Bad breeder? what can I do?

[SamandAussieMom]

Bad breeder? What should I do?

We got Ozzie because a friend of ours, owner of a small pet supply shop in another state, had a breeder in her shop complaining that her puppies weren't selling because of the 'economy.' Our friend knew my husband always wanted a samoyed, and the breeder made her nervous, she felt the breeder was on the brink of killing the puppies (complaining about how much it was costing her to feed, etc). So she talked the 'lady' into giving her our little guy, and we picked him up from our friend and drove him home.

Of course, we kept him apart from Woody and the cats, and took him to the vet the next day. Well, the poor puppy had giardia, hookworms, and pneumonia. He was underweight, and sick, but so very sweet.

My friend and I were so upset at his condition, first she called the humane society to check on the other dogs, then we filed a complaint with the state's department of agriculture (they oversee pet stores, breeders in her state, surprised me). Anyway they sent a letter of complaint to the breeder, who didn't have to answer it, so she didn't. We got a letter stating there was nothing else than can do.

Every now and then it just eats at me. Do you think she was really a puppy mill owner? Am I over-reacting? Is there anything else we can do?

 

[showluver]

IMO, a puppymill, BYB type. For one due to the health of the puppy. Another reason being the way the pup was acquired. A reputable breeder would never simply hand one of their pups that they have put so much work into and just give it to a pet shop owner because of food costs.

Obviously a crappy breeder and person.

 

[wcladymacbeth]

I think you realize this is a horrible breeder and are trying to figure out if you need to do any more than you already have, right? It's hard to say if this person is a puppy miller or a BYB but regardless I agree she sounds terrible. I don't know what else you could do, but I think everything you've done so far is great. You saved a puppy's life and at least hopefully put her on someone's radar by contacting the department of agriculture.

 

[SamandAussieMom]

Thanks. I just worry sometimes that she could have a bunch of puppies in trouble. Now that you mention BYB, it makes a little more sense to me. She sure wasn't putting any money into vet care. She didn't give/have a shot record for the puppy, so our vet took care of everything for him. Sure hope she got her dog spayed.
Thanks again for the re-assurance, maybe it won't bother me so much anymore.

 

[lisabobisa]

I guess the most you could do at this point is bash her on any breeding forums you can find. It's really sad that the authorities can't do anything.

Thinking optimistically, since she found it so much trouble to sell the puppies and had to get to the point of just giving them away, she may decide not to breed anymore. It may take a few more times... but if no one buys from her then she'll have to stop.

 

[Lolas Dad]

Not much you can do except warn others about the breeder. Perhaps call the SPCA in the breeders area and let them know what is going on so that they could maybe do an inspection. Call animal control in her area and let them know as well what is going on.

You legally have no recourse because you got the puppy for free. That is the same thing rescue groups do when they get dogs and sometimes puppies from a puppy mill. They are getting the puppies and dogs to give them a better home after any medical treatments they need. Sadly some of them die after being rescued.

 

[SamandAussieMom]

Thank you very much. We'll do that. I can't get my head to understand how someone could breed puppies and not care about them or for them.

 

[sammgirl]

Samoyeds were one of the breeds I was really looking into.

Could you give me her name and kennel name? I want to make sure she's not in the SCA.

I know many people who are in that breed, and I know they would want to know this.

I would send it with anonymity- I wouldn't put your name in it.