Fifteen-year-old Vivian Lee’s reflection on the attachment formed with her new puppy, Pudding, echoes the common sentiment of pet owners who find themselves unexpectedly bonded to their furry companions. However, this bond was tragically broken when Pudding was diagnosed with canine parvovirus shortly after being welcomed into the Lee family. Despite Vivian’s hope for Pudding’s recovery, the vet delivered devastating news: the chances of survival were slim, leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanize the young pup.
Pudding’s story sheds light on the risks associated with purchasing pets from dubious sources, exemplified by the Lees’ encounter with a backyard breeder facilitated through a Facebook transaction. Vivian’s frustration and anger towards the breeder who sold them a sick dog underscores the lack of accountability within such unregulated markets.
Animal advocate Liz Hueg’s insights further emphasize the gravity of the situation, revealing the spike in demand for dogs during the pandemic, which has fueled a proliferation of backyard breeders.
“In the last two weeks, we’ve seen 11 of these tiny, little Maltipoo-type puppies that have no business being away from their mothers yet dying horrible deaths,” she said. [1]
These breeders often prioritize profit over the health and welfare of the animals they sell, neglecting crucial preventive measures such as vaccinations against diseases like parvovirus.
There are harrowing experiences of other buyers, such as Shelia Shaw and her friend, who discovered their newly acquired puppies were infected with parvovirus. Despite their efforts to seek veterinary care, the financial burden proved overwhelming, underscoring the dire consequences of purchasing pets from unreliable sources.
Ultimately, it serves as a cautionary tale, urging prospective pet owners to exercise caution and diligence when acquiring animals. It stresses the importance of thorough research, demanding to see vaccination records, and visiting breeding facilities to ensure ethical practices are upheld. Despite efforts by platforms like Facebook and Craigslist to regulate animal sales, critics argue that more robust measures are necessary to prevent similar tragedies and safeguard the well-being of both animals and buyers.
Summary of an article : https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/2-on-your-side-backyard-breeders/
Increase in backyard breeding increasing sales of dogs with health issues: