I think a lot of us are uneasy talking about puppy mills because the definitions are so erratic. Some people have dogs to make money. I don't have a problem with that because some people raise cats, cows, emus etc. to make money. I have a problem with anyone who raises animals and doesn't clean their living quarters, feed them, vet them, water them etc. properly. I may treat my pup like a child (I do) but I don't expect this of everyone, I do expect people I deal with to treat their animals decently, whatever that animal is. I abhor the things I've seen on Opra or 60 minutes, even our local news with starving, mistreated horses and dogs. I'd turn someone in for it - but it's animal abuse, short and simple. That is something I think most people could agree on, and if that was the definition used to fight for animals, instead of their making money, over breeding their dogs, etc., I think you would find more people willing to agree to that.
I wish more of these groups could start out on a more common basis and maybe, just maybe, more people would support the efforts of good people trying to make a difference.
Okay - that's it - my $.01 worth, and off my chest. |