10/03/2024
The True Cost of Your Puppy: Shedding Light on Backyard Breeders
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Responsible Breeding Practices
Have you ever wondered where those adorable puppies advertised on online platforms like the Trading Post, Gumtree, or Facebook really come from? Until recently, many of us were unaware that they could be products of backyard breeders, operating outside the regulatory framework set by the Victorian government. The reality is shocking and demands our attention.
Hidden away in garages, garden sheds, and spare rooms all across Australia, hundreds of dogs endure deplorable conditions to sustain the cash flow of backyard breeders. These breeders prioritize profit over the welfare of their animals, breeding them repeatedly until they can no longer produce puppies. Once deemed useless, these dogs are either rehomed, if they're lucky, or face an uncertain fate, with no records to account for their well-being.
These dogs suffer greatly. Denied proper veterinary care, they often bear the burden of ear mites, painful gum disease, irritated skin resembling paper, severely matted fur, and malnourished bodies. Their lives are marked by neglect and mistreatment, with no regard for their physical or emotional well-being.
What's even more concerning is that backyard breeders continue to operate without any significant changes to the way they keep their animals. The government, responsible for issuing permits, has failed to ensure proper inspections and enforce regulations, allowing these filthy and inhumane practices to persist.
Having personally witnessed the dire conditions these dogs endure, I can attest to the urgent need for action. It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness about the problems associated with backyard breeders and demand change. One organization leading the charge is the Victorian Government Accredited Breeders Group (VGABG), which strives to transform the way puppies are bred, kept, and sold.
Through dedicated campaigns and advocacy efforts, VGABG aims to shed light on the issues surrounding backyard breeders and urge the government to take action. By supporting their cause, we can create a future where all puppies are bred responsibly and kept in humane conditions.
The power to end backyard breeding lies in the hands of the Australian people. We must take a stand and refuse to purchase puppies from backyard breeders who advertise on online platforms. Instead, let us turn to accredited breeders and organizations like VGABG for our furry companions. By making this conscious choice, we send a clear message to the government that no animal should endure such suffering.
It is time to demand change, to hold backyard breeders to the same standards as the 16 regulated breeds licensed by the Agricultural Minister of Victoria. Together, we can put an end to the puppy trade and ensure a brighter, more compassionate future for all animals.
Let us raise our voices, talk to the paw, and work towards a society where responsible breeding practices are the norm. Together, we can make a difference and protect the well-being of our beloved companions. The time to act is now.