The next site I add, even though some people would consider it controversial. PETA is definitely more extreme in their views than most animal welfare
organizations would claim to be; however, I do not feel that the list is complete without them. The best thing on the site is the list of companies that
do not test on animals. This is another thing that every person can do to promote animal welfare. Although I believe that some animal testing in the medical
field is necessary, I do not believe that animals should have to suffer so that I can smell better or look better. This is my own personal opinion. I do
not expect visitors to my website to agree with me, but please refrain from sending hate mail because of my beliefs. We are all entitled to our own opinions,
that is why we were given a brain and free will. So, please check out the PETA site. I can guarantee that you won't leave without being disturbed by some of
their findings. *NOTE* this site does contain photos and other multimedia of a disturbing nature. Parents are strongly advised to not let children surf
the site alone. Anyone who is disturbed by pictures of cruelty to animals should not look at the multimedia sections of the site!
Another horror, that is very wide spread, will make you cry to think of it. Puppy mills are found all over the US, and in them there are thousands of dogs who never see the light of day. They are kept in cramped cages that are often filled with feces. These dogs suffer from all kinds of diseases and they do not receive proper veterinary care. These dogs are used as puppy producing machines, and the puppies are sold to pet stores. Yes, that's right, the cute little dogs you see in the mall have come from horrid beginnings. You might think, "Well, I should rescue this dog and give it a good home then." WRONG!! Every dog purchased from a pet store leaves an empty space for a new puppy, and keeps the mills in business. Also, pet store employees normally do not have the proper training required to care for these animals. Many pet store puppies are sick, and although they may appear healthy in the store, they might present symptoms once you bring them home. For more information, please check out the website below. I know that any animal lover will not be able to leave this website without having their heart ripped in two.
If you feel that you must have a purebred animal, please check your area for the many rescue organizations that are devoted to specific breeds. Also, you can usually find purebreds in the shelters. If you cannot find the pet that you are looking for using these methods, then do your homework and find a reputable breeder. You should be able to get information on the health of the parents as well as the animal, and you should be able to inspect the area where the dogs or cats are kept. Also, the breeder should not charge you extra for the animal's bloodline papers! If you see anything suspicious, don't hesitate to report it! Only we can stop animal suffering!!
