Puppy Farms Australia
Animal Adoption Agency is urging all Australians to seriously consider who is responsible for the breeding of their chosen pup and to educate themselves on what puppy farms are.
The recent episode in Western Australia outlines the seriousness of this problem and how the unsuspecting public is supporting the systematic and profitable abuse of dogs through their purchases online and through pet-shops.
Lee and Fiona Amiti From Animal Adoption Agency are all too familiar with the industry problem of puppy-farms.
“How could it be stopped? Answer: Warrant. Get a warrant to check where these puppies come from so we catch the bad guys,” Fiona Amiti from Animal Adoption Agency says. “There needs to be an authority that can handle this problem and put a stop to it.”
“Secondly, all these puppy litters are transported overseas and interstate on a regular basis. So pet transport companies are supporting the puppy farmer by regularly booking flights for them,” Lee Amiti says
Animal Adoption Agency has first-hand experience of the puppy-farm industry.
“It’s not a pretty sight, let me tell you” Fiona says.
This animal abuse if purely for profit, with dogs spending a lifetime giving birth in horrendous conditions to satisfy the insatiable need for pups.
“Estimated $250,000 – 500,000 per 50 dogs tax free,” Lee says. “It is obviously an addiction to them at the expense of the animals welfare.”
Animal Adoption Agency is urging all puppy seekers to look elsewhere, and always do their homework. Also consider adopting. This has been proven to be one of the most rewarding experiences of pet ownership.
“When buying from pet shops, most of the consumers are innocent. They don’t know where the animals have come from. People want a brand new puppy while others want to adopt. But it’s paramount that everyone checks exactly where the pups have come from.”
“Awareness is the only thing we can do to educate people.”
The is also the issue of the pups being sick and having serious behavioural issues due to the environment in which they were born.
“Quite a lot of dogs, from puppy-farms, develop separation or other anxiety issues and at the Animal Adoption Agency when we rehome these dogs we educated the new owners, making sure they are aware of the possible problems and to make sure the pup and the owners are the perfect match.”
“We live in a world where we just want things NOW and it’s just a few clicks away or just simply buying things at the major shopping centres,” Fiona says.
“Sadly this is where the puppy-farm pups are, and by purchasing them, you are allowing this industry to thrive and lining the pockets of animal abusers.”
Please think before you purchase. A dog should be a lifetime commitment and not a spur of the moment disposable decision.
Pets Dumped After Divorce
Animal Adoption Agency is urging all Australians to consider their pets during a divorce situation. This comes after years of rehoming abandoned pets caused by marital breakdowns.
“This is a side of animal adoption which is not spoken about,” Lee Amiti from Animal Adoption Agency says. “People need to start talking about this issue, the fact is; pets are being surrendered at an alarming rate after the break-up of a relationship.”
Animal Adoption Agency allows those going through difficult times to surrender their pets in a guilt free environment. However, finding these abandoned pets a new home is an expensive and difficult task.
“At the Animal Adoption Agency, we understand how harrowing it can be for a pet owner or their family to have to surrender a dog or cat,” Fiona Amiti from Animal Adoption Agency says. “That is why we offer what we call a ‘not guilty’ pet surrender service. Their current owners are already suffering enough loss of their own….they don’t need the extra guilt”.
At least 60% of current dogs looking for homes at Animal Adoption Agency are the result of a broken home. “One in four marriages ends in divorce,” Lee says. “Many times there is more than one pet in the effected household…it’s very sad but true”.
The Bureau of Statics is set to release their new Marriage and Divorces in Australia document for the 2014 year, at the end of 2015.
Factors such as; moving into smaller homes, apartment living and the costs associated with dissolving a marriage is what leads many to reconsider having their pets.
“I’m sure these figures are echoed amongst other dog and cat shelters in Australia,” Lee from Animal Adoption Agency says. “We currently have 30 cats and dogs looking for new homes that are the product of a relationship spilt.”
Animal Adoption Agency has been operating as a no-kill shelter in NSW for the past 16 years. Husband and wife team, Fiona and Lee, are passionate about the animals they re-home. They are adamant about the importance of no-kill shelters and the role they play in the community.
“Every animal deserves a home,” Fiona Amiti from Animal Adoption Agency says. “It’s not the pets fault to suffer because of the owners choice.”
The pair also link pet re-homing issues back to the amount of back-yard breeders as well as puppy farms, which factory produce puppies across Australia. “It’s all too tempting to buy a cute puppy sitting in a pet shop window. What people don’t stop and think about is; they are actually supporting these puppy farms. It’s a vicious cycle,” says Fiona.
“There are too many pups being bred in unprofessional backyard situations which is adding to the strain on animals shelters,” Fiona says. “Puppy-farms are also a huge contributing factor to the amount of unwanted dogs.”
Animal Adoption Agency currently has 40 dogs looking for new homes and 25 cats. Re-homing animals is hard-work and very emotional, particularly when every animal being cared for at Animal Adoption Agency is treated like family.
“We are a unique shelter because of the no-kill aspect plus, we also match the right pet with the right owner,” Lee says. “We also offer professional and ongoing advice to pet owners.”
They urge Australians to consider adopting a pet rather than purchasing from a pet shop or backyard breeder.
“There are so many wonderful pets who are in need of a good home,” Fiona urges. “They are well trained with great house manners, and many come from previous loving homes…but they are just in need of someone to love.”
www.animaladoption.com.au/success-stories-page/
“Giving a pet a forever home is incredibly special,” Fiona says. “We can match the perfect pet for your home plus ensure you have all the professional assistance you need.”