To the editor,
Re: SPCA wants to limit retail pet sales, July 18.
We do not own a pet. However, we thoroughly enjoy dropping by Paws N Jaws to see their adorable kittens and puppies. They always seem well cared for and if Paws N Jaws can prove that they are not in the ‘puppy mill’ business then they should be allowed to continue selling these pets. Let common sense prevail – stop painting everyone with the same brush.
Karen vanHalderen, Nanaimo
To the editor,
Re: SPCA wants to limit retail pet sales, July 18.
It is evident that the amount of animals in all shelters is overwhelming. If there were more strict laws on animal breeding I believe this would contribute to a major decrease in the amount of homeless animals.
I understand that certain breeds of dogs may be in high demand for varying reasons, but most large bully breed dogs should not be bred by just any person. These types of dogs are dropped off in every shelter as soon as they are no longer a puppy way too often. This is completely unfair to the animal and the shelters left responsible to care for them and find them a new home. If less people were bringing these animals into the world, more people would turn to the SPCA/rescue groups to find the right fit dog for their family.
I have to admit that when I was a kid, I loved visiting Paws N Jaws because they had the puppies and kittens, as I didn’t know any better at that age. I believe that these facilities have the opportunity to bring attention to dogs who may otherwise be looked over at the shelter. I think it would be a positive thing to allow this business to promote the sale of rescue animals only. The care of the animals’ well-being while in the store and in their new homes must be enforced. These store should have to take the same precautions as the SPCA to make sure the animal find a loving suitable home.
Too many people turn a blind eye and do not realize the amount of dogs patiently waiting to find a forever home. If more people were educated on this issue and there was less access to purchase all types of dogs from any random person, I believe more people would turn to shelters when looking to purchase a puppy, kitten, dog or cat.
Candice Tubbs, Nanaimo
To the editor,
Re: SPCA wants to limit retail pet sales, July 18.
So now it seems that the Nanaimo SPCA wants to ban sales of pet dogs and cats at our one and only pet store in Nanaimo that sells them.
The owner does not buy from puppy mills and has told the SPCA he will share that info with them.
Does the SPCA think they are the only ones that can manage puppies and kittens? Are we to let them have the only say on who can and can’t sell these animals? I understand the concern of puppy mills and the like and I am totally against them. However, I don’t think that the SPCA should be allowed to paint every business with the same brush.
The SPCA has raised its price for puppies and kittens to ridiculous levels that people cannot afford them. I am not saying the puppies are not extremely expensive at the shop that sells them either. A low-income family that would make an excellent family for a pet just can’t afford one from the place that has rescued animals. Their children miss out on such an important thing in life as caring for an animal.
Don’t get me wrong. I believe very much in the SPCA and what they have done over the years but now it seems it’s all about the money.
The SPCA should not be trying to dictate policy.
John Griffiths, Nanaimo