re: Clarification

Petland and the Athens County Dog Shelter have ended their Adopt-a-Pet partnership. It dissolved after numerous Athens County citizens complained to the commissioners. Animal rights activists did not think Petland had the county's interests in mind and appealed the partnership.

Jamie Perry, Athens County dog warden, said Petland provided a valuable service and wishes they could still have a business agreement with the store. "I understand both sides, but Petland reduced a lot of stress at the shelter by taking in some of our dogs," he said.

There are no plans for future partnerships.

How much is that dog in the window?

When Petland announced its plans to open in Athens, the citizen's disdain grew as they fought to protect the Appalachian town and its shelter. How would the local shelter, that was euthanizing hundreds of pets, be able to compete with a national pet store chain? Despite contention, the store opened in May 2004.

The city's spaying and neutering law would be the beginning of many court transactions for Petland. In order to control the pet population, Athens city council passed an ordinance that required all pets over six months old to be spayed and neutered -- otherwise they could not be sold. Petland tried to fight the law stating that the store should not be fined $100 if they could not prove that every pet sold had the necessary veterinary work.

Photo Credit: Amber James


Finally, the city and Petland compromised, repealing the ordinance. Petland eventually teamed with the Athens County dog shelter in 2006 to create the Adopt-A-Pet program. Through this program, the store adopts puppies from the shelter and vaccinates and deworms them. The city's hope is that this program will reduce the number of dogs the county has to put to sleep.


Pet Stores and Puppy Mills

Puppy Mills. Everyone has heard of them, but what is being done to stop pet stores from purchasing from these animal concentration camps? Stop Puppy Mills created a video to inform the public about the mill's controversy. Pet stores rely on this underground "business" to stay open. As long as people continue to buy from pet stores, puppy mill owners will continue to exploit these animals for profit. Why buy a dog at the pet store for hundreds (or thousands) of dollars, when you can adopt a pet from the shelter instead?

The puppy mill controversy even made it to the November Ohio ballot, but most people did not know about it. Named Ohio House Bill 606 and Senate Bill 342, the bill would help minimize animal cruelty by establishing minimum operating standards for kennels. Kennel owners would be required to have insurance to cover the cost of any needed dog care. The bill failed.

Before you fall head-over-hells for that adorable dog in the pet store window, make sure you know how to find a good pet breeder.


YOUR TURN

• What should be done to stop animal cruelty and puppy mills?


• Is the general public naive when it comes to pet store animals?


• Should Petland be responsible for spaying and neutering their pets? Or is it the buyers' responsibility?

When Pet Shelters Close...

Photo Credit: Amber James

On November 28, 2005, the Athens County Humane Society cat shelter closed its doors after the shelter's owners were forced to sell the property. According to an Athens News article, the shelter did not euthanize during its last few months of business. But when the shelter was euthanizing cats, it was killing up to 200 cats a month, said manager Marla Brooks-Verity.

In an e-mail interview with Lynn Kneile, president of Athens County Humane Society, she stated the animal overpopulation is a serious issue. "We are concentrating our efforts to promote the importance of spaying and neutering, so that there is not a burden on animal shelters within a community. In my mind, it is disrespectful to allow a litter of puppies or kittens to be born, only to discard them shortly thereafter," Kneile said.

Although the shelter has closed, volunteers are extending their efforts to educate and raise awareness about the advantages of pet adoption. Kneile insists that those looking for a new pet should consider adoption because these animals should be given a chance at life.

Many shelters are now posting their pets online, so adopters can easily access shelters nationwide and find the type of pet they wish to adopt - without leaving their homes.


Key advantages of adopting shelter pets:
(Source: Lynn Kneile)

1. Much, if not all, of the veterinary work is already done prior to adoption.
   
2. When animals are in foster homes, they are ready for "house life" and/or being trained.
   
3. The foster caregivers can better inform adopters of the dog or cat's personality, temperament, and behavior because they share living space.
   
4. Choosing to adopt a juvenile or adult cat or dog is a great option for families that are not able to spare the time to train and raise a baby animal.
   

YOUR TURN

• What is your reaction to the number of animals that are euthanized in our country?