Dogs do not belong in shops, and no scrupulous breeder would send their pups to a shop. But did you know that iconic London shop Harrods does sell dogs? Here's information about a protest to highlight this issue:
A coalition of anti puppy farming groups [1] will be staging a protest over the sale of puppies at world-famous store, Harrods on Saturday 4th December 2010. A petition [2] will be given to Harrods during the protest.
Mandy Dumont, a spokesperson for the campaign said: “Harrods are a high profile store and should set an example by stopping the sale of puppies immediately. The vast majority of pet shop puppies are from puppy farms who only breed for money with no thought to the welfare and health of the puppy, its parents or the buyers. [3] Puppy farms often have appalling conditions & lack of welfare, no checks for hereditary diseases and no socialisation. [4] Parents suffer for years and are then discarded once they can no longer breed.” [5]
TV vet and anti puppy farming supporter Joe Inglis says “Puppy farming is an abuse of our loyal canine companions who deserve to be brought up in healthy and loving environments, and I wholeheartedly support Puppy Love's campaign aim to bring an end to the suffering puppy farms cause.” [6]
Matty Mitford, a supporter of the protest says: “Rescues are overflowing and thousands of dogs are being put down every year due to lack of homes. [7] Anyone considering themselves a dog lover should look to an established rescue centre for a dog. Otherwise they should go to a reputable breeder who will have performed all the relevant health checks for their breed and where they can see the mother with the puppies. The breeder should ask a lot questions and offer lifetime back up for all the dogs that they breed. If not, walk away. Dogs bought from shops can never have this level of support and care and it is deeply unfair to the defenceless animals who depend on us for their welfare for them to be sold in this way ”
Anyone interested in joining the protest should contact Mandy Dumont at puppyprotest@yahoo.co.uk