Pet Shops

[jamaica_dreamin]

Like I said in another thread, a friend is looking for a bird.

I was at local flea market kind of place today. There was a booth / partially enclosed selling birds, bunnies and Chihauhau puppies. The birds condition did not look to bad. But the puppies and bunnies looked bad. (especially the bunnies) I can see buying a bird cage there but a live animal????

I was not impressed with the conditions (to the point that I called Animal Care & Regulation on my way home.)

I was also in a bird specialty shop (very $$$ but good conditions).

We also stopped at Pet super Market. They had bunnies. They had kitties from the county shelter. The conditions looked good too.

So why would some one buy from a "pet shop" at the flea market??

[Nanook]

Re: Pet Shops

Isn't it sad! I told you about the 5 week old MinPin babies i saw in a flea market in Texas that had their ears cropped and though waaaay to young to even be away from mom, were there for sale.

Those sellers do the ears themselves with no anesthesia. And yes, people buy fro those places!

Better she buy from a private breeder, or someone who has one that needs re-home for good reason.

I rescued an Orange Wing Amazon a few years back. He was sorely neglected but a very nice bird. I kept him for a year or so until I found the absolute most perfect home where he lived out his days getting 3 squares cooked for him a day. His name was Popeye, but not long after he moved in to his new home, where the lady had another bird, he soon had a new name, because "Popeye" started laying eggs! Her new name was "Little Debbie".

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Pet Shops

I think she will keep looking unless the Wild Life Rescue gets what she wants. She is on their waiting list for a hand fed baby.

I never would have known that there were rescues / adoptions centers for birds.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Pet Shops

I have been making some phone calls re the flea market pet shop.

The humane society said they have been getting a lot of calls about it. They told me to call the city code enforcement. I left them a voicemail.

The wild life rescue said they get calls daily. They said a superviser will call me back. They mentioned involving the BSO (county sheriff).

A rescue group suggested that I call the Florida Department of Agriculture. They said "the conditions must be handled on a local level" They said if some one buys a pet and they do not give them a certificate of health the person could file a complaint. Not much help at all.

[23JAM00]

Re: Pet Shops

the red tape involved in getting the Dept of Ag to help is sporadic at best....
On Father's Day there was a car parked on a main thoroughfare down here selling boxer pups from a car..... that happens alot round these parts..... sitting in a car selling puppies.....jerks

[Tulip]

Re: Pet Shops

I would not buy from a pet store again.

About 9 years ago, I was walking through a pet store in Cumberland Mall. I have always done that since I was a child; I simply cannot resist.

I saw an english cocker spaniel who I insisted made special eye contact with me and wanted me to go back and get him. (Yes, I know how it sounds.) Next day, I did. I gave him to my parents who were searching for a dog.

He had all sorts of health problems and I later found out that he was indeed from a puppy mill. He only lived 8 years which is a very short time based on how long our dogs normally live. Excellent temperament but very poor health. He even developed the hip ailment thing before he was 3.

That pet store has since been closed. I am sure there are reputable pet stores, but I just can't deal with the "not knowing" again. You know it really felt easier when you just bought your pet from somebody whose dog accidentally got knocked up.

[Nanook]

Re: Pet Shops

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am sure there are reputable pet stores</div></div>

Let me help clarify a little...

No reputable pet store will be selling dogs as brokers for breeders. There are a few circumstances that I know of as acceptable examples of buying at a commercial establishment.

One is a boarding and grooming facility that is owned by an ethical breeder and exhibitor of the breed she promotes. She does the health testing and only breeds the best to the best and screens potential puppy parents and has strict contracts with obligations for both buyer and seller. Another example is someone who might own a grooming shop that also carries supplies and pets. Also owned by a person like described in the first example.

So, in short...an ethical breeder would never ever consider dealing with a person that is in the business of buying puppies for resale.

I say all of this so that anyone reading who is thinking of getting a puppy and doesn't know the horrors of wholesaling dogs can maybe gain some insight as to where not to get one, and start looking in the right places. If all puppy buyers were aware of this, there would not even be any puppy mills.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Pet Shops

I have contacted a bunny rescue and a Chihauhau rescue. They are telling me to go in there and take photos and make a scene. (not sure I'm quite ready for that).

I have to pick up our bird at the wild life center today. No one ever called me back about the flea market. I'm going to to try to get some help and advice there. I think I can talk them into go out there and looking at the situation.

I will call BSO myself today. (I just tried but the no one answered the &quot;non emergency&quot; number).

This is not over by a long shot.

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Pet Shops

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nanceejay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the red tape involved in getting the Dept of Ag to help is sporadic at best....
On Father's Day there was a car parked on a main thoroughfare down here selling boxer pups from a car..... that happens alot round these parts..... sitting in a car selling puppies.....jerks </div></div>

If you have rescue contacts in the area I would love it if they would call an complain too.

I bet most So Flo people can guess which flea market.


The more people who complain the better. You can PM me for the info.

If I had deep pockets I would start buying some of the animals and bring them to rescues. (but I would hate to give them more blood money)

[jamaica_dreamin]

Re: Pet Shops

I say all of this so that anyone reading who is thinking of getting a puppy and doesn't know the horrors of wholesaling dogs can maybe gain some insight as to where not to get one, and start looking in the right places. If all puppy buyers were aware of this, there would not even be any puppy mills.

Nanook,

Did you see the show on TV (I can't recall if it was 20/20 or 60 minutes) on the puppy mills in Tiajuana?
I know that they are in the US too.

[Nanook]

Re: Pet Shops

Good morning JD. No, I didn't see the 60 mins show but I intentionally avoid such broadcasts. I never even look at the cruelty photos and videos because simply put, I cannot take it. It all sickens me to no end and I am constantly amazed at how prevalent puppy mills are. There are several in Minnesota and are very common in many other states. Oklahoma is a very active state, and Missouri is another. Around 5 years ago I was shocked to hear how an application for a breeding facility for up to 500 dogs was approved in central Mn. NOBODY can take care of 500 dogs!