North Carolina pet stores join fight against puppy mills
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RALEIGH – Some North Carolina pet stores have taken the Humane Society's Puppy Friendly Pledge to take a stand against puppy mills by not selling puppies. The stores are encouraging customers to adopt animals instead of buying them.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates there are 200 to 300 puppy mills in North Carolina where dogs are kept confined for continuous breeding in often crowded and filthy conditions.
“The puppy mills treat them like livestock,” said Amy Haithcock, owner of a pet store in Raleigh. “The puppy mills pump them out as fast as they can. If they have too many or they get too old, the shelf life of a puppy runs out, we don't want to think about what happens to them.”
The following retailers have recently signed the Puppy Friendly Pledge not to sell puppies:
• Phydeaux (Chapel Hill)
• Pet Innovation (Greensboro)
• Gourmutt's Bakery and Boutique (Raleigh)
• Unleashed the Dog Store (Raleigh)
• Wag Pet Boutique (Raleigh)
• Dog Gone Crazy (Wilmington)
Stores that sign the pledge commit to promoting reputable dog breeders and adopting homeless pets.
“We actually, unfortunately, see a lot of animals come into our shelter because people can't afford to take care of their animals plus buy gifts for their children,” Gabi Wladyka, of Wake Animal Control and Adoption, said.
Haithcock said she hopes by not selling puppies, more dog lovers will understand the dangers of puppy mills.
“Anyone we can bring awareness to, they can find that dog they're looking for in a rescue, in a shelter,” she said. “I hope it helps a little bit.”
Animal rights activists are pushing Senate Bill 460, legislation to better protect against puppy mills. If passed, it will give authority to the Department of Agriculture to establish standards for the care of animals at commercial breeding operations.