Very few reputable or accredieted breeders will sell a puppy to a broker or a pet shop.
The majority of puppies in pet stores across North America and the UK come from puppy mills/puppy farms despite 20 states already passing legistaltion to either ban the sale of animals in pet stores or to heavily regulate it.
Puppy mills are horrific commercial breeding facilities where females are bred non stop until they are on their death's bed. There is no concern for the health and well being of the puppy or the mothers. Puppies are not weaned properly and there is no concern for genetic diseases or proper breeding of lines. Dogs are kept in confined quarters, never let out of their cages or met with a kind hand. Many dogs don't step foot on grass or have medical attention for their entire lives.
It has been documented numerious times that most pet shop puppies grow up to have health issues, temperament problems, difficulty socializing and adjusting to their new homes.
The current sale of puppies from pet stores in Bermuda is dispicable. The pet stores are not concerned for the well being of the puppy and only about profits. Numerous passers by have seen water bowls empty, sunlight beating down on the puppy area through the shop windows and puppies left alone with little stimulation or exercise during the day.
It has been proven that the early weeks of a dogs life are crucial for socialization, vaccination, mental and physical development. If a puppy sits in a cage for weeks or months it is not being properly socialized, exercised or cared for.
There needs to be better legislation in Bermuda for the sale of live animals and for the care of these animals while in the custody of a commerical facility.
