Shut the gate on cruel puppy farm trade: VetshopAustralia.com.au

June 8, 2011 - PRLog -- A leading vet has called for urgent action on mass-production puppy farms, saying buyers, breeders and legislators should share the responsibility in shutting the gate on the cruel trade.

Dr Mark Perissinotto, head vet at VetShopAustralia.com.au said it was time for a united effort to help ban the industry, with cases of terribly mistreatment of animals at puppy farms becoming far too common.

Over breeding, minimal or no veterinary care, poor nutrition, poor hygiene and overcrowded conditions were just some of the problems faced by animals unfortunate enough to be raised in these highly inadequate breeding facilities.

“Using dogs as breeding machines for profit is a brutal business with no place in a humane society,’’ Dr Perissinotto said.

“Unfortunately with dog-breeding regulations varying across Australia, unscrupulous breeders are difficult to monitor and often harder to prosecute,’’ he said.

VetshopAustralia.com.au has called for more unified laws giving animal welfare officers greater search and seize powers and the ability to lay charges against anybody running illegal puppy farms.

“Hefty fines and the prospect of jail time should be introduced as a standard deterrent against breeders doing the wrong thing,” Dr Perissinotto said.

“Selling the assets of these cruel commercial enterprises, with proceeds going towards animal welfare, should be a wide-spread measure to curb the growing problem,’’ he said.

According to VetshopAustralia.com.au, the best thing individuals could do to combat illegal puppy farming was to ensure they bought their pets from reputable breeders.

“Visit the place where your puppy was born or at the very least ask to see pictures,’’ Dr Perissinotto said.

ENDS

Further inquiries: Dr Mark Perissinotto 07 5453 4840

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About VetShopAustralia: VetShopAustralia employs fully qualified, licensed, practicing veterinary surgeons and animal health professionals to carefully check all the pet products sold to ensure that quality is not just a promise but a reality.

Since the beginning, VetShopAustralia is a Vet-owned and Vet-operated online pet store for pet supplies. On top of our promise to deliver top quality products, our sales support services are backed by Vets. You will have peace of mind knowing that you will receive quality sales and service.