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Sierra Vista needs to have ordinance on puppy sales

Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Sep 21, 2008 - 05:25:16 am MST

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To the Editor:

In recent weeks, we have seen an ever increasing number of puppies for sale in the Wal-Mart area parking lot and along Fry Boulevard. In spite of the heat (tarps for shade do not protect these young dogs from the heat generated by the asphalt of the lot), irresponsible people are parking and offering these puppies to anyone with the cash to take the puppy off their hands. It is appalling to see such young animals subjected to this type of treatment.

Additionally, the potential buyers have no way to tell if these puppies are healthy and up to date on their vaccinations, health checks, etc., and have no recourse if the puppy falls ill after it has been bought. With the recent increase in Parvo virus, these puppies are even more susceptible because of their exposure to the general public in such a venue.

These puppy sellers have no concern for the welfare of their dogs and are just using this as a fast way to get cash for puppies that probably should not have been produced. These buyers have even used their young children to approach total strangers trying to convince them to purchase a puppy. There is no concern for the future of these puppies and no screening of suitable prospective homes. I wonder how many of these “impulse buys” will wind up in the animal shelter at the expense of every taxpayer?

A responsible breeder will screen potential homes, provide health certificates from their vet as well as proof of health testing on the parents of the puppies and never sell a puppy before the age of 8 weeks. Most importantly, the responsible breeder will guarantee to take back any puppy that does not work out. Conscientious breeders take responsibility for each dog they produce, for the life of the dog. These are the dogs that do not wind up in the animal shelters.

State law CH305/HB2485 makes it illegal to sell puppies and kittens in any public place, but this law only applies to larger cities in the state. We urge the Sierra Vista City Council pass a similar city ordinance to protect these young animals as well as serve to reduce the potential increase of animals in the shelter.

People who are looking for a suitable family pet have many options — adopting at the local shelter, adopting from animal or breed rescue groups or purchasing from responsible breeder.

Buying a puppy from the parking lot or on the side of the road is asking for trouble and heartache.

Charlotte Borghardt

On behalf of the Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club Board of Directors

Sierra Vista

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Langer wrote on Sep 22, 2008 6:53 PM:

" I can't imagine anyone paying for a parking lot puppy. If you want a purebred you should go to a reputable breeder. As for myself, I've willingly paid the "adoption fees" that include vaccinations and neutering from the pound and I've gotten great dogs every time. I also have one I took in after he was dumped out here in the boonies. He had clearly been abused before he was dumped. It's likely he was once one of those parking lot puppies. He's a sweetheart who is absolutely appreciative of "our" home now. "

Kenny Lanza member GSVKC wrote on Sep 22, 2008 4:56 PM:

" It really has nothing to do with being "elitist" or even a member of any club, including the AKC. It is about the safety of the animal, as well as overall animal control. It sickens me that these impulse purchases often end up in shelters for irresponsible reasons. How many of us know people who "had to" get rid of their dog because they were moving, only to end up with another dog a year later. These animals are not disposable and should never be treated as such. "

to Mr. Capitalist wrote on Sep 21, 2008 12:59 PM:

" So apparently you don't care about the number of dogs euthanized per day in America? Or how about the cost of animal control? The people that sell dogs in parking lots and flea markets only contribute to this mess and anything that encourages them to be more responsible with their actions is okay in my book. "

Susan Rassas wrote on Sep 21, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Belonging to the AKC is not indicative of being a responsible dog owner. Whether one has a pure breed or a mixed breed dog is not the issue, being responsible in taking care of them is the issue. Dogs can be well cared for as pets whether they belong to the AKC or are show or performance dogs or not. We encourage responsible dog ownership as kennel club members. "

I AGREE wrote on Sep 21, 2008 10:02 AM:

" Dear Charlotte - I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have said. I just wish the local authorities were apprised of the state law, whether it's passed in SV or not. I would at least think that the SV Dept. of Animal Control would get involved to stop this cruelty to these poor cats and dogs. It's a shame that these people who start their own puppy mills have been getting away with this for years. "

Susan Rassas wrote on Sep 21, 2008 9:32 AM:

" When I was a child I remember packs of dogs in my home community. Those dogs were mostly dogs that were thrown away because people couldn't or chose not to keep them anymore. I have seen the same thing here. It's my opinion that we, as responsible dog owners, need to help advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Members of the kennel club can help with spay/neuter if we're asked. If individuals are concerned about their pups then giving them away would invoke more compassion from us. "

Mr. Capitalist wrote on Sep 21, 2008 8:04 AM:

" Oooh no, selling things to people who have money to pay for them! and who will obviously never take a puppy to a vet! because they dont belong to the AKC. The AKC is the organization whose fancy-schmancy standards for appearance have led to generations of pedigree dogs being born with undershot jaws and tendencies to hip dysplasia. Socialism from unthinking elitists, thats what Sierra Vista needs more of! "