08/31/2024
"There are too many dogs in Manitoba. There are too many cats, too.
There are even too many smaller companion animals, like hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. There are too many pets without homes. Shelters are overflowing and rescue groups are desperately seeking foster homes and adopters.
Yet, so many Manitobans continue to buy companion animals, whether online, from breeders or from stores. If you’re one of them, you’re part of the problem.
In early August, 137 dogs were removed from a property just north of Winnipeg. This came after the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) already took in nearly 70 dogs removed from a Fort Richmond home in May. At one point this month, the WHS had over 600 animals in care.
“We are pleading with the public to put a hard stop on purchasing animals — online or in person from puppy mills, backyard breeders, or supporting any form of sale that can hinder the progress of managing overpopulation in this province,” said WHS CEO Jessica Miller.
She added that she has “never seen hordes of animals in such inhumane conditions, resulting in medical issues and long-term care, as I have in the last few months.” She said she has also never seen the shelter’s staff and volunteers so tired.
This plight has been well publicized. Yet, if you go on to popular online sales site Kijiji Canada — which claims to only facilitate the “rehoming” of pets — the ads for puppies for purchase are seemingly endless. “Purebred Golden Retriever puppies. Only 3 left! $500,” reads one ad. “Yorkie puppy, $1,000,” reads another. “Ready to go! Cute and beautiful maltipoo,” says another.
At the time of looking, there were over 330 ads for puppies, many selling more than one. In total for all pets, there were over 750 ads.
Where will all these animals go? And who is allowing this to all go so unchecked?
“For more than 12 years, the province has turned its back on dogs and rescue groups across the province and ignored the law when it comes to licensing breeders,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, a lawyer with Animal Justice. She said allowing irresponsible breeders and puppy mills to operate without oversight “not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of dogs used at these facilities — many of whom endure miserable lives breeding litter after litter in filthy conditions — but also clogs up our shelter system, leaving stray dogs and puppies across the province with nowhere to go.” Currently, Animal Justice is exploring legal options “to force the province to comply with the Animal Care Act and resume breeder licensing as soon as possible,” Mitchell added. “Enough is enough.”
But it’s not only dogs that animal advocates are concerned about when it comes to pet overpopulation in Manitoba. In July, local small animal rescue group, Popcorn & Binkies Rescue Haven, called on Winnipeg city council to ban the sale of small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters in city pet stores. Major retailers like Petland stopped selling commercially bred dogs or cats over a decade ago, but small animals continue to be for sale.
“Small animals require highly specialized care and, as prey animals who hide illness and injuries, owners have to be vigilant in monitoring for any changes,” said the group in a statement. “Inevitably, weeks after their purchase, they are dumped outside when families realize that these living creatures need continuous care. This puts a tremendous strain on rescue organizations, who are already over capacity.”
Cindy Hildebrand, director and founder of Popcorn & Binkies Rescue Haven added that breeders and “hamster mills” are “pumping out these animals like crazy,” which are then sold in stores and online, adding to the pressure put on rescue groups like hers.
Because, for every pet purchased from a breeder (whether “reputable” or not), there is a perfectly adoptable animal — yes, even those desirable “designer” types — left sitting in a kennel or cage, or taking up precious space in a foster home. There are only so many homes for all the companion animals in our province. Buying animals increases the demand for more, adding to the cycle and putting greater strain on limited resources.
Ultimately, there is just no such thing as a responsible breeder in regions experiencing pet overpopulation. And if you’re handing over your money to keep these people in business, you are just as irresponsible as they are.
“Adopt, don’t shop,” said Miller. “Our shelter animals have so much love to give and they cannot be left behind. Every companion animal purchased externally of the shelter from backyard breeders leaves our animals in the dust. This must end.”
Jessica Scott-Reid is a journalist and animal advocate. She also sits on the board of directors at The Winnipeg Humane Society.
