US Pet Industry Associations, Retailers and Animal Welfare Organizations Join to Fight Puppy Mills
Recent reports from the US show a unique industry alliance is taking shape to improve conditions for dogs and puppies produced by 'substandard commercial breeders'. The stated goal of the group is to 'create lasting change in the commercial breeding industry' and to 'ensure the humane care and safety of all dogs and puppies'.
While most observers would find this alliance unusual in a historical context, it does show a thoughtful approach to a serious industry problem and recognition that individual efforts of the past have been less than successful. Participating organizations include the American Pet Products Association (APPA), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and retailers Petco and Petland.
Agreeing upon a definition of a 'puppy mill', has been the stumbling block. However, this alliance has been able to assemble a definition for the controversial and oft misunderstood term:
A dog-breeding operation, which offers dogs for monetary compensation or remuneration, in which the physical, psychological and/or behavioral needs of the dogs are not being fulfilled due to inadequate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care, and/or inappropriate breeding.
In 2010, the Canadian industry created a 'Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct'. The initiative lead by former Canadian Kennel Club CEO, Joe Mauro, continues to languish while major players sort out philosophical differences. PIJAC Canada and other members of the Canadian industry who were involved in the Breeder Code development are keenly watching this US development.
When contacted for comment, Louis McCann, Executive Director of PIJAC Canada had this to say,
We are inspired to see this spirit of industry collaboration. The strength behind this collective effort will surely be the vehicle for meaningful advancement in animal care, because animal welfare is everyone’s business.
Hi Larry,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see this movement in the US. In Canada, the members of the National Companion Animal Coalition (NCAC) consisting of The Ministry of Agriculture, Canadian Kennel Club, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, and the RCMP developed and agreed upon the following definition of a "puppy mill" in 2003.
A puppy mill has been defined by the NCAC as a high volume, substandard dog breeding operation that sell purebred or mixed breed dogs to unsuspecting buyers. Some of the characteristics of a puppy mill are:
1. substandard health or environmental issues
2. substandard animal care, treatment and/or socialization
3. substandard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders
4. erroneous or falsified certificates or registration, pedigree and /or genetic background
Note: These conditions may also exist in small volume or single breed establishments.
Readers can find the defintion on the websites of all cited organizations above if they are looking for a Canadian perspecitve.
Barbara