7.30 Report Abc To Do Expose On Dd Puppy Farms

[spyda62]

I too was very disapointed by Steve Austins comments.

[Ellie]

I had thought Steve Austin was a good guy prior to last nights show.

Yep, sas, me too

[nickyp]

To an extent its disappointing it was an ABC report.

The ABC audience demographic is probably not really the same demographic of those who go to puppy farms/ pet shops for their puppy purchase.

I wouldn't be so quick to make that assumption. One of my sisters, a highly educated and very intelligent woman and a rusted on ABC viewer, owns 2 'oodles'. One from a 'breeder' and the other an impulse purchase from a pet shop. Thus far she has persisted in believing the hype. This report would have been a big wake up call to her.

Edited March 30, 2010 by popsicle

[stormie]

I have a question regarding Steve Austins comments re petshop puppy dumping rates. He said that they know that isn't true, because all pet shop puppies are microchipped.

This may be true, however, once someone buys the puppy, the details on the chip are all changed over to the owners details, so if a dog in the pound was scanned, the details which would come up would be the owner details as well as the vet/person who implanted the chip.

Does the registry keep on file, a list of all the previous names that microchip was registered to?

And do pound staff actually have every microchip number investigated to track down where the dog originated from?

[Steve]

I have a question regarding Steve Austins comments re petshop puppy dumping rates. He said that they know that isn't true, because all pet shop puppies are microchipped.

This may be true, however, once someone buys the puppy, the details on the chip are all changed over to the owners details, so if a dog in the pound was scanned, the details which would come up would be the owner details as well as the vet/person who implanted the chip.

Does the registry keep on file, a list of all the previous names that microchip was registered to?

And do pound staff actually have every microchip number investigated to track down where the dog originated from?

The argument comes from the fact that most dogs dumped ARE NOT microchipped and as chipping pets in NSW occurs when dogs are sold by law the theory is that because dogs which come in are not then they werent sourced via a pet shop.

Ive already spoken to someone re the 7.30 report putting purebred breeders views in.

Steve Austin said they only buy puppies from purebred registered breeders or breeders who are registered as a breeding business.

To any registered breeder who is reading this and sells puppies to pet shops - you are one of the reasons the MDBA was started 6 years ago because I know the Canine Councils cant stop you and it makes me want to vomit if I have to swim in the same filthy pond you swim in.

Thats not because Im saying there's anything wrong with pet shops its because of the mind set of someone who can treat dogs as stock and send them off to market without a care.

You can also bring them in and have them sign up with Kate Scoffields new commercial puppy farmers group in order to try to give them legitimacy but Im with animal liberation - They are all as bad as each other

[Loving my Oldies]

One thing that is never mentioned at all is

When puppies are in pet shops what happens to those who do not get sold.

(Just quoting one part of your post, Christina.)

The program was too short, of course, but the focus they gave on the puppy farms was pretty good for a first time. I think anything more hard hitting might have been too much for some people, eg some of the footage from the Oprah Winfrey show that aired last year (I think).

Whilst I congratulated the ABC for the program, I have written quite a long response to the program on their website suggesting that they do a follow up with a little more graphic footage and information and suggesting a few response the reporter could have made to things that the ghastly Mr Hams said .

I also made the point that a lot of people will be taking their business away from Steve Austin - LOL.

[stormie]

Thanks Steve, that makes sense

[SkySoaringMagpie]

To an extent its disappointing it was an ABC report.

The ABC audience demographic is probably not really the same demographic of those who go to puppy farms/ pet shops for their puppy purchase.

That's what OH said when it was over: Great report, but it needs to be on A Current Affair or Today Tonight.

[Steve]

I have to say that attending that seminar at Monash Uni and hearing what was said via Pauline Bennett, Paul McGreevy and Kate Scoffield has had a profound effect on me and seeing dogs kept in these conditions now makes me emotional and brings me to tears because of the suffering and I dont think there is any stopping it.I get why Starting a group to legitimise it all is being touted as a good thing because the theory is that we cant stop it so try to clean it up but it saddens me so much.I dont know how anyone who says they love dogs could condone it let alone particpate in it.

[LizT]

For the general public seeing some puppy farm dogs will probably make them think twice about their cute puppy from the pet shop and more reports like this need to be shown before Christmas. I think it was good to get Meg Dobson to speak about her experience but unfortunately she had 10 years of gain from the puppy farm before she realised how bad the farms are. As for Steve for years I have avoided organisations he has been involved in perhaps it was intuition I don't know.

You know, the "unwanted puppies for Christamas " is just a furfie and urban myth.

It is a year round problem that doesn't get worse at Christmas. There may be more adult dogs in pounds during the holidays due to poor supervision and New Years Eve fireworks but people don't really give puppies as unwanted pets to family and friends.

Sadly this type of story has been done many times over the years but somehow people still do this kind of thing.

[schnauzer]

I have to say that attending that seminar at Monash Uni and hearing what was said via Pauline Bennett, Paul McGreevy and Kate Scoffield has had a profound effect on me and seeing dogs kept in these conditions now makes me emotional and brings me to tears because of the suffering and I dont think there is any stopping it.I get why Starting a group to legitimise it all is being touted as a good thing because the theory is that we cant stop it so try to clean it up but it saddens me so much.I dont know how anyone who says they love dogs could condone it let alone particpate in it.

We have rescued several lots of puppy farm dogs.

Some are so severely traumatised they bear their scars forever. Most can be rehabilitated with the right experienced carers, but it can be a long process, and some dogs are not for the faint hearted. Having said that, the rewards in seeing progress with these dogs is phenomenal. My own bitch will still spin when very stressed by a storm, five years after rescue.

[LizT]

I've often wondered about the possibility of Petshops using some kind of "referral" system to registered breeders??

They could list what will be available in the coming months for example?

And if they really feel the need for the "Puppies in the window" effect (I'll be honest I always love seeing puppies ALL KINDS) maybe they could have a rostered display where a breeder will bring along a litter for a day??

I guess the problem comes down to who gets the lions share of the profits??

Someone at work told me recently when they found out I had two Cavalier bitches that I could get up to $300 each for a puppy from a Pet Shop. I patiently explained the protocol of a Registered Breeder. They seemed to be enlightened.

[Steve]

I have to say that attending that seminar at Monash Uni and hearing what was said via Pauline Bennett, Paul McGreevy and Kate Scoffield has had a profound effect on me and seeing dogs kept in these conditions now makes me emotional and brings me to tears because of the suffering and I dont think there is any stopping it.I get why Starting a group to legitimise it all is being touted as a good thing because the theory is that we cant stop it so try to clean it up but it saddens me so much.I dont know how anyone who says they love dogs could condone it let alone particpate in it.

We have rescued several lots of puppy farm dogs.

Some are so severely traumatised they bear their scars forever. Most can be rehabilitated with the right experienced carers, but it can be a long process, and some dogs are not for the faint hearted. Having said that, the rewards in seeing progress with these dogs is phenomenal. My own bitch will still spin when very stressed by a storm, five years after rescue.

Yes I know but what is so upsetting is that its now being made legitimate via people you wouldnt expect to support it and portraying that Banksia park kennel as something to be held up as doing the right thing by dogs.Even uni lecturers are touting a commercial puppy farmer as an expert on breeding dogs and allow her 45 mins in a seminar on building better dogs!

Steve Austin saying they only get dogs from registered breeders and people registered as breeding businesses is supposed to make it O.K?

Not for me.

[Nekhbet]

puppies in the window make for crowd pleasers, draw kids who draw and harass parents to cough up. Would you want your registered litter in a glass box man handled by every snotty nosed kid or exposed to disease risks? I sure as hell wouldnt want it near the place. Look at places like Pets Paradise! Their profit comes mostly from the puppies and kittens, their stores are tiny and virtually devoid of anything useful in the way of animal supplies ...

A book with registered breeders contact details is enough. Breeders and experienced dog people should be selling and marketing pups NOT pet shop people with little idea of animal care or 16 year olds who work there because they 'love animals *SQUEEEEEE*' (stab stab stab)

As for the PIAA, I knew about this long ago. A commercial breeder is simply someone who has an ABN, registered with council etc IE A puppy farmer who did all his paperwork. Have a look at the PIAA website, I can guarentee a few places on there get pups from randoms, puppy farms and thrive on the cute factor dollar that gets raked in. I also see a reptile seller on there who I wouldnt buy a snake off if you paid me due to his business first ideals.

[labsrule]

I've often wondered about the possibility of Petshops using some kind of "referral" system to registered breeders??

They could list what will be available in the coming months for example?

And if they really feel the need for the "Puppies in the window" effect (I'll be honest I always love seeing puppies ALL KINDS) maybe they could have a rostered display where a breeder will bring along a litter for a day??

I guess the problem comes down to who gets the lions share of the profits??

Someone at work told me recently when they found out I had two Cavalier bitches that I could get up to $300 each for a puppy from a Pet Shop. I patiently explained the protocol of a Registered Breeder. They seemed to be enlightened.

I am the opposite, I hate seeing puppies in the window as it makes me so sad to see them cooped up there day after day on display and knowing these poor pups have come from questionable breeding practices (i.e. puppyfarmers, BYB's, disreputable breeders) and then wondering what sort of homes these poor pups will end up in as so many are impulse buys

[Loving my Oldies]

To an extent its disappointing it was an ABC report.

The ABC audience demographic is probably not really the same demographic of those who go to puppy farms/ pet shops for their puppy purchase.

That's what OH said when it was over: Great report, but it needs to be on A Current Affair or Today Tonight.

Are you kidding: they would have made a joke of it and got the Jerk on for his professional opinion .

Yes, I know what you are sayingm of course, and I agree, but only if they could do the program as the ABC did it, it would be great.

[Andisa]

I've often wondered about the possibility of Petshops using some kind of "referral" system to registered breeders??

They could list what will be available in the coming months for example?

And if they really feel the need for the "Puppies in the window" effect (I'll be honest I always love seeing puppies ALL KINDS) maybe they could have a rostered display where a breeder will bring along a litter for a day??

I guess the problem comes down to who gets the lions share of the profits??

Someone at work told me recently when they found out I had two Cavalier bitches that I could get up to $300 each for a puppy from a Pet Shop. I patiently explained the protocol of a Registered Breeder. They seemed to be enlightened.

I see where your coming from but in the real world it is not a good idea. No way would I take my puppies to a pet shop to be overwhelmed by who know what - imagine the risks they would be exposed to.

The pet shop in Fountain Gate Vic - Pets At Home, tried this - had breeders in with their adults trying to educate the public - didn't work for a few reasons.

The problem is THE PEOPLE. They want to see puppies and kittens and buy them on impulse - it makes them feel good - even if for just a little while.....responsible people don't do that - they plan ahead...there is the difference.

Having said that - I know a lot of people mean well when buying a pet from a shop but even then they know it was the wrong thing to do - so they try to make themselves feel better by saying it was a "rescue". I hear it often being a groomer - many people who impulse buy are nice people - they just get sucked in, they are not necessarily irresponsible people but make irresponsible choices and that is what the pet shops and puppy farms are counting on...

Edited March 30, 2010 by Andisa

[schnauzer]

I have to say that attending that seminar at Monash Uni and hearing what was said via Pauline Bennett, Paul McGreevy and Kate Scoffield has had a profound effect on me and seeing dogs kept in these conditions now makes me emotional and brings me to tears because of the suffering and I dont think there is any stopping it.I get why Starting a group to legitimise it all is being touted as a good thing because the theory is that we cant stop it so try to clean it up but it saddens me so much.I dont know how anyone who says they love dogs could condone it let alone particpate in it.

We have rescued several lots of puppy farm dogs.

Some are so severely traumatised they bear their scars forever. Most can be rehabilitated with the right experienced carers, but it can be a long process, and some dogs are not for the faint hearted. Having said that, the rewards in seeing progress with these dogs is phenomenal. My own bitch will still spin when very stressed by a storm, five years after rescue.

Yes I know but what is so upsetting is that its now being made legitimate via people you wouldnt expect to support it and portraying that Banksia park kennel as something to be held up as doing the right thing by dogs.Even uni lecturers are touting a commercial puppy farmer as an expert on breeding dogs and allow her 45 mins in a seminar on building better dogs!

Steve Austin saying they only get dogs from registered breeders and people registered as breeding businesses is supposed to make it O.K?

Not for me.

I totally agree with you Steve.

The University lecturer is obviously delusional and has never been to a puppy farm.

Just a suggestion, but perhaps the MDBA could take a strong stance against these practices and voice your concerns to the relevant bodies, councils, PIAA, and Canine councils regarding puppy farmers who are actually "registered breeders" (if in fact they are).

[mita]

I have to say that attending that seminar at Monash Uni and hearing what was said...

Starting a group to legitimise it all is being touted as a good thing because the theory is that we cant stop it so try to clean it up

What I heard about this idea of starting a 'clean up' group, sounded like another version where cleanliness, adequate food & shelter, & health care were seen as the essentials. But nothing was said about 2 critical issues re the breeding & homing of dogs as companion animals:

1. providing for socialisation & a range of experiences in the real world...for the dogs & puppies. Both essential to the development of dogs as companion animals;

2. breeder responsibility, at point of sale, to match puppies with owners, screen owners, provide settling in & maintenance advice & later support. Essential for the welfare of both dogs & new owners.

Both 1 & 2 are standard basics done by 'good' registered breeders. Australian research even confirms that claim for 1.

Absence of 1 & 2 demonstrates puppy farming, IMO.....whoever does it.

Also this group would continue to mix purebreds with health aims in view.

However, I recently posted an excellent paper from the Norwegian Kennel Club & School of Veterinary Science which set out breeding practices with health aims in view.....while still only producing purebreds.

What is absent in Australia, is a public voice like that, representing the kennel clubs & another independent academic view.

Edited March 31, 2010 by mita

[ellies mum]

I have to say that attending that seminar at Monash Uni and hearing what was said...

Starting a group to legitimise it all is being touted as a good thing because the theory is that we cant stop it so try to clean it up

What I heard about this idea of starting a 'clean up' group, sounded like another version where cleanliness, adequate food & shelter, & health care were seen as the essentials. But nothing was said about 2 critical issues re the breeding & homing of dogs as companion animals:

1. providing for socialisation & a range of experiences in the real world...for the dogs & puppies. Both essential to the nature of dogs as companion animals;

2. breeder responsibility, at point of sale, to match puppies with owners, screen owners, provide settling in & maintenance advice & later support. Essential for the welfare of both dogs & new owners.

Both 1 & 2 are standard basics done by 'good' registered breeders. Australian research even confirms that claim for 1.

Absence of 1 & 2 demonstrate puppy farming, IMO.....whoever does it.

Also this group would continue to mix purebreds with health aims in view. However, I recently posted an excellent paper from the Norwegian Kennel Club & School of Veterinary Science which set out breeding practices with health aims in view.....while still only producing purebreds.

What is absent in Australia, is a public voice like that, representing the kennel clubs & another independent academic view.

I actually just watched this again on the net....I am sitting here crying foir the dogs.....and their life.....its so sad....

Please we have to do something .....make them stop...somehow....

Principles.......none....even admitted by the woman who previously breed for cash....

I am sickened.........kalma where are you..