Backyard Breeder Strikes Again
Backyard breeders, the term according to Wikipedia is used to describe “people who breed animals without selection for important genetic traits. Usually describes those who allow animals, particularly dogs to procreate regardless of physical or genetic health as opposed to breeders who intentionally screen and select their brood for important characteristics.”
Yesterday in Cherokee County (GA) a kennel was raided and 134 dogs were removed. The authorities had been notified after receiving a complaint from someone who had purchased one of the dogs at a local flea market. Yes, I did just write flea market. The dog had sarcoptic mange, a skin condition which can be transferred to humans.
One of the kennel’s owners, identified as Garnelee Richards, has agreed to surrender the state pet dealer’s license she has had since 1996, Sims-Green said.
Richards also is being cited for inhumane treatment of the dogs, which were among 162 animals – including one bird – found at the kennel, she said.
Inspectors spent part of Monday and Tuesday at the kennel and found several problems, including inadequate waste disposal and unsafe enclosures that had “wires poking out,” Sims-Green said. Some of the dogs had no shelter and were being left out in the cold, she said.
The kennel was last inspected in August 2008 by the agricultural department. At the time there were a few issues, but nothing as serious as this time. Unbelievably, 28 dogs were left in the care of Richards’.
If someone surrenders their pet dealer’s license I question how they could be left with 28 dogs? If for no other reason, there must be an ordinance limiting the number of pets allowed.
* Pic Elissa Eubanks/ eeubanks@ajc.com
I think it’s important to note that if buying a dog (not adopting from a rescue or shelter), you should ALWAYS meet both parents of the puppies and make sure they are healthy and happy.
With that number of animals and the fact that the kennel owner had a pet dealer license with the state of GA, I think it has moved beyond the realm of back yard breeder and into puppy mill territory. And as to the comment above, I think it is very important to meet the mother, definitely, and see the area where the puppies were raised. But a lot of small, hobby breeders don’t keep males in house, so expecting to see both parents on site should not be a requirement.
Just look at the little greyhound’s eyes, fear and resignation, it chokes me up. That’s what these irresponsible “breeders” leave behind – and promptly move on to the next business operation. As long as stupid and careless people buy these poor puppies and dogs they will stay in business and countless animals will suffer a cruel and undeserved fate. Shut down large scale breeders and educate the public.
I’msorry, but spay and neuter your pets!! I will not buy from a breeder, pet store, puppy mill. I adopt from my local shelter. We have to stop thinking it is ok to breed a pet just because it came with papers or because the mother and father are of the same breed. I’m sure some will say it is ok to breed a dog because (fill in the blank), but I think when thousands of dogs are euthanized every week because they can’t find a home…maybe we should rethink this breeding thing! I’m tired of watching them die, that’s inhumane!!