Dog Patch is doing its best to break new trail in the pet industry. We are serious about our Humane Pet Store Model. We have been getting some great press as of late.
I am involved with the legislation proposed in Chicago to ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores within the city limits of Chicago. Dog Patch is being held up as the example of a store that has made the rescue model work. I will be testifying in front of the Chicago City Council to enforce the point. This initiative has not made me popular among some of my fellow pet store owners. The industry is fi ghting to keep things as they are. I believe that what we are doing with animals is the future of my industry.
I believe that to really address the problem of over population in the animal world there is only one solution. Spay or Neuter. My personal belief is that it should be harder to own an animal that is not fixed than to own one that is. Cities should charge a high registration fee for an unfixed animal and a very low one for an animal that has been spay or neutered. Everything possible should be done to encourage spay or neuter. Shelters will see a decrease in animals. Kittens will stop appearing under your front porch. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is.
Dog Patch will not release a cat/kitten, puppy/dog without its being spay/neutered. It is time for anyone releasing an animal to get on board and lead the way. If people open up their mind to adopting an animal in need, we can solve this crisis quickly. If stores and other entities that house and adopt animals all get on board with the idea of spay and neuter, we can end the overpopulation of animals and maybe, one day the shelters will be empty. What a great day that would be.
