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Airline’s Puppy Deaths Spark Debate about Commercial Breeders

As animal lovers become more aware that purchasing a dog from a pet store supports the inhumane practices of puppy mills, commercial breeders are using online sources to get their dogs directly into homes across the country.

On August 3, seven puppies died of suspected heat-related complications in the cargo hold of a plane en route from Tulsa, OK, to Chicago, IL. The victims were seven of 14 pups transported by the airline, and reportedly came from a commercial breeder in Oklahoma—many of the puppies were booked on connecting flights, making it likely that they were purchased online by buyers in different cities.

“Puppy mill operators are creating professional looking websites that convincingly dupe consumers into thinking they are reputable breeders,” says Cori Menkin, ASPCA Senior Director of Legislative Initiatives. “A sure way to spot a scam is that they often offer to ship the dogs to the buyer without ever meeting in person. No reputable breeder would ever ship a puppy to a buyer sight unseen.”

Buying a puppy over the Internet is just as risky as buying from a pet store—you can’t see the puppy’s breeding premises or meet his parents. Furthermore, those who sell animals online are not held to regulations established by the Animal Welfare Act.

“The Animal Welfare Act requires breeders to be licensed and meet specific minimum standards of care for animals bred for resale, but a loophole allows puppy breeders who sell directly to the public—which includes over the Internet—to go unregulated,” says Menkin. “They are able to keep inspectors away and operate without being accountable to anyone.”

“The bottom line is the only way to be sure your new puppy isn't a product of cruel and inhumane conditions is to see for yourself where he lives—visit the breeder’s facilities and meet the puppy’s parents,” Menkin states. “Or better yet, adopt from your local shelter.”

For more information on the risks associated with buying a puppy in a pet store or online, please visit our online Puppy Mill campaign.

Lofty Dog Patriotic Pet Contest

Austin Lofty Dog is looking for Austin's most patriotic pooch or a country-loving kitty!

Send us your favorite Patriotic Pictures for a chance to win a 4th of July gift basket from your friends at Lofty Dog.

Contest begins Monday, June 28th and all submissions are due by Friday, July 2nd. Email all pictures to info@austinloftydog.com.

GOOD LUCK! LET'S MAKE UNCLE SAM PROUD!!!!

Lofty Dog - Poochinis and Peticures 6/17/2010

Join Lofty Dog on Thursday, June 17th from 6PM to 8PM for a fun filled evening of pampering! Enjoy a complimentary Poochini martini while your pooch gets a nail trim.

Proceeds from your donations will benefit Emancipet.

Sponsored by Austin Urban Vet Center and Tito's Vodka!

See the Austin Lofty Dog Website Poochinis Flyer for more information.

Since this is an invitation only private party please RSVP by calling us 476-5050 if you plan to attend.