Choose adoption over backyard breeders

Published 10:22 am Sunday, November 20, 2016

By Carey Sharp

Mower County Humane Society

Though the weather hasn’t been showing it, the holiday season is right around the corner.

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Many people have started holiday shopping. Many are thinking about that perfect gift to be given. This is a big season for backyard breeders. The ads are appearing all over regarding cute puppies and kittens “just in time for holiday gift giving.”

Please don’t succumb to the temptation. Supporting backyard breeders has a direct and detrimental impact on shelters all over, including the MCHS. Shelters see a significant increase in numbers in the weeks following the holidays.

Many of the Christmas puppies and kittens become a burden when the glow of the season wanes. The people who produced these animals won’t see that, though. They will have pocketed the money and moved on to the next litter.

If a pet is definitely the choice for a gift, then adopt. Do some research as a family and discuss the type of pet that would be the best fit for your lifestyle. Check out local rescues and humane societies, like the MCHS, at petfinder.com. Most adoption fees cover all vaccinations, blood testing, and spay/neuter surgery.

In most instances, it costs a lot less than buying from a breeder. An adopted cat or dog has been thoroughly vet checked, which isn’t always the case with backyard breeders.

The MCHS has received a few complaints recently regarding a very active backyard breeder in the area. This person has produced at least five litters of mixed breed puppies in the last year alone. One complaint stated that the puppies were being sold at only five weeks of age, far too young to be away from the mother.

One puppy purchased was flea infested and cost the buyer a lot of money in vet bills to get the puppy healthy. In both cases, the interested parties were not allowed to see where or how the puppies lived. It truly is a buyer beware situation.

In the constant battle against over population, the MCHS hosted the MN Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (MNSNAP) six times in 2016. As a result, 132 cats, 63 dogs, and one rabbit were spayed and neutered.

Thank you to this wonderful organization and to the responsible pet owners for participating. The 2017 visits are scheduled for Jan. 6, March 3, May 12, July 7, Sept. 1, and Nov. 10. Appointment information and eligibility requirements can be found at mnsnap.org. It’s inexpensive for the owners and results in a healthier pet in the long run.

Bruins support

The MCHS appreciates the support received from local organizations, like the Austin Bruins.

The Bruins are producing their very own calendar for 2017. They graciously asked the MCHS to participate. The weather was gorgeous and a fun photo shoot commenced, featuring Bruins’ players and MCHS cats and dogs. The young men on this team are dedicated, polite, and a lot of fun.

The shelter animals were on their best behavior. Be on the lookout for the finished product.