Don’t buy from pet stores — rescue an animal instead

I thought the practice only occurred in China, but ‘puppy farms’ in Ireland (North and Republic of) breed dogs in poor conditions, leading to sick puppies who may have to be put down soon after purchase. Apparently there is a rising demand for pedigree canines, which is leading to more people buying puppies from disreputable dealers.

There are so many unwanted animals; maybe it’s not as bad in Scotland as it is in Singapore, but the number of animals in shelters just about makes my heart break. I do not see a need to buy a bred animal from a pet store when you could adopt one from a shelter.

• 27 Feb 2007

• Thinking