Puppies should not be auctioned

May 06, 2008 07:40 am

— A few weeks ago we saw an advertisement in the newspaper put in by Living Water Church. They had an auction and were auctioning off two American Kennel Club registered golden retriever puppies. We are asking that people think twice about doing something like this. It may seem innocent enough, but this is a very irresponsible act for these reasons:
• Anybody can get their hands on these puppies and use them for purposes that are inhumane. People come from as far as Chicago and up into Michigan to get puppies. They are taken to pet shops, sold to puppy mills, taken to research labs or used as “bait” in dog fighting rings. These things do happen around here!
• Our shelters are full of dogs that were bought on impulse. Later the owners realize that they weren’t ready for a dog and that they can’t keep it. Please don’t add more dogs to our shelters!
• We have a huge pet overpopulation problem. If every dog or cat in shelters in the United States had a home, we’d all have 45 pets! Anyone who sells puppies should contract that they get spayed or neutered.
We realize that the people from the church meant no harm. This is just a reminder to those who have puppies to find homes for. No responsible breeder would ever give up puppies at an auction. Anyone selling puppies should screen the potential new owners to ensure their safety and well being. If you are going to allow your dogs and cats to become pregnant, please be responsible about finding good homes for them. The best options are to spay and neuter.
— Jill Mays, Angie Wright, Kim Evans of New Hope Pet Rescue
Syracuse
Dianne James
president
Midwest Prairie Dog Shelter Inc.
Kelly Wedehase, Syracuse
Wendy Hite, New Paris
Megan August, Goshen
Stephanie Little, Goshen
Lori Hoover, Goshen
Terri Scott, Greenwood
Tim Gulley, Fort Wayne
Darcy Barr, Larwill
Betsy Likens, North Webster
Deb. Lewis, Goshen
Tina Weaver, Goshen
Debi Stichter, Goshen
Dian Schwartz, Milford
Jackie Bushong, Atwood