The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Mahatma Gandhi
As a newly anointed veterinarian I went back to live and practice veterinary medicine near my birthplace in Memphis, Tennessee. In my clinic on more than one occasion I heard, in my waiting room, the voices of the other Moms in the neighborhood of my youth explaining to my clients my childhood shenanigans. I do not remember participating in most of the transgressions which they recalled, but I believed them. I still feared them because in our neighborhood any mom had full authority to help ensure that you “turned out” OK. They were apparently granted this authority by virtue of theory of universal momhood.
I preface my story with these thoughts so that the reader can understand from where I come. I am very lucky. I am lucky because I have been able to enjoy a very fulfilling life doing what, apparently, I was meant to do. For that stroke of good fortune I will always be grateful. I am grateful to my mom and all moms. For love, compassion and always teaching me what was right and what was wrong.
It is therefore, with great consternation and personal sadness that I must tell the story of a local tragedy. It is a story of man’s utter disregard for compassion, decency and understanding of animal welfare. It is about my struggle to understand how a human, with 99.9999% of the same genetic makeup as me, can treat two hundred little dogs like they were wilted cabbages in a forgotten garden.
A puppy mill. That is what they call it. I believe that it is wrong to raise dogs solely for the purpose of propagation of their kind for profit. But that is only my opinion. I can’t say that, in the eyes of the law, it is wrong. I will say however, without reservation, that what I have seen in this case has inflicted one of the most painful wounds my spirit has endured.
They live their entire lives in shoddy little cages in a filthy, cluttered, overgrown yard. They are exposed to the hot steamy summer days wearing overgrown, matted fur coats. They are forced to endure the long cold, windy winter nights on a rusty wire bottom pen. They don’t ever get to be “dogs”. They are just animals called dogs. They know not the comfort of compassion. They never hear a soothing voice of understanding and support. They never know the warmth of friendship. These little dogs are just like mine and yours except they are sentenced to a life of misery for a crime they never committed. They are innocent in every sense of the word. But, apparently they are not dogs at all. They are property.
That is what it amounts to I guess. A court must dissect the evidence, consider the Statutes, property owner’s rights, the political climate of the community and, of course, the meaning of “inhumane”. In the meantime, throughout the discussions, mediations, briefings and behind the scenes negotiations, these desperate little dogs suffer on. Day after day, week after miserable week, while the owner argues that his dogs are treated as well as most.
I don’t hate this man, I don’t even dislike him. It seems to me that somewhere, somehow he, and others like him, just never took the opportunity to look upon this world through the eyes of another creature. That opportunity will never be forced upon you, however all one has to do is ask for the chance. You must climb down off of your lofty perch at the top of the food chain and listen to the voices of the other creatures that breathe the same air that you do. You have to ask yourself, “In what way are my actions or in-actions responsible for the misery of others?” And, most of all, you have to CARE when the answer is apparent.
My mom and the voices of most of the moms involved in my upbringing have been quieted by life’s end. But, as I write this, I hear them again. They say that the message of right and wrong handed to me has been delivered millions of times by millions of moms to their children as well. Pehaps it is time to make a little noise; for the little creatures.
Very difficult subject. I would love to get on my soap-box, but I will try to state it simply. In my opinion there are so many things wrong with the “puppy mill”, not only is it inhumane treatment of the breeder dogs, most of which are in some form of pain or crazy, but the puppies sold are at best a lifetime of problems–physical and behavioral–if they make it a lifetime. How many of the offspring are disposed of due to these illnesses? We as consumers perpetuate this problem. We can stop it. Buy from a reputable breeder (ask your veterinarian) or better yet adopt a pet from the Shelter.
Yes, very sad & disappointing that some of the human species act this way. Along w/that is also the testing of products on animals – how can anyone do such horrible acts? And in some cultures dogs & cats are really not domestic animals, but food & fur pelts. Oh, what a way to start a Monday….I am so grateful for my cat Maximus – he makes my day – I have heard that animals do not love, but all you have to do is look at him looking at you w/those beautiful soul-searching eyes of his & you know — animals do love. We should learn not only to treat each other w/respect, but our pets as well. And, that is the difference right there – pets – not possessions – not money making products!
I feel your pain. I’ve always wondered how people can treat these beautiful creatures full of unconditional love as if they were only property, or worse yet, garbage to be thrown away without a second thought. A puppy mill near me was closed down 2 years ago but I know there are more still going strong. It’s very disheartening.
What a sad and unsettling subject! Norm, thank you for bringing it up.
I know people, who purchased their dogs from puppy mills and complain afterwards that the dog is not as healthy and social as they wanted them to be. Guess what they do… they “exchange” their dog for a newer, better dog…at the same puppy mill. Their comments? Oh the breeder is selling the dogs sooo cheap and I can bring them back and can get another one!!!? (That was a actual story here in Crawfordville)
Norm, as always, there stands your heart, and mine usually along with it. I do not think anything has ever made me madder or sadder than the “mill” state in this land of ours. I cannot tell you how many people I have “enlightened” when they tell me they were so sad to see the conditions of the pups at a “mill” that they just HAD to buy one so they could SAVE it! Grrrrrrr! You know where I am at on this subject . . . the mill owners ought to be treated like THEY treat their charges! Sorry folks, if you think I am a little harsh on this subject. I am the “Boxer Lady” that will, and has, gone to an adoption house and “reposessed” my pup back! PS . . . for those who don’t know me, we only have a litter when we want another child ourselves!
Great story Norm, Very touching because it is so true. The stupidity and desperation for a buck will drive people to the lowest of the lowest. As you know my K9′s are adopted and I wish I could get a dozen more. I hope that your message will open the eyes of someone, somewhere and help stop the madness in at least one. Keep up the great work YALL.
There is nothing wrong with breeding pedigree animals IF quality of life is not compromised and they are carefully placed in loving homes with people who appreciate the unique characteristics of a particular breed. The injustice is when a breeder becomes negligent in the care and well being of the offspring INCLUDING the provision of human love and affection. Where there is no compassion there is cruelty. I raise Maine Coon cats and can say they never see the inside of a cage except when visiting the vet, they are raised inside as family members. I’d alter my foundation cats if I could not afford to care for them as the good Lord would. Nor would I continue to breed if I could not place my current litter. People like this this give reputable breeders who breed for health, temperament and excellent type a bad name. It should be done in a controlled manner within the confines of a national association & its’ code of ethics under a reputable mentor breeder. It is a travesty that this got so out of hand. Breeders should breed for excellent type, health & disposition in an effort to sustain a respected & appreciated breed, when it’s for quantity and profit this is when the animal’s well being is greatly jeapordized! Raising pedigree pets should involve a great love & passion for the breed, it should never be made into a profession by those who misuse the priviledge.