How to Organize a Puppy Mill Pet Store Protest

According to the Humane Society of the United States—the overwhelming majority of pet stores (almost all) obtain their dogs from puppy mills—this is the only way for them to have a continuous supply of "stock."

Puppy mills are factory-like breeding operations where dogs suffer most of their lives, if not their entire lives in stacked, overcrowded cages supplying pet stores with puppies. They receive no exercise, no socialization and minimal veterinary care. When these dogs are no longer useful they are normally destroyed.

Puppy mill puppies often have a host of health problems due to irresponsible breeding and neglect, yet pet stores continue to sell them for large sums of money. Many people who purchase these sick dogs can't afford the medical bills and end up having to give them up.

Due to the recent trend in "teacup" breeds (made popular by certain celebrities), new pet stores have sprung up that sell puppies, further enabling puppy mills to stay in business. Unfortunately "teacup" just means a dog that was deliberately bred to be undersized and likely has genetic problems.

A good way to enlighten the public about the harsh realities of puppy mills and the merits of adoption from shelters and rescues is to organize a protest at a store that sells dogs. The following are ways to make your demonstration successful.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a store that sells puppies as the location for your demonstration. It should have good visibility from the street and parking available nearby.

2. 

   Obtain a permit from your local police department. You will have to provide the basic details such as date, time and location of the demonstration. Different cities have different regulations—but you have the right to assemble—and it’s free.

3. 

   Contact local animal welfare and rescue organizations to get their input. They can also provide you with email lists of people to notify. Register with Bestfriends.org (see Resources below). It’s free to join, and as a member you will have access to a state-by-state network of thousands of rescue organizations.

4. 

   Email an action alert to animal organizations and individuals who support animal causes. Also send out MySpace and Facebook bulletins. Include the details such as date, time and place. Ask people to make signs, bring poop scoopers/baggies for cleanup, their dogs and perhaps dogs that are up for adoption.

5. 

   Place ads in local newspapers and on websites such as Craigslist, Citysearch and others that are local to your area. Put fliers up at dog parks, public parks, libraries, school bulletin boards, markets and veterinarians’ offices.

6. 

   Alert the local news outlets including TV stations, radio stations and newspapers. You might want to schedule guest speakers such as animal organization spokespersons. It always helps to have local and/or national celebrity guests. Find out if your city allows the use of microphones and PA systems; many do not.

7. Bring literature, such as pamphlets to pass out, in order to educate people about puppy mills. Be prepared to share your knowledge with those who pass by and express curiosity or interest.

8. Check with local animal welfare organizations; most would be happy to supply you with signs and information about puppy mills. You can also contact the volunteer coordinator at Last Chance for Animals ([e-mail]) if you would like to protest a pet store and create change in your area. LCA will provide information and supplies for your demonstration.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s a good idea to videotape your demonstration.
• Signs should be easily readable to passing cars...the bigger, the better. Thick sharpies work well. Use quick and catchy sayings that get the message across such as “Don’t Shop…Adopt.” “Honk if You Hate Puppy Mills” is a good one because honking horns will draw attention to the demonstration, and thus rally more support.
• Following the above steps helped shut down the pet store featured in the photos.
• For more information about puppy mills and other ways to help shut them down, see Resources below.
• Don't block the entrance to the store if it remains open.
• Be polite and respectful of the store’s customers and employees, as well as passersby, even if they voice disapproval.
• Never wander out into the street to obstruct traffic.
• If a pet store tells you they obtain their dogs from individual breeders, they are not likely telling the truth. Responsible breeders don't sell their puppies to pet shops.

Resources

• Protesting for Beginners
• Best Friends Animal Society: How to Organize a Peaceful Pet Store Protest
• LCA: Ban Puppy Mills Campaign
• How to Help Shut Down Puppy Mills
• Puppy Mill Protest
• Companion Animal Protection Society: Puppy Mill FAQ
• Humane Society of the United States: Info. on Puppy Mills
• In Defense of Animals: The Horrors of Puppy Mills
• Take the Pledge to Stop Puppy Mills
• Pet Store Protest Calendar

[diggitydogg]

on 9/24/2009 already shut down in the LA area. It's illegal to sell dogs at pet stores in Lake Tahoe, CA and I believe is about to become illegal in West Hollywood. In the meantime, protesting pet stores is a good way to educate the public, because many people don't make the connection between the puppy mill and the store. People often think they are rescuing the dog from the store, when in fact they are helping to keep puppy mills in business.

[diggitydogg]

on 9/24/2009 Unfortunately, it's legal to run a puppy mill and legal to sell these dogs at pet stores. Although the standards are minimal for raising dogs at these mills. When the USDA comes out to inspect they basically just have to see that the dogs are able to move in their cages. The breeding dogs spend their entire lives in cages, usually stacked on top of each other and made of wire. They are pushed aside to hose down the cages and never let out for exercise, socialization or love. There are usually several dogs per cage. And the puppies are taken away too early, not to mention that they will likely have health disorders coming from mothers that are bred over and over. It's all about turning a profit and one of the worst forms of animal cruelty. The only way to stop them right now is to boycott the stores that sell dogs, so that the demand will eventually stop. Thirteen of these stores have...

[glentam]

on 9/24/2009 There is a pet store called GLAMOROUS POOCH that I heard is getting and selling puppy mill pups, they are working with assholes in Lancaster, I have been hearing horrible things about this place. Why are they still in business!?

[notsokool]

on 1/6/2009 Additionally I think it is important to focus on the other half of the former Awe Puppies (listed above) Jamie Young. He once had a litter of pekingese-poodles posted for sale from an amish breeder back in Septeber 08. Rumor has it that he is also looking to partner a branch of Glamorous Pooch from York to the Lancaster area. We know they get a lot of their puppies from Amos Blank an amish farm in Lancaster. Perhaps we need to stop him before he starts. And his new employer A Pooch Parlor - is this a partnership of somekind. Could it be A Glamorous Pooch Parlor...not even near.

[caddy1]

on 12/8/2008 P'awe P'awe Puppies (formerly known as Awe Puppies) Jodie Shultz - Young, owner-President,purchases the puppies she sells from Daniel Stoltzfus (School Lane Kennels), Sam Stoltzfus (Soudersburg Rd - she calls it Soudersburg Sires), David Stoltzfus (Eby Chiques Kennels) all of which are K-5 Kennels. Puppies are NOT purchased outside Lancaster County - (NJ does not allow to re-sell without showing the identity of the breeder which Pawe Pawe Puppies does not show). When purchasing a mix like a yorkie/poodle they are NOT mixed with poodles but in FACT with Bichons but sold as poodle mix but advertised on her website as a yorkiepoo or maltipoos. If you have purchased a puppy from Awe puppies or Pawe Pawe Puppies you will notice that the breeder info is blocked out. Any of the mentioned kennels can be contacted and you can buy directly from them at $200 - $700 depending breed/mix breed. Signe