"Dog About Town"
Canine-Related Businesses
IMPORTANT NOTICES / HEALTH ISSUES [6]
Carpet Burweed (Soliva Sessilis) - this invasive plant is a winter weed originating from Chile, that was first sighted in B.C. at Ruckle Park on Saltspring Island in 1997, then Rathtrevor, French Beach, D'Arcy Island (Parks Can), Thetis Lake and now, Beacon Hill Park in 2005.
Learn how to recognize this plant, which is very dangerous to pets and keep your dogs away.
Beware of Poisonous Garden Mulch - Deadly to Dogs & Pets
Shut Down Puppy Mills
108 - 800 Kelly Road, Suite #419, Victoria, B.C. V9B 6J9
E-mail: info@shutdownpuppymills.com
No Puppy Mills Canada
E-mail: npmc@shaw.ca
What is a Puppy Mill?
The term "puppy mill" describes a breeding operation in which dogs are repeatedly bred for financial gain and are kept in substandard conditions. Puppy mill dogs are often confined to small cages for their entire lives and commonly suffer from various infections and parasites. A puppy mill cannot meet the needs of a dog and is a form of cruelty.
These substandard conditions and a non-scientific approach to breeding, often leads to chronic health and behavioural problems in the puppies. These problems can result in high vet bills and emotional stress for the dogs' owners.
They sell primarily to retail pet shops (usually via a broker), but occasionally sell directly to individual consumers. Dogs are bred solely for profit, with no concern for their physical health or psychological well-being - most are disease-ridden; all are force-bred continuously. They often use "Kennels" or "Farms" in its business name. Dogs' and puppies' are usually in squalid living conditions and are off-limits to the public.
The Laws in Canada
It's a shocking and sad fact that antiquated Canadian laws have yet to declare puppy mills illegal. Canada's cruelty laws do not protect mill dogs, unless they are in terrible conditions! Our government does not regulate commercial breeders as they do in the U.S., which means that they cannot be tracked, so we don't know who they are, where they are and what they are up to!
If you suspect you have been to a mill or have been to a breeders home that you are not happy with, please phone your local SPCA immediately. Without taking action, nothing will happen, it's up to those who witness cruelty to report it.
Shockingly, Canada's Cruelty to Animals Act (criminal code 444-447) has remained largely unchanged since it's inception in 1892. While provincial laws vary, the federal legislation sets uniformed standards for care, handling, disposal of animals and transporting them in and out of Canada.
Please educate yourself about the inadequacies of current legislation, because education and your voice is the road to positive change and better protection for our best friends.
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