hoops (which many people don’t do). Often they claim AKC registration but any purebred enthusiast knows how incredibly easy it is to get papers saying a dog is purebred when it is not…all they need is to start with a couple of dogs that ARE AKC registered…after that it is SO easy to lie and get papers for any dog that they might want to put them on- they don’t even have to be the right breed (and you won’t suspect a thing till that puppy is all grown up). It is INCREDIBLY easy to get papers on a dog that isn’t really purebred.

Shelter dogs are often sick or get sick…not always but often (though the shelter takes care of the majority of that before adoption though). They have a similar rate of genetic problems because a portion of them are discarded puppy mill dogs, and except for a small portion of decently bred purebreds, the rest are careless, thoughtless, can’t be bothered to be responsible street/home breedings with absolutely no checking or consideration of health of either dog. Their temperaments have the same variability as the puppy mill dogs…with the exception that many have been traumatised longer and in different ways and they aren’t little puppies who are harmless …..they can and sometimes do freak out. And there is a guarantee of sorts that the dog is physically healthy when it goes home. It will be altered which is not neccisarily a good thing considering the medical studies out now that tell us that altering (especially pediatrically) is BAD for the growth and long term health of the dogs in a major way. So much so that many people are refusing to get a dog that has been pediatrically altered, some won’t get a dog that is altered at all so that they can make the important decisions about what is in the best interests of the health of that dog.

Then there is the issue of all the thousands of dogs we’re bringing in from other countries (because frankly we no longer have a dog overpopulation problem except for a few key breeds). Those dogs are bringing in illnesses that we have seldom seen and infecting our dogs. Wouldn’t it be just lovely to take your dog into the pet store to get a collar or leash only to have it contract some odd illness from one of these imported shelter dogs (they don’t tell people which are which so no one knows) that your dog has few to no defenses against because we haven’t had them in our country. But, the puppy mill dogs are at risk along with the rest of the dog population…eventually one will make it into a puppy mill and decimate it and before it does there will be puppies that go out to shops carrying the disease and possibly to homes where they will spread it. I know I’ve decided I won’t shop in any store that has shelter dogs for this exact reason. I order my stuff online now. The last thing I need is to knowingly take that risk and have my dogs get sick. No thank you. I won’t even let my dogs around newly adopted from rescue or a shelter dogs just in case. We saw this recently in Stockton where a disease swept through and they had to shut down the shelter and euthanize a bunch of dogs to control the spread.

So I think NO dogs should be sold in stores period. For years now where I’ve lived there are no dogs in stores by law already and we do just fine. There are the shelters and rescues we can choose to go to, there are adoption events, there is online searches of rescues to peruse, there are the excellent hobby breeders if we want a purebred, there are home breeders who do a decent job and there are private pets who are looking for new homes. No one is lacking for a dog that wants one.

Paula Shepard May 24, 2017 at 11:10 pm

And if you want a particular purebred dog…it takes some time and looking but I don’t know anyone who has had a problem yet. My daughter decided she wanted a weimarainer about oh….4 months ago. She did her research, she looked for breeders…oh there’s a few in California. She talked to them all and put a deposit down with one. The litter was just born two weeks ago and she is waiting for them to wean. She will have to drive from the Sac area to Socal..but we’re talking an expensive purebred dog that will be with you for years…a trip can be arranged. Some breeders across the country will ship by air on a nonstop flight to near you…some of them. Other people arrange to take a little vacation and pick their pup up. Want to find a breeder? It’s EASY. Go to a nearby dog show or two and arrange to be there when the breed you are interested in is showing in the ring…then when they are done talk to the handlers or breeders and take a notebook to write down contact info. That is what I did when I first went into purebred dogs, that is what my daughter did while I was showing in the obedience ring several days in a row. That is what several friends have done (and one just got an amazing german shepherd from a great breeder that she is picking up this weekend). It’s not all that hard.

And while they are targeting hobby breeders- that is true…that could change if everyone who loves and wants choice in dogs pushes back on that really hard. Just because we want choice doesn’t mean we have to accept dogs living their lives in cages being baby machines for no better reason than as much profit as possible. If the hobby breeders stay intact we’re all good because we still have rescue as well we can go to. If the hobby breeders are shut down there goes our supply of high quality true purebreds (because the puppy mills sure aren’t producing them). Purebred dogs as we know it are done at that point. And since rescue alters everything….where are our puppies going to come from? Oh yeah…the other countries can ignore their dog problems because they’ll let them keep being produced and someone will drag them over here for people to adopt and that is all the choice we will have. It’s a sobering thought.

Cindy Miynan May 30, 2017 at 5:05 pm

“Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.”
– Oliver Goldsmith

al smith May 24, 2017 at 10:11 pm

Lots of questions here. If pet stores can only sell shelter dog.. who gets the money? who pays for the space used to sell the dogs? What sort of health guarantee is there for these dogs. Many are imports from other countries . Why do we import dogs if we have too many already? 10 “meat dogs” were recently quarantined in LA because they exhibited the canine Asian flu brought to the USA by these dogs and others.. a dog was “imported” with fake papers.. and RABIES. Just today a warning was put out that the canine Asian flu is spreading all over the USA thanks to the importation of dogs not California and elsewhere . Pet store dogs come with a health guarantee . So will the rescues and shelters be giving one as well? What about the stress on the dogs being transported back and forth daily to the shop? will they pick up diseases and bring them into the store? What about the temperament on these adult dogs? any thought given to that.. will there be a house check for each adult dog? Pet stores only sell puppies so they are more able to adjust to a new environment. Will all of the dogs be tested for whatever diseases their bred is prone to? will the shelters be doing that? What liability will the store owner have if an adult dog is sold and it bites someone? so many questions .. and not one single answer. just lots of emotion and mistruths

Leslie May 24, 2017 at 7:38 pm

Despite what Mr. Salinas claims, banning stores like his that sell puppies from mass-producing mills will have ZERO impact on consumer choice, as this bill does not effect local or reputable breeders. Pet stores get their pets from puppy mills. According to USDA standards, the length of a body-plus 6 inches, is an appropriate amount of living space for a companion animal living an entire life in a puppy mill. Unfortunately, this is perfectly legal. Although these dogs are considered companion animals, when living in puppy mills, these animals fall under the jurisdiction of LIVESTOCK. Oh, and those “heavily regulated” kennel inspection reports are no longer available to the public.

al smith May 24, 2017 at 9:59 pm

It is sad when people believe all of the hype the animal rights groups put out to make money and line their pockets. Of course this will have an impact on consumers choice as local breeders have heavy restrictions put upon them and in some places like Long beach hobby breeding is illegal. Pet sites get their puppies from commercial pet breeders. The same people that you trust to inspect your food inspect the commercial breeders. There is page after page of requirements and rules that breeders have to follow and , no, commercial breeder do not consider dogs livestock and neither does the law. The standard for crate and kennel run size is not body length plus six inches it is body length plus six inches squared.. so a 14 inch dog would be 20 x20 or 11 sq ft and that is just for the housing Each dog MUST have an exercise plan.. the ambient temperature cannot be over 85 or under 50 each MUST see vet at least once a year.. that is probably more than many house dogs get. All inspections are available to the public just file a FOIA like anyone else has to do

Shari May 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

How are they controlling ambient temperature when many of the dogs are housed outdoors?

Cindy Miynan May 30, 2017 at 5:01 pm

The only people who want puppy mills to continue and who are for pet shops selling these animals, all animals, are the ones making money.

Elizabeth May 24, 2017 at 10:13 pm

The kennel inspection reports are TEMPORARILY offline in order to redact personal information such as home addresses of professional dog breeders because those who have swallowed the propaganda of the animal rights extremists were using the kennel inspection reports as a hit list to harass and attack breeders. There have been reports of vandalism, theft and even MURDER committed against breeders. USDA is attempting to protect people from the terrorists who believe all dog breeding should be stopped.

aliceinlalaland May 24, 2017 at 10:50 pm

yes and those same people are the ones pushing this bill.

Valerie May 25, 2017 at 4:47 pm

I disagree with Elizabeth. People should have the right to public records of a government agency that’s supposed to protect both consumers and animals. Potential puppy buyers can’t research the breeder’s inspection reports. If I buy new tires I can look up the ratings on consumer reports and customer’s reviews. It’s not possible to find out if the breeder is violating the Animal Welfare Act because of the USDA blackout. You are jumping to a conclusion to say “animal rights extremists”are responsible for murder! It could have been a jealous lover, a jealous breeder, etc.!

Cindy Miynan May 30, 2017 at 5:03 pm

And the only ones who have any common sense. What gives you the right to make animals live in horrific conditions.

al smith May 24, 2017 at 10:31 pm

Want to see and inspection? file a FOIA.. that is what any citizens has to do. Where’s to start with your misinformation? The USDA inspects your food. I guess if we trust them with our lives we can trust them with our dogs. and you are wrong about the measurement and each dog MUST have an exercise program and a veterinary program, every single one of them The ambient temperature in each facility must be between 50 and 85 degrees.. no higher and no lower. O’donnell did not get both of his dogs at the shelter he even lies about that.. one of his dogs was given to him by a person who was thinking about talking it to the shelter.. he even said that.. I heard him.. geez loads of derogatory comments passed around in this article no of which are true Fraud? if that is true then they should be prosecuted fraud is a crime.. as an attorney he should know that and should have to prove his statement.”Anyone who wants a purebred anyone can get them from a reputable breeder, ” now that is a real joke, hobby breeding of dogs is under fire in our state with many cities making even the breeding of one litter per year illegal. Want an Irish Terrier or a Keeshond? sure just run down to your local shelter or local hobby breeder. They are everywhere ( not) Maltese and Manchester terriers are found in every shelter .. just ask. ( not). Want a non shedding dog. Just ask your local shelter which ones don;t shed .. they have all sorts of them ( not) want to know what breed your dog is? or how big it will be when it grows up.. ask your local shelter ( not) Shelter dogs are fine but they are NOT for everyone. We should have a choice. and every dog sold should have a health guarantee ( like pet store dog do and hobby breeders dogs do.. shelters? not so much.. rescues? hardly ever) Shelters and rescues have no rules or regulations to follow. they are basically a crap shoot but even a crap shoot should be a choice but not your only one

Rebecca Hutchins May 28, 2017 at 7:24 am

Actually the USDA doesn’t inspect ALL food. Besides that ridiculous comment, how many USDA approved breeding facilities have been shut down? You care only about the money, not the animals, period.

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