How to Organize a Puppy Mill Pet Store Protest

Introduction

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

Puppy mills are factory-like breeding operations where dogs spend most of their lives, if not their entire lives in cages, supplying pet stores with puppies. 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 is to organize a protest at a store that sells dogs. The following are ways to make your demonstration successful.

By: Melissa Maroff

Length: 3:43

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Tips & Warnings:

It’s a good idea to videotape your rally.
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 to shut down the pet store in the video.
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. No responsible breeder would sell to a pet store.

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

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.

Step4

Email an action alert to animal organizations and individuals that 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 scoops/baggies for clean up, their dogs and perhaps dogs that are up for adoption.

Step5

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

Step6

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.

Step7

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.

Step8

Check with local rescue 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 (volunteer@lcanimal.org) if you would like to protest a pet store and create change in your area. LCA will provide information and supplies for your demonstration.