Americans like shelter dogs and cats!
May 17th, 2010 by admin
Last week the Associated Press released the results of a nationwide poll about companion animals (the poll was conducted in early April). The results are very encouraging! According to the AP, more than half of those surveyed said they would get their next dog or cat from a shelter, “nearly seven times the number who said they would buy their next pet from a store.” The reasons were a mix of compassion for animals in shelters and concern about the health of pet store animals. According to the AP, “Forty-seven percent of those polled said they were strongly concerned that an animal from a pet store would have medical issues they didn’t know about.”
Today’s SunSentinel.com featured a photo gallery of animals adopted from local shelters and rescue groups, and rescued from the street. Click here to view the wonderful photos. The animal’s guardians were asked why they chose a shelter pet. Assistant State Attorney Carolyn Bandklayder, who was featured along with Bo, a Boston terrier, explained, “I would never go out and buy one. They’re desperate in a shelter.” Sun Sentinel Editorial Board member Diana Mellion, featured along with her rescued Lhasa Apso, Victory, said, “It’s very satisfying. You’re helping a dog, but the dog is helping you and you don’t even realize it.”
You Can Help. There are regular demonstrations outside two South Florida pet stores- Puppy Palace in Hollywood and Palm Beach Puppies in West Palm Beach- to raise awareness about cruel puppy mills and to encourage shoppers to adopt from local shelters instead of buying a dog. Contact ARFF for details.