The wrong reaction to pet store sticker shock
September 16th, 2009 by admin
Pet store puppies are notoriously overpriced and often suffer serious medical problems. It’s a mystery to us why some people are willing to pay $500, $1000 or more for a puppy that most likely came from a cruel puppy mill. It’s even more puzzling why someone would take a chance and steal a puppy from a pet store.
On Monday, an 8-week-old Yorkshire terrier with a $2,000 price tag was stolen from Palm Beach Puppies in Wellington. Surprisingly, this is not an unusual crime. Police across the state are investigating dog thefts. A couple weeks ago at the Puppy Spot in Orlando a woman was caught on surveillance video reaching into a “puppy crib,” grabbing an 11-week-old Pomeranian (on sale for $1,300) and placing the dog into her purse before walking out the door. And a few days before that a Chihuahua and a cocker spaniel were stolen from the Puppy Lovin’ store in Jacksonville. Thieves threw a bowling ball through the glass front door to get inside!
Some pet store thieves are motivated by greed and the stolen puppies end up for sale somewhere. But for those thieves who simply wanted a cute puppy, we have a suggestion. At the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control shelter in West Palm Beach, a short drive from the Wellington pet store robbed this week, adorable dogs of all ages are available for adoption for as low as $20. The fee includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, a rabies/license tag, ID microchip and a complete medical exam by a veterinarian.