Do your homework and avoid puppy mill pups

Dogs are humans' oldest domestic animal. They help with flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, guard our homes, and give the gift of companionship to enrich our lives in many ways.

Puppy mills are a scourge, turning these faithful animals into tortured husks of reproductive slaves, with no thought for their comfort or basic hygiene. They are a disgustingly cruel example of human avarice and callous disregard for these noble creatures.

By banning the sale of all puppy mill puppies, Cedar Rapids can help curtail the demand, and thus take an important step in removing the profit motive from this barbaric practice.

I urge all council members to take firm action in banning sales of puppy mill puppies in Cedar Rapids, and to put the most stringent penalties in place for those who continue to seek profit with this vile, miserable practice.

When buying a puppy, please know that if you are not adopting from a reputable organization or breeder, you are buying a puppy mill puppy, and are contributing to the problem. Do your homework and do not support puppy mills.

Timothy Johnston

Cedar Rapids