My Pet World: Research offers hope for feline heart problems
Laws to ban pet store sales of dogs, cats and rabbits are sweeping the country. So far, despite the best efforts of puppy mill representatives and pet store conglomerates, these laws continue to pass. Meanwhile, the federal government has started placing restrictions on online sales of live animals, though they don't go nearly far enough.
You do what you can. If anyone can take action to deter puppy mills, why wouldn't they? Also, each time legislation limiting pet store sales passes, there's a flurry of public education about where to purchase pets, which is a very good thing.
Regarding veterinary association opposition to laws banning pet stores from selling cats, dogs and rabbits, most veterinarians and veterinary technicians I know support the bans and want to see puppy mills go away. Check out the newly-launched Facebook page, Veterinary Professionals Against Puppy Mills: www.facebook.com/vpapmusa. Anyone can join the page.
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Q: There are many rescue organizations and they're all online. We want to rescue a dog, but you've written that there are hoarders and puppy mills in disguise online, and places like petfinder might include them. It's all very confusing. Can you help? -- S.P., San Diego, CA
A: "Never buy a pet from an unknown source," says Mike Arms, president of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Santa Fe, CA. "Wherever you go to get a dog, visit the place in person where the pet lives. An animal shelter or private home -- it doesn't matter. Don't rely on visiting virtually. Look at the place and the conditions (under which) the animals are living."
Also, not all individual pets are the right match for all families.
"Falling in love with a picture isn't the same as the real thing," adds Arms, also the founder of the Business of Saving Lives animal welfare conference, held annually in San Diego.
For example, if a pet is fearful, you may still decide to adopt or purchase, but at least you know what you're getting into. Purchases via the Internet lead to many unwelcome surprises, and people can end up unknowingly supporting puppy mills.
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