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Friday, December 19, 2003
Ottawa – In early December, the Ontario SPCA rescued 63 dogs from an alleged puppy mill in Bruce County where the small breed dogs were being kept in stacks of wire cages in extremely unsanitary and appalling conditions. Over the last two years, the Ontario SPCA has rescued more than 1,000 dogs from more than 90 suspected puppy mills.In an effort to help the public avoid the purchase of puppy mill dogs, the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) has developed a Checklist for Acquiring a Dog, an invaluable list of criteria to consider when acquiring a dog from a shelter, a breeder, a pet store or any other source.
Among other key points, the NCAC's checklist urges Canadians to assess the cleanliness of the breeding and housing facilities and the general physical appearance of the dogs; to enquire about health records; and to ensure they obtain proper documentation, including a bill of sale and/or the proper registration to protect themselves and their new companion.
“Acquiring a dog is a serious decision – one that shouldn't be taken impulsively,” says Bryan Hocking, CEO of the Canadian Kennel Club. “To avoid the heartbreak that often comes with acquiring a dog from a puppy mill, the NCAC urges Canadians to seriously consider where they will get their next canine companion.”
Puppy mills have proliferated in Canada over the last decade, since regulations for the import of puppies from the United States were tightened up several years ago. Recent efforts in several provinces have led to a number of high profile seizures of puppy mill dogs, but these facilities are still rampant from coast to coast. Puppy mills typically produce large numbers of purebred or mixed breed puppies in poor, unhygienic conditions. A typical puppy mill can consist of rows of wire cages, often filthy and full of excrement. Puppies raised in mills are usually unsociable and unhealthy, resulting in behavioural problems and genetic defects. In addition, the adult breeding dogs in mills generally serve a life sentence confined in a cage, never seeing the light of day or knowing the joy of human companionship.
“As long as the public continues to buy puppies from substandard facilities, these disgusting operations will continue to profit and proliferate,” says Bob Van Tongerloo, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies. “With all the recent publicity about puppy mills, however, we believe that Canadians are more concerned than ever about the issue. The checklist will give them the important guidance they need to make responsible decisions when acquiring their new dogs.”
About the NCAC – The NCAC is a partnership of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Canadian Kennel Club and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada. The Coalition was formed in 1996 to promote socially responsible pet ownership and enhance the health and well being of companion animals. In addition to the checklist, the NCAC has produced a number of helpful tools for Canadians, including sample municipal animal control bylaws, and a website on the subject of children and dog bite prevention (www.dogsandkids.ca).