The municipal council of the town of Sacramento, California, just passed a law requiring pet shops to use animals from shelters and not from breeders.[caption id="attachment_35827" align="alignnone" width="800"]
Volunteers with the Sacramento SPCA playing with dogs saved from a Korean farm. Source: Sacramento SPCA[/caption]With this new decision, the city is hoping to slow down, or even end intensive breeding of cats, dogs and rabbits (the three species concerned by the new law.) Gina Knepp, the director of Front Street Animal Shelter, explainedto the local channel KCRA:
In many cities, animals are brought in from other states, from ‘puppy mills,’ where they live a horrific life -- especially the breeder mothers, in cages their entire lives.
While the new regulation is mostly symbolic, as most pet shops in the city already get their animals from shelters, it could help passAssembly Bill 485, a similar law that would apply to all of California, the most populated state in the country.
Source: Sacramento SPCA
For those who wish to adopt a particular breed, it's still possible to go to a breeder. Pam Brann, a professional breeder, explained how she cares for her dogs:
We take care of them, we nurture them, we watch them from day one. My puppies are born in my front room.
Pam, who is the president of the Sacramento Council of Dog Clubs, a local group of dog breeders, who devote themselves to the well-being of their dogs, before and after they're bought. She counsels buyers and guides them, and offers to take animals back if for whatever reason their new family can't care for them.
Source: Sacramento SPCA
A number of ethical breeders, concerned about the well-being of animals exist. To assure that they are serious and that conditions are good, it's usually possible to visit them on location.However, tens of thousands of dogs and cats end up in shelters each year, either due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. Consider adopting before you shop, and visit your local shelters before going to a breeder. Every dog and cat deserves a fair chance at a forever home.If you live in England, you can visit the RSPCA, and if you live in the United States, you can visit the ASPCA to get more information about pets available for adoption.
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