Moving Towards a Puppy Mill Free LA

Over the past couple of months, I've noticed weekly protests at a store right down the street from me called Puppy and Me. Protesters hold signs every Saturday to warn people that puppy mill puppies are being sold there.

I generally honk in support as I drive by, but I recently checked out their website to learn more.



The organization is called Best Friends, and they're committed to making LA County "puppy-mill free". I'm all for it, and it looks like they're gaining some traction.

For eight months last year, they protested outside Pets of Bel Air. In December, the store closed. Even more remarkably, it quickly reopened as a "store" for rescued dogs only. One of the shop's former employees is responsible for the turn-around. I suggest a quick read of this success story at BestFriends.org.

This is absolutely the right way to go. Puppy mills degrade the quality of all dogs by propagating recessive genes and hereditary defects. Plus, the conditions and treatment of the dogs is disgusting. Just ask Oprah, who did a whole show on it. If you can stomach it, here's video of her undercover report by Lisa Ling.

Even local government is getting in on the act. The LA County board of Supervisors is taking some steps to crack down on puppy mills in the area. Here's some info on the resolution they passed unanimously last month.

We rescued both Biscuit and Baxter from non-profit agencies. I don't say this to be "holier than thou". I just think it's important to stand up and say this is the right thing to do.

Plus, they cost about $200 each -- That's opposed to $1000+ you may pay for a rare breed puppy. And, you give the money to a non-profit group which is doing good and just trying to cover their own costs (which they don't always do).

So, I'm curious to see what becomes of the protest outside Puppy and Me. And if you happen to drive by, honk in support.