A good price or supporting the wrong cause?

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

We have a large store near us that is a plant nursery that carries other home items (seasonal decorations, custom picture frames, candles, fudge, etc) and also has a growing pet supply department.  They have a wide selection of toys, treats, collars, and food.  This store carries the Taste of The Wild brand at a regular price that is cheaper than what our local specialty pet store charges.  We occasionally get coupons in the mail or via email for another $5 off any store purchase.  We have started buying our TOTW food from here because we end up saving close about $7 or $8 on the largest bags and I can’t pass up such a good bargain, but there is a problem.  This store also sells puppies.  I used to stop at this store just to look at the cute little puppies, but then I learned about puppy mills and don’t even like to go back into that corner of the store.  Morally, I have a problem with the fact that they sell puppies and kittens.   If I continue to purchase the food from this store, am I indirectly supporting the wrong cause (puppy mills)? 

 

If you think that purchasing food from there supports the wrong cause, what do you say about making any purchase from that store?  They have a very nice selection of plants and shrubs and we usually make several purchases there each year.  Should I completely boycott this place altogether? 

 

I am curious to hear some opinions on this.  Thanks!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I wouldn't purchase anything from a store that sells puppies.  Anything!  I am willing to bet that most of our DRC folks/those involved in rescue would agree. I say BOYCOTT!  And better yet, send them a letter to the owner or management about WHY you are boycotting them.

 

But I am one that shops at a local mom-n-pop, even if it means I have to shell out slightly more cash. 

 

I even have a hard time shopping at Walmart because of some of their employment practices.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I personally will not purchase anything from a store that sells puppies, or even set foot in one; I do feel that doing so is supporting puppy mills and cruelty to animals. The store owner knows where those puppies come from, whether they admit it or not, and they could still have their business without helping to keep puppy mills in business. Many former pet stores have converted to pet supply stores and done just fine, some of them even hosting adoption days for local rescues and shelters.

If you can afford to stop patronizing them without a great hardship, I would ask you to boycott them. I would go one step further and send them a letter telling them why they have lost your business. This is something all of us can do to put the mills out of business.

The puppies in any store that sells them do not come from responsible breeders, no matter what the store owner tells you. These store owners are earning a living from the suffering  and abuse of helpless dogs, and if you buy from them, you are helping them do that.

Sorry to word this so strongly, but you know me, Amy. This is one of my issues.

.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The problem with that is that none of these store owners will admit that the puppies come from mills. They all say they come from "breeders", because their livelihood depends upon that. 

It is known that 99% of puppies sold in stores are from mills. And the other 1% certainly don't come from loving responsible breeders.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Exactly! What kind of reponsible breeder would sell their puppies to a pet store, to be kept in kennels all day and night? I think the fact that they are their pretty much promises that they came from an irresponsible breeder or puppy mill.

[Kerri B. & Zoey]

Well I guess my first question would be, will your local specialty store price match?  That would save you having to support this retailer, but it also sounds like you do a fair amount of shopping at this other store for un-pet related products.  Have you thought about expressing your concerns to the management and asking them their reasoning behind selling pups & kittens?  Not sure it will get you anywhere, but opening some dialogue with them about this might "open their eyes" and reconsider things if they know their customers are not onboard with this practice.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I wouldn't by ANYTHING in that store...no matter what the discount was.  But I certainly would tell the Manager why...it may do no good, but I would feel better.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

They just got Jack's Pets in Ohio to stop selling puppies, so start a campaign there to try and get it stopped.  I'd also try the price match thing at another store.  I know my Petsmart will take competitors coupons as well.  Do you have a Tractor Supply, they sell TOTW also

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Some stores also particpate in frequent buyer programs through the manufacturers, where you get the 12th or 13th bag free. Those savings might help make up for the extra cost.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Add my vote to the "boycott and tell the owner why" approach.  Continuing to shop there, regardless of the savings, does send a mixed message to the owner of the store.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Supporting the wrong cause.  I wouldn't buy anything there, and would tell them why.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

The savings is tempting, but even if you buy a bag a month, it only adds up to less than $100. A yr savings. Small price to pay for standing by your ethics and being true to yourself. It was one thing to support this store when you didn't know about puppy mills, but now that u know I think it will continue to feel uncomfortable everytime you go in there and spend your hard earned cash, knowing its supporting such a horrible practice.
I also agree with everyone regarding discussing your concerns with the manager and taking it further with a letter to the corporation and to the local newspaper.

[Amber (with Maggie)]

I would write them letters and boycott them. (I'm not saying you should or shouldn't though. I pay hard when I don't stand up for my conscious.)