This month, in Pennsylvania, Attorney General Mike
Fisher announced that all dog sellers and breeders in the state are now
required to post a public notice disclosing consumers' rights and
responsibilities under the state's "Puppy Lemon Law." According to
Fisher, "This notice makes clear what consumers should do if the dog
they recently bought has a serious disease or illness." It also requires
breeders to give new dog owners information regarding the animal's
health and registration status. Violations of the law will result in
penalties of up to $1,000 and up to $2,000 if the seller is not
licensed.
While this law still allows the continued
irresponsibility of companion animal reproduction, it is a step in the
right direction. I say this because, while the breeders are allowed to
continue to operate, the fact that they must legally disclose to all
potential buyers the status of their puppies' health creates an
incentive for the breeders to ensure that their animals are born and
raised in an environment that is clean and healthy.
Puppy mills are infamously known to be crude, filthy
environments whereby animals quickly contract life debilitating
diseases. The incentive of money over the animals health and well-being
is nearly eliminated, as the breeder has a legal responsibility to own
up to the health status of his or her animals, otherwise facing the
repercussions of financial penalties. Let's face it, no one is going to
buy an animal that is obviously seriously ill. If the breeder must
disclose these facts, they are going to do everything in their power to
ensure that there is nothing to disclose.
I am not sure of the status of other states views on
puppies and breeders, but it would be a good idea if you started
researching. If you find that your state is without such legislation,
start contacting your state Senators and Representatives and request
that such legislation be implemented. If you need assistance in drafting
letters, contact SavingLife@aol.com.
It is obvious that animal breeding is going to continue,
at least into the near future. At the very least, we can fight to create
incentives for breeders and sellers to raise their animals in safe,
sanitary environments. This would be a big improvement over the
conditions most puppies are currently forced to live in, and while most
of us do not condone the intentional breeding of companion animals, we
still must be concerned about the lives of those animals who have
already been born and will be.
Don't forget about the cats and kittens. They need to be
involved in this legislation too!
Go on to Human
Identity Politics: Homo Indeterminus
Return to 12 March 2000 Issue
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