Feeding your Canine Companion

2005 Annual Report
Please click here to view the Sequoia Humane Society's 2005 Annual Report (PDF)

Vets Who Support SHS Spay/Neuter Drives Sunny Brae Animal Clinic 900 Buttermilk Lane Arcata, CA 822-5124 Eureka Veterinary Hospital 4433 Broadway Eureka, CA 442-4885 Animal Health & Surgery Center 1257 Riverwalk Drive Fortuna, CA 725-6154 Myrtle Avenue Veterinary Hospital 2715 Hubbard Lane Eureka, CA 443-8686 McKinleyille Animal Care Ctr 2151 Central Ave. McKinleyville, CA 839-1504 Redwood Animal Hospital 1585 School Rd. McKinleyville, CA 839-9414 Fortuna Vet Clinic 251 Fortuna Blvd. Fortuna, CA 725-6131 Broadway Animal Hospital 3700 Broadway Eureka, CA 442-5717 Arcata Animal Hospital 1701 Giuntoli Lane Arcata, CA 822-2402 Ferndale Vet Clinic 1140 Van Ness Ave. Ferndale, CA 786-4200 Healing Spirit Animal Wellness Center 7650 Myrtle Ave. Eureka, CA 822-8307 Cutten Animal Health Center 4015 Walnut Drive Ste. B Eureka, CA 445-0877 Garberville-Redway Vet Group 230 Alderpoint Rd. Garberville, CA 923-2023 Animal Medical Center 105 N. Main Street Fortuna, CA 725-6114

It’s no secret that there are people in Humboldt County trying to "sell" puppies to make a buck. Many of them are backyard breeders who breed dogs without consideration for the qualities of the breed or the future of the puppies produced.

The reality is that "BYBs" breed dogs with faults. Many are "mutts" that are passed off as some ‘special’ breed dressed up in a fancy name, such as Dalimers—which are actually just a Dalmation/Weimeraner cross. Others practice inbreeding, yielding dogs with serious and sometimes life-threatening health problems, like Diva, a sweet Japanese Chin dog who lost her sight to glaucoma.

Also common are "puppy mills" - mass dog breeding operations that promote their ‘pure bred’ puppies on the Internet and offer to ship them to unsuspecting consumers sight unseen. How many times have you heard of someone who purchased a puppy from a cute picture, only to be disappointed when a dirty, malnourished, pitiful animal appeared on their doorstep?

Because a puppy mill is a business the facility is designed purely for profit, not comfort. Laws are on the books to provide minimum standards of care, but enforcement is difficult. The U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses and inspects puppy mills for violations of the Animal Welfare Act; likewise some state laws are designed to protect the charges in the average puppy mill, providing minimum standards for sanitation, vet care, space, nutrition and exercise. However, many navigate around these laws by selling directly to consumers (avoiding USDA licensing requirements) or simply by avoiding the reach of law enforcement (don’t ask, don’t tell).

YOU can help stop senseless breeding by refusing to give puppy mills and back yard breeders your business. Looking for a new animal companion? Check out your local shelters and rescue groups first—there are lots of great mixed breeds looking for homes, and some pure bred dogs and cats too.

If you’re set on a particular breed go on the Internet and search for a breed specific rescue. If you must purchase a dog or cat from a breeder, make sure they have good references and check to see that their animals are maintained in good condition. Good breeders take a lifetime interest in the animals they produce; they want to know how the animal is doing in their new home, and if it shows signs any medical condition that could be hereditary. And as always, please make sure that your new furry family member is spayed or neutered.

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