Susquehanna SPCA, Partners Launch PAWS Program

FOCUS:

To empower consumers throughout the region to “PAWS (Puppy Mill Awareness With Shelters) Before You Pay.”

WHY NOW:

September is National Puppy Mill Awareness Month. Puppy mills are cruel and inhumane. With several such businesses currently operating in and around Otsego County, it is important that buyers have resources available to them to help determine whether they are purchasing from a responsible breeder or a puppy mill.

HOW:

Visit sqspca.org or another participating shelter’s website and click on the PAWS tab to gain access to resources that will help consumers determine whether they are dealing with a reputable breeder or puppy mill.

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING:

The first step in determining if you are working with a good breeder is checking if they are registered with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. If they are, this is a very good sign because they are inspected yearly by NYS. https://apps.agriculture.ny.gov/LicensedPetDealers/PetDealer#Oneida%20County

Humane Society of the United States General Puppy Mill Information – https://www.humanesociety.org/puppy-mill-research

Humane Society of the United States Boot Camp – https://www.facebook.com/events/1589743084543871/

The Horrible Hundred – uncovering national puppy mills – https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/2019_Horrible-Hundred_0.pdf

FUTURE IMPACT:

Supporters of PAWS are encouraged to donate and receive a “PAWS Before You Pay” decal.

Funds raised will assist in spreading the message to research before buying a dog and explain why this is so important. https://sqspca.org/support/make-a-donation/