Puppies don't matter!
Photo Credits
Obtaining photos for this website was not difficult. I obtained most from
ALV websites. I also obtained some from the RSPCA and OscarsLaw.org.
Deciding who to credit was not as easy though, since the same photos
appear on so many websites that they appear to have entered the public domain. Thus,
the original source is difficult to establish.
However, I have done the best I can under the circumstances, being confident
that the original photographers will appreciate that my motive is only to help
reverse the totally cruel & untenable situations that so many companion
animals are currently sentenced to in Australia. Should anyone wish to be acknowledged
as the photographer behind any specific photo, please contact me and I will be happy to oblige.
Similarly, should anyone who owns any of the photos wish me to take their photos off this site, I will
be happy to do so once they have proven copyright.
250,000 abandoned companions killed each year in Australia!
All real dog lovers, when they first acquire a new dog, whether it is a puppy or older dog
and whether it comes from a shelter or breeder, know that they will care for that dog
for the rest of its life and (very sadly) have it euthanased when it can no longer lead a
happy, healthy life.
However, in Australia, over 250,000 healthy but unwanted dogs & cats are put down each year.
About 130,000 to 140,000 of these are dogs. The vast majority are healthy, active dogs whose
owners no longer want them or are unable to care for them.
These dogs are given the final, lethal injection because shelters & welfare
organisations are just not able to find enough homes to place them in. Shelters do a wonderful
job in re-homing about 30,000 abandoned, unwanted pets each year. But 140,000 dogs (not to
mention all the cats) .......? You might well ask "Why so many?"
This is a complex question and the answer is not a simple one.
Reasons vary but almost always they come down to some or all of the following:
- Supply of puppies exceeds real demand. Real demand is demand from genuine dog lovers who
understand that puppies are not always perfect, that they are expensive and time consuming
to keep and that they will sometimes have to sacrifice holidays or social outings
for the good of their canine companion.
There is a very sinister cause of this over-supply: puppy factories.
- Puppies are too readily available.
There are many people who buy a puppy and think later.
Without understanding the nature or needs of dogs and the care responsible owners take
to ensure these needs are met, these people see a puppy and buy it on impulse.
Some do this because they are being pressured by their children, some because a neighbour
has a litter of puppies that he or she wants to get rid of and others might just be looking for a
gift for another person and see a puppy advertised on the 'net. But most see a cute little
puppy in a pet shop and buy it on impulse.
- By law in most states, anyone can buy a puppy. This means a child, a person who has no appropriate
place to keep a dog or someone who has no time to exercise a dog can buy a puppy. So it is left up to the seller
to decide if each buyer would be a suitably responsible dog owner. If profit
is the motive in selling the puppy the good of the puppy will not be taken into consideration.
- Education of prospective puppy owners is frequently overlooked. A responsible breeder will
ask questions to determine if a prospective buyer will make a good owner and will give the new owner any
information they need to take good care of the puppy throughout its life. Owners of puppy factories don't care who buys their puppies and will not give
any information in animal care.Nor will a pet shop that
is only interested in profit provide any education.
- Many, many puppies come with no care guidelines and no after sales service. RSPCA,
most animal shelters and breeders give to the new owner, an assessment of the animal's
personality and temperament. They also provide new owners with guidelines for feeding
and general care. Responsible breeders often remain in contact with the new owners
long after the puppy or dog goes to its new home. But people who have bought a puppy
factory dog need to find their own help for
all these things.
You have the power to help stop this dreadful situation.
Write to your MPs, backyard breeders and places where puppies are sold.
Or use a letter from
this website.
You can either:
- View Letter Choices and select a letter to
download right now. (You will need Adobe Reader); or
- View Letter Choices, decide on the one you want then
go to the survey screen. There you will fill in your name and address and nominate the letter you want.
I will then personalise your letter and email it back to you.
