Beware, not all advertised dog rescues really are! How can you know the truth?
As the public becomes more aware of the horrors caused by puppy mills and as most pet stores source their puppies from puppy mills, more people are turning to newspaper ads, Craigslist, and more. Internet to find your new canine member of the family. There is also a growing desire to adopt a “rescue” dog; But how do you tell a legitimate dog rescue from a dog theft scam or puppy mill?
If you read or watch the news, even on a regular basis, you already know that the number of dog thefts is skyrocketing. Interestingly, some dog thefts are committed for humanitarian reasons. Sometimes a well-meaning person believes a dog is being neglected or abused and, instead of going through the proper channels, takes matters into their own hands. These same people feel justified that what they are doing is for the welfare of the dog.
However, most dog thefts are not done for humanitarian reasons. Stolen dogs often show up in the newspaper, on Craigslist, and/or on the Internet. Sellers might say they are selling the animal because it belonged to a relative who had just died. After my Aussie died a few months ago, I emailed about two Aussie puppies I saw advertised online. I was told they were for sale because they belonged to the seller’s “MOM who just died.” Needless to say, I didn’t chase this; and I suspect the dogs were actually stolen or bought cheaply for resale.
The most recent theft scam involves one person or a group of people stealing multiple dogs and then, using a false business name, posing as a rescue group. As puppy mills have become notorious for their horrible conditions, rescuing a dog is becoming almost “classy” or at least “the right thing to do.” Thieves are taking advantage of this trend.
The growing awareness that most pet stores that sell puppies source those puppies from puppy mills is having two major consequences. Several pet store chains across the country have been forced to close, and puppy mills are feeling the effects of lost business. These puppy mill breeders are dealing with this decreased demand for their puppies by turning to the Internet; and they are also using the dog rescue tactic.
The ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, recently helped uncover one such scam. The breeders, using a false name, presented themselves as a rescue dog. They even solicited donations for animal care. These shoddy breeders use the anonymity of the internet to their advantage. In addition to having fake websites, these breeders even have Facebook pages and appear legitimate.
This turn to the Internet has led to some terrifying statistics. According to the ASPCA, 89% of breeders who sell dogs over the Internet are not licensed by the USDA, as is required for large breeding operations. Why should you care? Unlicensed breeders are NEVER inspected!
The second frightening statistic is that we have reached a point where the number of puppies purchased online now equals the number purchased in pet stores. Why does it matter? As bad as puppy mills are, when you shop at a pet store, you can at least see what you’re getting. You may be able to tell if the puppy is healthy or sick.
Why is it so worrying to buy a puppy online? First, bait and switch is common practice. The images you see on the internet are usually clip art or stock photos, so the dog you get looks nothing like the picture you fell in love with. Second, the puppy you receive is often seriously ill and/or has genetic problems. These breeders are counting on the buyer feeling guilty or too compassionate to return the dog.
Can you avoid being “taken”? Yes, but you must do your part:
(1) Never buy a dog you haven’t met.
(2) Always visit the breeder or rescue in person before choosing a dog. If a breeder wants to meet you somewhere else, run, don’t walk, in the opposite direction.
(3) Avoid internet-only transactions. If you can only communicate via email, you have a red flag. PAY ATTENTION TO IT!
(4) Do not send money in any way that you cannot stop.
(5) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER send a puppy. Note: Some legitimate breeders do ship, but you must meet them personally. Most legitimate breeders and rescue groups do not send dogs.
(6) Stay away from “free to a good home” ads. People often end up asking for a “small” relocation fee or transportation costs. These are usually not legitimate sellers.
(7) If the dog is purebred:
(a) Ask to see the pedigree (family tree) of the dog. If none of the ancestors have CH in front of the name, it is a bad breeder. CH stands for champion, and good breeders always work to have their breeding dogs in conformation shows to earn their CH before they are used as breeding dogs.
(b) Ask to see the parents. If at least one of the puppy’s parents is not on the premises, do not purchase the puppy.
The best way to avoid being taken away is to inform yourself. Read everything you can on this subject. Investigate breeders and rescue groups. Follow the guidelines listed here. Protect yourself!
Finally, don’t overlook your local animal shelter. Because many of these dogs are abandoned by their owners, these dogs are generally healthier and are often already housebroken. Puppy mill rescue dogs are not domesticated and have many physical and mental problems. If you want a purebred dog, keep in mind that 25-30% of shelter dogs are purebred. If you’re willing to be patient, you just might find your perfect family member nearby.