Fostering Responsible Adoptions

Bringing in a new pet carries with it an awesome responsibility for the family opening up its home and hearth. It can be, in many cases, a 10-to-20-year commitment.

But even before a new furry friend is brought into the household, potential adopters have an obligation to ensure that they are purchasing or adopting an animal from a responsible organization or business that has the best interests of the animals at heart.

There are a lot of bad players out there who see animals only as a commodity, and with a singular goal: to make the highest profit possible from the quick sale of a dog or cat.

The State Legislature is considering legislation that would prohibit the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in all pet stores in the state, an effort to target disreputable “puppy mills,” high-volume breeding operations that churn out pets for profits, ignoring the needs or health of the animals.

Critics of the legislation decry an infringement on capitalism, as well as superseding the wishes of potential adopters looking for a particular purebred breed — bred to reflect certain traits that might make for a more desirable pet.

Proponents see it as a clear way to promote the adoption of rescued and unwanted pets through the numerous nonprofit organizations set up to find loving homes for animals in desperate need of rescue. And they say there are other, better options for those seeking certain breeds.

While the legislation will be debated in Albany, it is a good reminder for those seeking pets to be conscientious about where the animals originated — to avoid businesses and organizations that can’t provide details about how the animals have been cared for.

Adopted rescues make wonderful pets. They are grateful to find loving and caring homes and will show appreciation for years to come. And there are a number of local organizations, shelters and rescue operations, that are responsible and caring. All things being equal, those looking for a new best friend should check out the local shelters and rescues first, and make a dream come true — the dream of a family seeking a new addition, and the dream of an abandoned pet seeking a new, safe and loving home.