Dog gone

How could something even as simple and harmless as buying a puppy by the catalyst for anger and a national media campaign?

All you have to do is ask pop star Britney Spears and The Humane Society of the U.S. after the singer reportedly bought a Yorkshire Terrier puppy last week.

According to what I was told by the Humane Society's national mouthpiece Rodi Rosensweig on Monday, apparently Spears spent $3,000 at a pet store in Bel Air, Calif., for her pup after spending less than 30 minutes in the shop.

So now, the Humane Society is "extremely concerned" not only that the pop star bought a dog from a pet store, but also that she apparently took little time to make such a major decision.

According to Stephanie Shain, The HSUS director of outreach for companion animals: "Ms. Spears is setting a damaging example to the public. Most dogs sold in pet stores come from puppy mills -- factory-like facilities, churning out purebred and 'designer' puppies in large numbers. Puppy mills look only to make a profit; commonly disregard the dog's physical and emotional health; and do not adhere to sound breeding practices. The result is often sick or dying puppies who suffer from genetic, mental and physical problems that are not immediately apparent. The consequence is always breeding dogs left for years suffering in cages. Every time someone purchases a dog from a pet store, they risk perpetuating the horrendous business of puppy mills."

In addition, I'm told The HSUS also is concerned that Spears took little time to choose the right dog.

"Choosing a dog is a major lifestyle decision that should not be taken lightly," Shain said.

"We suggest that people take time to choose this new member of their family, and to be sure they are working with a reputable breeder."

She said even though most pet stores are adamant they do not support puppy mills and that the dogs they sell are strictly from "reputable breeders."

However, Shain believes many people who buy their puppies from a pet store end up with a very ill animal.

The HSUS message to Spears is simple: "We're sure you don't want your money supporting animal cruelty by buying a puppy-mill puppy. If you send us a copy of your dog's papers, we'd be happy to look into the situation for you."

The Humane Society is using the Spears' puppy situation to raise awareness about puppy purchases with the following facts:

* Approximately one-third of the nation's 11,000 pet stores sell puppies.

* The HSUS estimates 2 to 4 million puppy mill dogs are sold each year in the United States.

* Puppy-mill puppies are more likely to have severe health problems, genetic defects and behavioral issues.

* Documented puppy-mill conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialization.

* Dogs kept for breeding in puppy mills suffer for years, being bred as often as possible, and are killed, sold through auctions like a used car, or abandoned when they are no longer useful to the mill operator.

* The Internet has become another tool for puppy mills. Pet stores and some breeders use attractive Web sites to hide the truth and to dupe the public into thinking they are dealing with a reputable breeder.

* Reputable breeders never sell puppies over the Internet or through a pet store and will insist on meeting the family who will be buying the dog.

* Puppy mills drastically contribute to the millions of unwanted dogs euthanized at shelters every year.

* Never buy a dog from a pet store. Visit a shelter where one of four dogs is a purebred, or find a breed rescue group.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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