Beware of puppy mills

To the Editor,

I would like to warn readers about the dangers of purchasing their next dog.

Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers. They are inhumane, designed to maximize profits, and commonly disregard the physical, social, and emotional health of the dogs in their facilities.

Puppy mills lurk behind the behind websites, ads in the local newspaper, even behind the doors of a nearby pet store. The best way to stop puppy mills from continuing their abuse is for consumers to stop buying the puppies they breed. Many people think they are "rescuing" a puppy by buying one-don't be fooled, you're just creating space for another puppy to be sold. Never buy a dog unless you can see for yourself where he or she was born, how the parents are kept, and what condition all the dogs are in.

Check out these websites: www.stoppuppymills.com, and The Humane Society of the Unites States' www.hsus.org.

The best place to get your next pet is the local animal shelter. These shelter animals have already been spayed or neutered, and have received all their vaccinations and veterinary checkups. Purebred rescue groups are another excellent resource for finding a dog. Links are available at www.petfinder.org and www.pets911.com.

People who love dogs need to help stop them from being mistreated by making sure they aren't supporting puppy mills.
Mary Jamison
Campbell