Local rescue supports ban of mill animals in stores

The Cedar Rapids City Council is considering a proposal to ban the sale of dogs and cats from puppy and kitten mills. As one of many organizations that care for homeless pets in the Cedar Rapids area, Gems Forever wholeheartedly supports that proposal.

Responsible and reputable breeders show concern for animals' health and happiness - both in the short and long term. They care about where the animals they've bred end up. They breed a limited number of litters so they can focus on health and socialization. These breeders do not sell their animals to pet stores.

The operators of puppy and kitten mills are the opposite. Instead, they sell their animals sight unseen to pet stores (often via a third party broker). They don't do health screenings for genetic issues. They push their breeder stock to push out litter after litter until they can give no more. They regularly have hundreds of breeding animals producing at any given time. This is the type of breeder that sells dogs and cats to pet stores.

Gems Forever asks the city council to approve the proposed ban of puppy mill and kitten mill sales as soon as possible.

Nicole Lesmeister

Director, Gems Forever Animal Rescue

Cedar Rapids