Each year in Hampton Roads, thousands of companion animals arrive in animal shelters. Surrendered by their owners, brought in as strays or seized by humane law enforcement, many of these animals go on to find new homes with an adoptive family.
Sadly, thousands do not.
Each year in Hampton Roads, over 20,000 companion animals are euthanized in animal shelters in our region.
So why are we allowing more animals to be imported into our area to be offered for sale in area pet stores?
Who We Are
We are Citizens of Virginia Beach who oppose commercial puppy mills. We are school teachers, truck drivers, veterinary care providers as well as animal lovers that have taken a stand against this horrible business where profits are more important than doing what's right for the animals. Many of us are active members of the Hampton Roads animal welfare community and witness the sad results of a society where there are too many pets and not enough homes for them all.
Puppy Mills = Mass Production
Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding operations that produce puppies, by the hundreds and thousands each year. Unlike hobby-breeders or professional breeders, these operations turn out thousands of dogs that are offered for sale in pet stores costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Puppy Mills = Mass Misery
The worst part of this operation is, the cute little puppy in the pet store was born to a mother-dog that will live out her entire life in a cage-never being socialized with humans, never being let out to exercise and in most cases, she has spent her entire producing litter after litter.
Learn more about the commercial puppy-mill operations by visiting these websites:
www.stoppuppymills.org
Prisoners of Greed
Main Line Animal Rescue
Pet Store Cruelty
These Dogs are NOT Locally Bred!
Photo Credit: Jane Lauter-Katoskie
Despite claims to the contrary, virtually none of the dogs offered for sale in pet stores come from "local breeders". They are in the case of "Puppyville" as well as other pets stores in Virginia Beach, purchased from the Hunte Corporation, the largest broker of puppies in America.
In some instances, these puppies are taken from their mothers as early as 4-weeks of age and begin a long, stressful journey that ends at puppy stores.
The suffering doesn't end there. The puppies mother is left behind only to breed another litter of puppies so the entire process can begin again-if she is able.
Don't support the market that supports these large-scale operations!
By choosing to adopt from a shelter rather than buying from a pet store, you will eliminate the consumer demand for puppy mills and you will save animal lives! The fact is, when you buy a pet from a retail pet store, not only are you paying hundreds of dollars more than you need to for a new pet, you are supporting puppy mills.
Long & Dangerous Trips
Photo Credit: CBS News
Puppies from puppy mills don't "travel in comfort" as some might claim. They are packed into the backs of semi-trailers for trips of over 1000 miles, some puppies are confined for days in these conditions.
In some instances, the puppies never make it to their final destination at all.
There have been cases of drivers who leave their trucks for a period of time or in the worst case, a semi-trailer catches fire and every puppy is lost.
In 2006, a semi-trailer owned and operated by the Hunte Corporation caught fire on the Mass Pike (I-90) near the town of Lowell and all 60 puppies died.
Expensive Pet Might Not Be Healthy
There have been many cases of sick animals sold for top-dollar at pet stores or from irresponsible breeders. Respiratory problems, genetic defects such as hip dysplasia and other diseases can be common.
Many times, pet owners who spend thousands on a new puppy could be asked to pay thousands more in veterinary bills to care for a sick animal.
Should the pet owner decide to take the pet back to the pet store, they might honor thier return policy-and give you another sick puppy.
Read what one investigative journalist team discovered.
Dollar for Dollar, Shelter Pets Win!
If you look at the Sunday classified section of the paper or visit a pet store, you will see dogs and cats that range in price from $300.00 to $1500.00.
When you consider the cost of the pet, pet supplies and required veterinary care, your costs can rocket higher by the end of the process!
Compare that to the cost of a shelter pet that can cost anywhere from $75.00 to $150.00 that includes:
All Required Shots
Pre-Registered Microchip
Spay/Neuter Surgery
Lifetime Return
Not only do shelter pets cost less, every shelter will take a pet back should your circumstances ever change and you need to return your pet-a pet store usually does not allow returns after 30 days.
Follow these links for Hampton Roads based animal controls, private shelters, and rescue groups.
Puppy Lemon Laws Source: HSUS
Virginia State Law stipulates the purchaser has ten days to have the dog or cat declared unfit due to illness. The consumer can get a refund or an exchange not to exceed purchase price. The reimbursement must occur within ten business days.
Kennel/Breeder Regulations
Licensing & Inspections: No license required (Individual counties, cities, or towns may establish permit fees of no more than $50); inspections may be conducted upon complaint.
Covered Operations: Animal shelter. Also includes any business premises where animals are housed or kept, including any boarding establishment, kennel, pet shop, pound, or the business premises of any dealer, exhibitor, or groomer.
Agency Charged with Oversight: State Veterinarian for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Coverage Information: Sanitation, veterinary care, space, shelter, nutrition, humane care, exercise, transportation
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