Teen Wants To End Doggies In The Window

[tivins]

Taken from this morning's programme on ABC1 with regards to puppies in petshops. If u dont mind, pls also leave your comments on the right

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2973590.htm

"Now, you've probably come face-to-face with cute puppies and kittens before at a pet shop.

But have you ever wondered how the animals are looked after and what happens to them when the shop's closed?

One school girl doesn't like the way the animals are kept behind glass windows and wants stores banned from selling them.

But as Tash reports pet shops have to follow strict rules to make sure the animals are treated properly.

NATASHA THIELE, REPORTER: When buying a dog or a cat, you might think of going to a pet shop

You've probably seen animals for sale in windows or in clear containers before.

And while these guys might get a lot of attention during the day from customers, they also need to be looked after by the people who work there.

Pet shops are expected to follow rules to protect the animals in their store.

Some state and territories also have their own laws. It means everything from food, hygiene and exercise is covered.

REPORTER: Here at this pet shop, these puppies are given regular exercise and all this stuff needs to be taken out every day and the enclosure is disinfected.

And there needs to be at least one full-time staff member who's properly trained to handle animals.

But not everyone thinks displaying puppies and kittens in pet shops is a good idea.

STEVE LAWRIE, RSPCA: The main issue for us with pet shops is not so much the conditions that they're kept in at pet shops, it's where they get their puppies from and it's the fact that they stick them in windows. What they're doing is they're encouraging people to make a purchase on impulse.

And that's what's known as �impulse buying�.

It can be a big problem, especially around Christmas, when you get caught up in the moment of seeing a cute dog or cat and end up buying it, rather than taking your time to make a responsible decision.

This is Maisie, a school girl from Queensland.

She wants pet displays to be banned.

She's set up an online petition and already has one thousand people supporting her.

MAISIE, STUDENT: The little dogs are in tiny little cages and people can go around and have a look at them all the time so they're almost just on show.

Steve owns a pet shop in Adelaide. While he uses display containers, he doesn't think pets should be in the front window.

STEVE, PET SHOP OWNER: They are a drawcard into a pet shop, we do have them at the front of the shop but not in the front window. They can get tapped on, so they can scare them. So I'm not a fan of front window shopping, I prefer them in closer into the shop.

And have you ever wondered what happens to the animals when pet shops close?

The rules in South Australia for example say they can be left there for up to 16 hours alone.

Although some pet store owners like Steve, try to take them home as often as they can.

STEVE, PET SHOP OWNER: When they're nice and small like this, they tend to stay. But I have a rotation system, so one cage, say these guys might come home tonight, and then tomorrow night I'll have these little kids down below me come home.

If you're looking for other ways to find a pet, there are animal shelters where you can adopt homeless dogs and cats.

So what do you guys think about dogs and cats in pet shops?

GIRL: It makes them look nice if they're sitting in a window and things, but it's also cruel for the animals 'cause they're stuck in such small places.

BOY: I think the people who are in the pet shops take good care of them because I know someone who is working at a pet shop.

GIRL: They should just make a like bigger place for the dogs and cats."

[kmaci]

I saw the show and thought it was good. Would have liked to have seen an option to buying from pet shop ie going to registered breeder, and more details on where the pups come from.

Good luck Maisie!