As the festive season ramps, the San Diego Humane Society is making a holiday plea: choose to source your puppies responsibly. They urge families to look first to shelters and rescue organizations, where many tail-wagging furballs await a loving home. "We know that bringing a new puppy into the home is a joyous occasion for many families during the holidays. However, it is critical that people understand the potential harm caused by purchasing puppies from people marketing them on the internet," said Dr. Gary Weitzman, President & CEO of San Diego Humane Society, in a statement to guide potential pet owners to make conscientious choices. San Diego Humane Society highlights that adoption is life-saving, especially when over a hundred puppies are often in their care on any given day.
According to the recent "Pets for Profit" investigation by the LA Times, puppy mills are breeding centers that should be strongly avoided, known for their unethical practices and appalling conditions. Fueled purely by profit, these mills are hotbeds of animal suffering and deceit. In the face of such revelations, the San Diego Humane Society is working to help and educate the public on these matters. They've even embarked on a mission to legally curb such operations, with the support of partners and state legislators. Yet, consumers also need to be wary and learn to defend their interests proactively.
With more than 100 puppies in care and a range of breeds that includes 275 French bulldogs, 257 pugs, and even 155 maltipoos, adoption can be both a cost-effective and humane option. San Diego Humane Society ensures that all pets undergo essential health services—microchipping, vaccination, and spaying or neutering—which otherwise could cost new pet owners more than $1,000. They also offer an adoption guarantee, ready to remove any animal from their care if the fit with a family isn't right.
For those still considering going through breeders, the San Diego Humane Society has set up a resource to help identify reputable breeders who prioritize the well-being of their animals. This guide intends to solely provide actionable advice on how to spot breeders that uphold ethical breeding standards, a decisive step towards ensuring higher standards of animal welfare. Their commitment stands tall to urge and actively empower the community to make informed decisions when bringing a new member into their families.
