Student Encourages Helping Puppies

To the Editor:

You’ve heard that dogs are man’s best friend. So why do men hurt them? Everyday, thousands of puppies are born around the world in puppy mills with birth defects and diseases. You’ve probably heard of a puppy mill on the news, and feel bad for a second, but it is most likely you will go back to whatever you’re doing. But we need to help these defenseless creatures. It’s as simple as that.

Some reasons are that the puppies die almost as soon as the owner gets them. Another is that the mothers of these pups are forced to get pregnant and give birth until they can’t anymore. Lastly, the puppies are mistreated. Allow me to further explain this.

There are filthy conditions in puppy mills. In these conditions, puppies are prone to congenital and hereditary diseases. From epilepsy to heart disease, these puppies will be seriously sick. They will suffer. Maybe even die. It also costs the owner money for medical treatment.

Another reason is that the mothers, who are as young as 4 years old, are forced to breed and breed and breed until they have reached their limit. When they have, they’ll probably be killed. They’ll be thrown away because they can’t do their job. This can be compared to the children of the Holocaust, who were killed because they couldn’t work.

The last reason is that the puppies are mistreated. They are kept in wire cages that injure their paws. The cages are stacked one on top of the other so all the feces of other dogs drip on to the poor dog on the bottom. They are given inadequate veterinary care, food and water. They do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming.

Puppies are caught in the middle. They are dying, being mistreated and being forced to breed nonstop. We must listen! We must educate our community! We must help the puppies! Because if we don’t, who will?

Sincerely,

Sarah da Silva

Sixth Grade

Hillside Intermediate School