The Truth About Dog Farms
There are many reasons to be concerned about dog farms. These can range from poor conditions to the health of the dogs and other animals who live there. In some cases, these animals can be raised for commercial consumption. Dogs have been used for meat in South Korea and China. The laws in Missouri that prohibit the sale of dogs for such purposes seem to have been tossed aside.[1]
Health and social problems
Among the hors o’ the horse, the dog breeder in your life, the puppy mill is one of several paws at the nipple. In fact, one of the few good ole boys, you might be fortunate to get a dog with a squeaky tan or two. A healthy and happy canine companion is a top notch gift to cherish.[2] A well behaved pet deserves a well behaved owner. Fortunately, a new breed of canine aficionados have a leg up on the competition. After all, no one wants to take out the lion’s share of the best years of their life.
Conditions at a puppy farm
When people think of puppy farms, they may picture a bunch of animals in dirty cages. However, the reality is quite different. Puppy mills are factory-run facilities that breed and sell dogs while they’re still very young.
Dogs at puppy mills are not only kept in dirty conditions, but they’re also treated poorly. Some are even left to die.[3]
These puppies can go crazy and become mentally unstable, or develop chronic illnesses. They’re also not given veterinary care. And they’re often fed cheap food.
If you’re considering buying a puppy, it’s important to ask questions about the breeder’s history. You can visit a breeding facility yourself, or take photographs to show you what you’re getting into.
The ISPCA recently rescued 340 dogs from a puppy farm in Myshall, County Carlow. A woman, Teresa Wade, pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences.
Despite this, puppy mills continue to operate. There’s a growing homeless animal crisis, and these facilities are one of the causes.
Animal rights activists have filmed their visits to a puppy farm. In a report released by Fairfax Media, they revealed disturbing images.[4]
Many of the dogs have matted fur, loose teeth, and a painful infected mouth. Others have eye or nose discharges, missing teeth, or overgrown nails.
Puppies at these facilities are never exposed to sunlight. Instead, they’re confined to dark, dank, cages. They’re forced to sleep in their own feces.
Consumption of dog meat in South Korea
Dog meat in South Korea is a controversial topic. The Korean government has made no effort to ban dog meat. However, many animal rights activists are calling on the government to take action.
Despite this, dogs are still being raised in farms for human consumption. They are fed food waste as an unsanitary practice. There is a growing movement in the country to end the cruel trade.[5]
According to a recent survey by Humane Society International, almost 60 percent of South Koreans support a legislative ban on dog meat. A more recent opinion poll by Nielsen revealed that 80 percent of respondents would prefer to see the trade phased out.
Although the Korean government has taken steps to close down several dog slaughterhouses and large markets, the trade is still very much alive. Activists believe that indifference will only lead to more cruelty.
In order to determine whether the Korean government should ban dog meat, a task force has been formed. Its report is expected to be released this summer. Some of the recommendations include a phaseout of dog meat over the next eight years.
One of the most common arguments against a dog meat ban is that the Korean government will simply give in to Western pressure. This argument ignores the fact that the Korean government is ignoring the backlash from dog eaters.
Another argument against a dog meat ban is that the process of killing dogs is a legal practice. According to the Supreme Court, the law is not in place to make this a legal reason to kill dogs.[6]
Inadequate conditions in China
Despite the fact that dogs are widely accepted as companion animals internationally, they are still abused and bred for meat in China. This trade continues, despite pressure from activists to stop it. It is said that dog meat trades pose a serious threat to the population from the rabies virus.
The problem has become a point of tension between pet owners and the general public in many parts of China. A number of animal protection groups are urging the government to permanently shut down markets for dog and cat meat.
In recent years, there has been a strong global movement against the killing of companion animals. The controversy over the Yulin dog meat festival has played a significant role in building momentum for an anti-cruelty law.
The Chinese government denies the existence of the festival. But the event is known for its blatant racist sentiments. There are several strikes against the event and various other attempts to prevent the slaughter of dogs.
Dogs are often stolen from their homes, and traders pick them up from the streets. They are then transported to areas of high demand. Some dogs die during the journey.
The cruel treatment of these animals is highlighted by video footage. Most dogs are kept in cramped cages and sometimes beaten to death. Their legs are tied behind their backs. Sometimes they are killed in full view of other people.[7]
Inadequate conditions in the Philippines
Dog meat is not legal in the Philippines. In fact, it has been illegal in the city of Manila since 1982. The country’s National Meat Inspection Commission has stated that dog meat is “dangerous” to human health.
The dog meat industry is a major source of rabies in the Philippines. Rabies is transmitted to humans in all stages of the dog meat process. This includes the slaughtering, transporting, and preparation of the meat.
However, rabies is not the only problem in the dog meat trade. Several harmful bacteria are found in contaminated meat. Other diseases include Salmonella and E. Coli 107.[8]
According to a study by the University of California Davis, inadequate conditions in dog farms in the Philippines are causing significant suffering to animals and humans. The study found that approximately half a million dogs are killed each year for human consumption.
However, the majority of the animals are pets. While some dogs are killed for food, many are simply transported without food and water.
Fortunately, the government has banned the slaughter of dogs for human consumption. However, the country’s Department of Interior must ensure that local bans are enforced.[9]
Additionally, there is a need for the Philippine government to improve its healthcare and disease management systems. These are under-resourced and often understaffed. A technology-enabled One Health surveillance program can help prevent disease outbreaks in resource-limited settings.
Missouri’s dog law seems to have lost its teeth
When it comes to Missouri dog law, there is no one size fits all. Some municipalities are so small, they don’t even have official dog laws. Others have dog ordinances aplenty. The state of Missouri has a population of more than six million. As you might expect, some folks have trouble keeping their dogs under control. This is where municipal regulations come in handy.
As a matter of fact, the state of Missouri is home to more than a dozen micro municipalities. While the state of Missouri has some of the more livable cities, there is certainly room for improvement. For instance, the city of St. Louis has a dog ordinance that can earn you some major points.[10]
A recent statewide study found that over 2,700 dog bite injury claims were filed last year. While the majority of these claims were minor bumps and bruises, there were a handful of more significant incidents. One example was a four day old baby killed by a rogue dog. It’s no wonder that the number of dog bites is on the rise. To combat this, municipalities are putting forth measures such as admonishment, leash laws and a mandatory spay and neuter program.
The best way to combat these problems is to adopt a holistic approach to dog management. Fortunately, Missouri has a plethora of laws and regulations to help you. Keeping your pets under control should be a top priority, whether you live in a metropolis or a rural outpost.[11]
