Hello Everyone - PETA had an op-ed (opinion piece) in yesterday's Austin American-Statesman on how owners exploit purebred dogs as part of the Westminster Dog Show. Click here to read it. Please write polite letters-to-the-editor today about the need to adopt from animal shelters instead of buying from a breeder. Click here to go to the Statesman's online form for letters-to-the-editor.
Points to make in your letters:
- there are plenty of adoptable purebred dogs needing homes at the Town Lake Animal Center, the Austin Humane Society or any number of breed-specific rescue groups in Austin
- buying a dog from a breeder means a dog or puppy will be euthanized at our tax-payer supported animal shelter
- purebred dogs can have a varity of breed-specific health issues including hip problems, arthritis, problems breathing, or back problems
- puppies may be left unfed or not given vet care if they are not "perfect"
- mutts make great pets
If you have adopted a puppy or dog from the TLAC (or from elsewhere) then please mention that in your letter-to-the-editor. Write about how wonderful your dog is and how happy you are that you decided to adopt rather than contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
Your first line should reference the original op-ed and the date it ran. Example: "Re: The sad reality behind Westminster glitz (Feb. 12)." After this first line, you can then write your brief and polite letter.
For tips on writing letters-to-the-editor, please see our blog on this subject. If the Statesman decides to print your letter they will call you via robo-call asking you to verify that you have indeed written the letter. This is quick and super easy for you to do and is necessary for your letter to be printed.
Any questions? Let us know. Thx.
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Got this message from Statesman:
Thanks for writing the Austin American-Statesman. Your letter is being considered for print, and we need to record your spoken confirmation.
If you come across my letter, let us know ;)
great, the picture cut off the message...it read MUTTS RULE...YAY!!!!!
Of course, they get the meanest looking woman alive, but the message is clear!!! ;))))
Here's my letter submitted:
Dear Editor:
Thanks to Mullins for shedding light on purebred dogs and the absurdity of adopting a dog from a breeder when we have dogs being killed every day in shelters all across the United States. Austin has been talking about being a no-kill city for years now, but how can that ever materialize when we allow stores like Petland to operate in our city? Petlands sells dogs that come from puppy mills where dogs are treated as commodities rather than the feeling, loyal companions they are. Austin needs to take action and shut down Petland. As long as Petland is allowed to sell "purebred" dogs, some more than $500, for profit, Austin will continue to kill its homeless dogs at our local shelter. And anybody who has a pet they truly care about knows that pets do not equal profit. Only our hearts profit when we open them up to our pets. So, go away, Petland, and please adopt from our local shelter or humane society!
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