I recently Bought a Kitten from a pet store once called PJ Pets now Doognas.
I took him to the vet to get checked and I was informed he was sick whith a chronic cold and had a lux patella, (more so common in dogs)

I waited 4 months to have him fix and he passed away at the vets due to a Unknown reason.
I am very upset that these pets tores are not assuming the responsibility to have these animals tested for genetic faults and or internal issues upon prior to selling.

I was told to return my cat after the vet checked him, however knowing he would go back to that disgusting store I kept him trying to save his life and in the end I lost him anyway.

Go to your local shelter and get an animal that will love you for it's entire life.

It is so interesting that one news story can make everyone hate pet stores. I definitely agree that there are bad pet stores out there that buy puppies from puppy mills; there are also good pet stores out there too, they make sure to only buy healthy puppies and avoid substandard breeding facilities (puppy mills)! Everyone says to buy from reputable breeders… just because they claim to be reputable means nothing. People need to do their research before buying any animal. Impulse buys are not a good idea; yet it happens all the time. People need to make sure to ask lots of questions before purchasing any animal. Good pet stores have a one year or two year warranty on their puppies. They will also have the animals checked by a veterinarian regularly.
Getting a purebred doesnt mean you are adopting a healthy puppy.
I have bought most of my animals from a pet store, no health problems.

I must say I am truly disappointed in Louis McCann's response. I remember being impressed talking to him back when he worked at Montreal's CSPCA. I thought he was compassionate; now I have to wonder. My jaw nearly dropped when I heard him endorse the Hunte corporation. I do not believe for a minute that he was unaware of the puppies' provenance. The fact is that reputable breeders will not sell to puppy clearing houses or pet stores and he knows it.


Shame, Mr. McCann. Shame.

This is a great story and much appreciated. I'm in the process of going through attempts to find my own puppy and pet stores were always out of the question. However, I'm finding it difficult due to what I think is breeders and shelters being overly protective. I know of people who have been turned down for silly reasons (because they want to use a crate ... or because they don't want to use a crate). Lots of wonderful homes and these people don't know where else to turn when they keep getting denied. I've been turned down because I live in an apartment but: I have a partner here full-time all day, I work short hours, we are outside being active all the time, we are both experienced with dogs and have more than enough money, time and love to care for one. But none of that mattered. So what are our other options to get one?

Pet stores were better before, I had a dog for 20 years and never had problems with her, however times have changed and I would rather pay more money for a good quality puppy from a good breeder than pay 10, 000 on medical bills. Beware some breeders can come off as a breeder but they are more like puppy mills such as some Omish and Menight people.

My daughter put a down payment on a puppy at Puppies Everything in Stratford. We visited the puppy 3 days and the puppy seemd well, the other in the pen seemed lethargic. We called to see what time they closed on a Thursday and were told both puppies from the pen were in the back with "colds" and that the lethargic puppy had been sold. By Monday when we went to see the puppy we were told the puppy she bought "didn't make it". Needless to say my daughter burst into tears, asked a lot of detail questions. There was a mishmash of details that didn't add up. I suspect they sold both puppies to someone wanting both at the same time. They refunded my daughter's initial $200 and promised her a free puppy from a new litter that has just been born. What we don't understand is why we weren't contacted at all and how they can arbitrarily put down dogs without consent IF that's really what happened.

I am so glad that you are repeating the production about Hunte/USA, etc., and their involvement in the puppy mill production of dogs that are supposedly healthy and with a pedigree. One thing that has always bothered me is that if I want to take my dog with me into the U.S. of A. an up-to-date certificate showing my pet has had a Rabies shoti. Are all of the shipments of dogs into Canada checked for the Rabies vaccination? I do know that the backyard breeders say they give their animals the shots themselves, for any reason, but I believe the law states the Rabies innoculation must be done. I would like to know the answer to this question.

I watched your program on pet stores tonight and am very glad to finally see something air on t.v. I only wish it would air on every station worldwide. I am a veterinary technician and have dealt with pet stores in Moncton such as Pets Unlimited and Grooming Palace and without a doubt they are getting their dogs from puppy mills. It's only a matter of time before I stock these businesses and follow whomever to find out their sources. They refuse to give up breeder names. Unfortunately a clinic I worked at in the past dealt with them on a regular, which was very difficult for me to comprehend. I understand that all animals need veterinary care but it is just promoting the problem. It am beyond disgusted at how long these corporations have been able to stay in business and when I have my way, they won't be. If there is ever anything I can do to help please don't hesitate to e-mail me.

I just wanted to add to your great coverage of PJ's Pet Stores as at least 10-15 years ago I too became aware of their unscrupulous methods. This is not new as they have been getting away with this for years, false advertising, lies and misleading consumers. People should be aware that buying from a breeder is no more costly and that in most cases they will stand behind their health guarantees as well. The only solution to this ongoing problem is to stop allowing Pet stores to sell puppies. Every year we dispose of dogs like garbage at local humane societies, not to mention the costs associated with this. I personally took action against PJ's and was threatened by them on more than one occasion. This needs to become front page news so that all people will know the pitfalls as there are many great breeders out there where they can get a puppy that is healthy.

Thank you MarketPlace for exposing this despicable trade in puppies. It is criminal but it is also heartbreaking.

That Pet Habitat is located in Brentwood Mall, on Lougheed in Burnaby, BC. It's a tiny little pet store and the puppies come and go at high prices. A few times a day, they take the dog out one at a time for a pee, and that's it. Most of the day, they spend in their little cages; I've always wondered who would pay $800 to $2000 for a little one. These pet stores should be banned and if people really want a pet, try the SPCA - spaded/neutered and shots done. If all you want is a little puppy for a few months then garbage them once they grow, then you shouldn't have a pet in the first place!

Dear Wendy: You do not know what secrets lie in that puppy you buy from so-called bona fide breeders either. Years ago, I tried adopting from the SPCA, but returned three dogs in a row because of behavioral problems. I finally purchased Lady from a pet shop. She turned out to be the best dog I ever had. She lived disease free for 13 years. Then I purchased Toby from a breeder. He died of epilepsy short of his sixth birthday. After I purchased my present dog, Kia, same pedigree, different breeder, I discovered through her family tree that she was related to Toby. There is much inter-breeding in purebred dogs resulting in serious health problems. I deplore puppy mills. Actually, last year I adopted a traumatized U.S. puppy mill survivor aged two or three. Just do not mislead people about promising healthy puppies from breeders. Let them know how cruelly their parents are treated, but set them straight that problems will occur whether they get a window puppy or one from a breeder

I think it is great that the media is reporting these type of stories. Please don't stop. This country needs to start seeing what we are letting happen just next door, and that we are turning a blind eye to these type of situations. Keep it up, and get the public in on it, cause our furry friends don't have a voice, so we need to be it.

I too worked for PJ's pets when I was younger and more easily led. I only lasted a few months - even with the management constantly reassuring the sales staff that these puppies were not from puppy mills. Anyone working with these puppies knew better as they came into the store encrusted in feces and sometimes fleas. The puppies had to be dewormed and what came out of them could not possibly have occured in a clean and "reputable" environment. We had puppies come in that were lame, deaf, and in one awful instance, minus an eye. A vet would come and do a cursory examination and the "unsellabe" pups were offered to staff at a discount. The prices back then were shocking to me -I'm am totally amazed at what people are willing to pay today for these puppies and cannot understand why anyone would support this industry!

Are you kidding me!! These places are all over Ontario!
I no of 2 in Guelph, never mind the little hick towns such as Listowel, StMary's etc. This is going on right in our own back yards! Our laws need to change in order for anything to change! Make it illegal to buy puppies in a store!! That's a start! Common Canada!! gezz!!

why is agriculture canada not involved in checking these animals

cattle are checked for viruses by a vet when the enter the country

shouldnt domestic animals be checked also this is digusting
food products are checked closer than the live animals entering from the usa

maybe we should adopt the same rules as england on domestic animals from other counrtys they are quarentined for 6 months befor they are relesed

Kudos on this story.

Some suggestions, from myself and others, on ways to help put an end to puppy mills.

Learn more. Get info and suggestions from others (vets, SPCA, rescue groups and Humane Societies, join animal welfare groups). Canadian Kennel Club & breeders may have info too.

Join others. Some animal welfare groups have info on what gov’t organization or governing bodies you can write/email to request that laws be changed; participate in proactive campaigns so you can help to do something about this.

Raise awareness. See online petitions to help raise awareness & invite your friends to sign them (Internet search terms: Puppy Mills Canada petition, also: Puppy Brokers petition); see if your animal welfare group has press releases that can be given to your local papers. Keep it in the news; support in-school presentations.

Don’t support offenders. Send (polite) letters/emails to offending pet stores saying you’ll be boycotting them until they change, ask others to do same; be aware of petfinder.com and their policies – a few rescue groups are really puppy brokers, so do your research.

Unfortunately laws are easier to change than attitudes – they often follow later.

"Also, why would a company offer this up to a customer when they ask about a wrong price?? "

Because that is what stores who volunteered to adopt the code have agreed to do. Customer just needs to point out an overcharge, sore most follow the code and take $10 off or free...but they rarely do it outside corporate owned grocery stores.

Its sickening that many of them apparently train their staff NOT to follow the code unless the customer pushes for it.

Although I commend CBC Marketplace for its investigation into this matter, I am disappointed that the focus was on American sources of pet store dogs. As you are aware, in Canada there are thousands of puppy mills and backyard breeders that sell their puppies to pet stores. Poor health is most often the result of inadequate food and water, veterinary care, and space. I urge the CBC to do a follow-up story on Canadian puppy mills and further expose the mistreatment and the misrepresentation of pet stores.

I am appauled at the level of misrepresentation to customers by these businesses and encourage them to review their business practices and their ethics policies.

Interestingly ROBERT CHURCH is also listed as a DIRECTOR ON THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR PIJAC....the very so-called governing body of PET STORES!!

So here we have PETLAND OWNERS on PIJAC's NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS!!

PIJAC IS SUPPOSEDLY THE "GOVERNING BODY" OF THE PET STORE INDUSTRY.....WE NOW HAVE THE PET STORES INVESTIGATING THEMSELVES!!

NOT MUCH WONDER THIS CRUEL INDUSTRY EXISTS

THANK YOU FOR "OUTING" ROBERT CHURCH MARKETING DIRECTOR OF PETLAND CANADA AND OWNER OF A PETLAND STORE IN CALGARY ALBERTA......

OBVIOUSLY BY HIS COMMENTS HE HAS SOME AFFILITAION TO THIS DIRTY PET STORE INDUSTRY!!

TO THOSE VERY FEW THAT BELIEVE PJ's ARE REPUTABLE:

you must be employed by PJ's or part owner etc.....how else could you explain your stupidity in supporting them?

They are not reputable nor do they stand behind the dogs they sell UNLESS the problem is apparent shortly after the purchase AND you have a vet that will state this dog was sold with the problem. In my case I did have a letter from a vet and PJ's in turn went after the vet threatening to drag him through court etc!

In addition to this the dogs they do sell are bred in terrible conditions with no regard whatsoever for the dog or the potential owner.

GOOD breeders do not sell to PJ's Or any other pet store...and if there is any issues with your dog they want to know!!! And they will do whatever is necessary to correct the problem including full refund etc. REMEMBER THIS APPLIES ONLY TO GOOD BREEDERS!!!

Thank you Marketplace for showing where puppies in stores come from and exposing the fraud that is P.J's Pets. They need to be shut down...

No responsible human should be breeding animals when thousands die in shelters every day. Only a responsible human would adopt, and not buy, an animal for companionship.

Thank you again for such an enlightening show. And thanks to Michelle for her story and standing up for the truth! It was very brave of her.

I don't know if it is true but a former staff member told me that there is more going on at one of these pet stores. I will not name it but it can be investigated I would think. Apparently, the staff at one store are required to sign a document that forbids them from disgusing the things that go on there. I was told that there was a room upstairs and the animals that are sick are put up there with no vet care and are left to die. That included both dogs and cats. I can't prove this but I did note when I went back there was an upstairs room. I wonder if it is legal to force staff to sign such a contract. If this is an inhumane act how can they possibly enforce silence? Has anyone else ever heard of this? I wonder if it is true. Apparently there is one vet for the entire store but they are only there for an initial inspection and a sign off or something like that.

I think it needs to be clarified that the "scanning code of practice" says that if you are "overcharged" you get up to $10 off, but if you are "undercharged" you get the lower price.

It's not as simple as "if it's wrong it's free"!

Also, why would a company offer this up to a customer when they ask about a wrong price?? An educated consumer is a smart consumer, and all companies know that there will always be human error whether it be scanning, prices or printing of labels. If a consumer asks me I will always give then the "freebie".

I agree with many of the previous comments - you need to do a show showing HOW to buy a puppy. Start with going with a reputable, CKC-registered breeder. Look at all the health checks done on the sire and dam (OFA, CERF, etc.) and compare that with genetic faults commonly found in the breed. Yes, purebreds can have a greater incidence of genetic problems, if testing is not done. If you breed two dogs with good hips, the chances of the puppies having hip dysplasia are very, very slim. Look at the temperament of the sire and dam (you should be able to meet at least the dam, if not the sire as well). Make sure that your purchase contract has health guarantees. And once you get the puppy, take him/her to your own vet right away for a checkup - this will probably be in your purchase contract anyways (any reputable breeder will insist on this within 24-48 hours).

Thank you Marketplace for the story.

But like what some of the other posters said, you need to do a broadcast on what GOOD breeders are like. What kind of questions you NEED to ask. Where to find the good breeders. Additionally, you should have a story on adoption and rescue agencies.

Thank you CBC for putting this report together! I hope there will be future follow ups to continue bringing awareness to the public.
Robert Church is shamelessly promoting petstore puppies - because he IS the Marketing Director for Petland Canada - it's his job.
For others who have posted pro-petstores, you are likely one of two things. One - in affiliation with petstores in some manner, or two, extremely ignorant and unwilling to remove the blinders.
Adopt animals that would otherwise die or at least buy from a REAL reputable breeder - one who does health checks/xrays/bloodtests/behavioural backgrounds on all their animals - and who CARES about the breeders and pups.

- as much background on the dog as possible (sometimes not easy if dog was picked up as a stray, then released from the shelter to a rescue)

- have performed a behaviour assessment both at the shelter and in the foster home

- have the dog FULLY vet checked with vaccine & sterilization certificates

- ask for a minimum of 3 references on their application

- perform a home check

- have references they can give you from others who have adopted from them.

People, unfortunately, are lazy - it's why puppy mills & places like PJ's continue to make money off the suffering of animals.

It would be great if you'd do an expose on dog fighting, also. The public needs to see what happens an that it's NOT glamorous or "cool".

First, thank you, CBC for showing this. The general public need to know where that "cute puppy" really came from. While I didn't watch the show - I didn't need to. I have been doing rescue for over 8 years now and have seen things most people watching your show couldn't stomach!

In 2005, I started my own all breed rescue - Southern Ontario Animal Rescue. We have found homes for over 100 dogs - many of which were "impulse buys" from pet stores like PJ's.

People don't realize that "purebred" only means both parents were the same breed!

You can get purebreds, mutts & "designer dogs" (another name for expensive mutt) from rescues. HOWEVER, please be sure to thoroughly investigate any rescue you go to also!

Reputable rescues should have:

...continued...

As a Veterinarian, I see a lot of clients coming to me with dogs from pet stores. We need to stop breeders until the shelter cages are empty. Animal abuse is rampant and unfortunately legal in this country. I am also an animal activist who believes this type of cruelty should be illegal! Cages and cages of puppies rows and rows of them? This is sick and absolutely shameful. We need Breeders to have licenses and a program on animal technical work where they have bit of knowledge on animals and their welfare. Pet stores should sell pet supplies, NOT animals! I continue to fight for these animals and the cruelty that they endure! Why are puppies allowed to be transfered to Canada from abroad? Why are pet stores allowed to lie about the animals they sell? Where are the Veterinarians checking these animals out? What is with the lies? This is 2009! Time to get with the program about animals.

Thank you to all involved in producing this segment of Marketplace. I am always impressed by this program.

I am one of those people who have known for years where those little pups come from. I also volunteer with a breed specific rescue and am actively involved in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs. Many of those rescued came from pet stores and ended up in shelters because of their various behavioural and health issues. My own dogs were adopted from shelters, both with behavioural issues and some medical issues but I was prepared for that. One I had even seen in a local pet store the previous spring so I 'knew' his history.

Bravo to your producers for choosing to turn Hope over to someone who will see to her special needs and give her a life that every dog deserves.

I was given a purebred Yellow Labrador Retriever named "Bob" in 2001. The people who gave him to me included all his paperwork, which included the bill of sale from PJ's Pet Centre in Yorkdale Mall in Toronto. Bob was diagnosed with the beginnings of hip dysplasia at only 7 months old. Bob is now 8 1/2. Fortunately, he is in relatively good health, is not overweight (like many Labs I see), gets 2-4 long walks every day, and is given a glucosamine supplement. I have my fingers crossed that he'll never need hip replacement surgery. I imagine that Bob came from an unscrupulous breeder, and that if I was able to research his lineage, I would find hip problems in past generations. Pet stores should be ashamed of themselves for selling dogs like this. Buyer beware.

Thank u Wendy for a great investigative report, thank u Marketplace for airing this story. PPL PLS DONT BUY FROM PET STORES !! OR ONLINE ADVERTISING.. GO TO YOUR LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETY OR RESCUE GROUPS. THIS WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. Quebec has very laxed animal protection laws and is now dubbed 'Puppy Mill of Canada'. Protest to govt officials to close these places down and to have more inspectors going onsite to check facilities.

I live in Huron County and we have a huge problem with puppy mills in this area.

It was nice to see it finally addressed on Television.

People need to see this so they will stop buying from these mills and then they will finally go out of business.

There was a lot of buzz in our area about the segment you showed on puppy mills.

Keep up the good work.

Through this coverage we are exposed to what hits many as a particularly heinous situation. The animal lovers and the sensitives amongst us react to the exposed reckless and wanton cruelty. What is at the root of the problem is rather typical of a society that we have all played a part in "buying into", even developing ourselves. The undesirable players in this story have merely managed to reduce their concerns to those that create a lucrative business and therefore personal security. I believe it is our frequently materialistic, disposable, dismissive and often commitment phobic society that requires reprogramming. There are many people who have questionable morals against their fellow man in their own quest for a satisfactory life. We should be uniting as capable individuals to see that legal measures are furthered that aid towards humanity for ALL living creatures.

Your show on puppy mills was excellent. We need to educate more people on this issue. Keep the investigations going.

Looked at the PJ's website...

"4) Select puppies and kittens from inspected kennels and those that follow CVMA guidelines for kennel practices."

still showing.

I spent an enormous amount of time researching breeds and breeders before purchasing a puppy. We purchased one from a reputable breeder who was registered with the CKC and came with a contract that included a genetic health guarantee. Less than one year after that the dog started limping we discovered he had hip dyplasia. The breeder refunded the cost of the purchase price of the puppy which covered the cost of the surgery....there are no guarantees that your puppy will be healthy and there's nothing you can do about it...the laws need to change.

There definitely needs to be pet regulation rules in Canada -- very strict ones. If we keep breeding them like mice, their lives will become as worthless as mice.

The number of regulated mills should be in accordance with the demand and there should be extremely strict licensing codes and unscheduled followups like there is for the food industry.

If each mill is overflowing by 20 dogs and there are 2000 mills in the country, it stands to reason that thousands must meet horrible fate.

I bought my first puppy from a private breeder who said he belonged to the CKC & that my puppy was pure bred. I believed him & didn't check him out. I didn't know any better. His place seemed pretty good & his few dogs were clean.In my dog's life time, I spent close to $30,000.00 on 10 surgeries & care for her multiple problems. I did my homework for my current dog & was told that the first guy was a puppy mill. They aren't always in squalid conditions-just bred carelessly for money. Reputable breeders are very open & will tell you who bought puppies from them & you can contact the owners. If you want a healthy dog for a lifetime, TAKE YOUR TIME & DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Visit lots of places. Ask every question you can think of & if ANYTHING seems "off" - RUN - don't walk - away! Healthy dogs come from caring people, not companies or stores. Health or heartache. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

I can't stand P.J's pet center! I used to work for them about seven years ago. I was there for almost four months and in that time 8 puppies died of parvo. I was so upset that i quit.

The first clue for buyers should be... If the pet store says the dog comes from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will not sell there dogs through a pet store. The dogs are generally sold before they are born in most cases and to screened responsible people.

I think it's very greedy of people who owns and sell these puppies from puppy mill. You guys are not rescuing these dogs. You're tolerating these hideous puppy mill. It is very sad. Why not promote adopting these rescued dogs from puppy mill instead. Greed will eat u all alive.

Something that the show did not mention is that in order for a puppy to be shown in a pet store at 8 weeks of age, depending on where it comes from it could have been removed from it's mother at 6 weeks of age. Anyone with dog knowledge knows that is much too young, ideally it would be 10-12 weeks.

A truly responsible breeder does not breed dogs to make money, they do it for the love of their breed.

Pet stores also sell to people on impulse....a friend of mine bought a puppy at a Calgary Petland store when she went to the mall to buy a pair of shoes, saw a cute puppy and took him home. Great screening on the store's part!

I note that the only, or one of the only posts in support of pet-store puppies is from Robert Church, who I assume is Robert Church of Calgary who owns at least one Petland store.

As a member of Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers, an association of responsible, reputable breeders, I must state again that we would NEVER sell our puppies through a pet store. In fact, our code of ethics forbids it.

Dr Milton, I think it is rather exaggerated to compare the efforts of breed clubs that actively endorse OFA,CERF Cardiac clearances, and MRI schemes to petri dishes of yeast and psychopaths. Most people appreciate the benefit of genetic diversity. However this report is about the exploitation of all dogs by unscrupulous people who cut corners in health care and need for increased profit. Unfortunately it is the veterinary profession that has also contributed to this by not regulating all vaccine administration (not just rabies), failure to standardize the term 'vet check' by individual vets and often declaring puppies healthy for sale with an external minimal examination that would never detect a genetic condition. This vague documentation has lulled just as many consumers in to a false sense of health as any 'purebred' registration.

There are only 3 official organizations who can certify a puppy as purebred. These are the Canadian Kennel club, the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel club. The certificates shown on this show are from none of these organizations.

Sadly there is a market for pet stores that sell dogs. There must be consumers out there who are not savy enough to research their purchase and typically do it on impulse. These are people who want designer dogs as seen in the media or accesories for fashion. The group is easily identifiable, females under the age 30.

These people who purchase these dogs only have the light come on after the fact.

PJ's and Petland would not sell dogs if people wouldn't buy them. Interestingly, not one would buy a dog from them if they did the research that everyone should do before acquiring a pet.

Research adopting a retired racing greyhound, you will be surprised that they are not what you think they are!

This is a case where people take more time and effort buying an appliance than a breathing, living thing! People need to ask more questions on the background and guarantee on their prospective new puppy. If they don't get the answers they're looking for then they should leave. I asked a young sales girl in a Wpg Petland where they got their dogs and she said "If you are going to be like that then you can leave!" I left!

Thank you thank you thank you! Good job on educating the public on where not to buy a puppy. Many of these pet store puppies are more expensive than buying from a caring, informed Canadian Kennel Club breeder. The perfect puppy is not on a shelf in a pet store.
If folk want a mutt (mixed bred) then they should go to a rescue or shelter. If they want a purebred, then they should go the Canadian Kennel Club website, do some homework and reaserch breeders.

I have been in PJ Pets and it is disgusting the way the animals are treated. I would love to shut them down as far as having animals in there store. Is there anyway of doing this? I have lots of friends who feel the same way. This is not a suitable condition for any animal. It breaks my heart to see them locked up in cages and in some cases too small for the size. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you Marketplace for this segment. It was about time that something positive was shown about what really goes on behind the scenes. Just because a breeder is REPUTABLE does not mean that he is RESPONSIBLE,a reputation can be good or bad. A responsible breeder first and foremost breeds for themselves. No responsible breeder sells their puppies to or through a pet store or any other middle man. Responsible breeders want to know where their puppies are going since alot of money, time and care have gone into a breeding. The Dam and Sire are health checked, the pregnant bitch gets the greatest care, she whelps in a very spacious clean surrounding and the puppies are socialized and well taken care of before they leave. CKC registration papers are provided and the puppy MUST be permanently identified tatoo/microchip before it leaves the breeder. Buy from a breeder or visit a breed rescue.

In response to Jenna Jackson's post regarding independent pet stores selling dogs from reputable breeders: there is no such thing. If a breeder is reputable they are registered with the Candian Kennel Club. The Canadian Kennel Club prohibits its' members from selling their puppies through pet stores or brokers. If you see puppies advertised as CKC in pet stores in Canada then the registration is probably the Continental Kennel Club. This club registers anything, including designer mutts like anything-poos etc. One other note: unfortunately, breeder registration with the CKC is not in and of itself an indication that the breeder is reputable. This can not be stressed enough: do your homework.

The only reason things like puppy mills and brokers exist is because people allow it to happen. If people would learn that puppies are a life-time commitment and not something to get rid of at the first behavioral problem, usually created by them not spending time to socialize and train the dogs as they grow. People need to learn that while it is easy to blame pet stores and puppy mills they would not exist if there was not a demand for them.

If fewer people "traded-in" dogs every couple of years the pet to people ratio would be much lower and the number of dogs in shelters would decrees. Yes, some stores need to be careful with where they get their puppies but it is not just the stores faults.

Relating to giardia, it is a fairly common parasite, and it's unfair to blame the store only. Thousands of dogs and cats (and humans) get diagnosed from this, and it's not from mistreatment or poor care. Many good owners find their pets infested with this parasite. Just one lick to a dirty floor could do the trick.

I find it interesting the story didn't mention that Pet Habitat will pay for the vet bills until the puppy is healthy, as long as it is diagnosed by one of the many vets the store is affiliated with.

Of course, I believe that those seeking to buy from a breeder should go to a reputable breeder- one affiliated with their dog club, proves their dogs in trials or shows, as well as health/genetic checked. But people will always contiune buying from stores. It's too convenient, and people are lazy. The only realistic way to stop this is through the gov't. Laws must be made.

Pet stores are NOT a legitimate source for potential pet owners and they are NOT responsible when it comes to placing these animals. Pet stores will sell pups to anyone, no questions asked. Is it responsible to sell pups to minors, to convicted animal abusers, or to people that have been denied adoptions at a shelter or rescue due to lack of qualifications? Pet stores that sell pups are the lowest rung on the ladder when it comes to pet care or concern for the well-being of these animals. Most pet stores will NOT pay for warranty related health issues. Instead they insist you return your pup for exchange with a pup of equal or lesser value. I've yet to see a pet store that places puppies responsibly and "ethically" in to the community. It's harder for people to buy a pack of cigarettes than it is to buy a pup from a pet store.

What amazes me is that people continue to purchase puppies from pet stores and then express shock and dismay about the resultant health and behavioural issues, and the mills from where the dogs come. There is no excuse for millers or brokers, but there is also no excuse to not be an educated consumer and buyers need to take responsibility for their purchases. With very minimal research one learns that CKC registered puppies cannot be purchased in pet stores and that virtually all pet stores sell imported 'registered' pups from brokers in the US. The cost of a pet store puppy is twice and sometimes three times as costly as one from a reputable breeder. Puppymills have been exposed over and over again in the mass media. If people continue to purchase living creatures on a whim from retail chains, they keep the demand for these sales alive. They have nobody to blame but themselves.

Dingle is a purebred.

It is cream sable coloring.

boy, would i love to see you a do a story on the pmu industry (the pregnant mare urine) AKA, premarin and prempro. the treatment of the mares and the foals (the by-products) and the treatment of both from the barn to the slaughterhouse. and just about horse slaughter, in general. gordon ramsey, the professed 'chef from hell' promotes horse meat, but perhaps people need to see how horses arive at the slaughterhouse and the so-called humane treatment on the killing floor (including stunning a horse in the shoulder, etc, to get their heads in the correct position. let horse meat lovers see what really happens.

Thank you for exposing these pet stores, it should be illegal for them to sell dogs and cats. They are kept in cages for months where they are forced to go to the bathroom in the same space they sleep and eat. The reason we are getting these puppies from the US is they banned pet stores from selling animals, now these poor animals are been shipped to Canada. Shame Shame it is time for this industry to be regulated.

Robert Church - WRONG with a capital W-R-O-N-G! Pet stores' number one goal is to make money. A reputable breeder's top goals are usually to breed healthy dogs with great temperaments. Healthy dogs mean planning a breeding very carefully which takes heaps of time and effort. Good temperaments are a function of how those puppies are whelped, raised, and socialized. The bottom line is that reputable breeders breed for the love of dogs - profit hardly ever enters into the picture. In fact, many sell at a loss.

No "reputable" breeder would EVER "trust" their dogs to a pet store. EVER.

Problem here is- the general public buys on impulse- so they see it in the pet store and they want it, without investigating- and they're easily conned because they believe the pet store staff know what they're talking about. The pet store staff are just telling buyers what they;'re paid to say- (ie: dogs come from reputable breeders, pedigree guarantees health, etc.)-
The breeders they get their pups from are licensed commercial breeders (commercial breeders in the US have to be licensed by the USDA). These are not "reputable" breeders. Reputable breeders are hobby breeders that breed for the GOOD of the breed.

Comments were made re: inbreeding.

Inbreeding does not CAUSE genetic defects. Inbreeding can only lead to genetic defects if the genes are already there to begin with. So even without inbreeding, if both parents carry the genes- their puppies have same genetic faults

I believe more needs to be done about this travesty. People should really think long and hard before doling out hard earned money for a "purebred" anything. If you love animals, you will love a mongrel as much as a purebred, so do yourself and the domesticated animal kingdom a favour - get your pet from a shelter!

Thank you for your excellent program on the pet stores who sell puppies from puppy mills. As you said, these puppies are often not healthy and have been overbred. My dog was originally purchased from a pet store by a woman who impulsively "rescued" him from the cage he had been in for 5 months. When she got him home she realized she couldn't keep him and was unable to return him to the pet store as the health problems he had were not yet evident. She relinguished him to the Humane Society rather than deal with the difficulties of advertising him and selling him privately. I was lucky enough to adopt him from the Humane Society, and he has been a fabulous companion ever since.

However the he has had to endure many painful procedures to remedy his congenital health issues. I would encourage your viewers to go to your local Humane Society and provide a forever home to a pet. Marlyce

We purchased a puppy from PJ'S pet store in Bramalea City centre, it was a Viszla. It was a pet for my daughter whom is 8 years old. We had to ahve the dog put down due to a hereditary condition, the dog was very sick. Went into epileptic seizures. My daughter is now devistated with the death of her beloved princess. Do these people that sell these dogs not understand the trama they are putting people threw. I am sicked to know that our world is full of people that thrive on making money over peoples emotions.This needs to end and someone needs to be accountable for this. My daughter didn't need to go threw this at such a young age, I guess its my fault for buying this puppy at the store.

Thanks for listening.

The only places to get a dog are directly from the Humane Society or a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders care about their puppies for their lifetimes, carefully screen prospective owners, keep track of the puppies they produce, and provide lifetime support. They produce a small number of puppies of only one or two breeds, breed to improve their chosen breed, and they hope to produce outstanding dogs that they can compete with in dog shows, obedience, etc.. They never sell through a broker or retailer, or online; this would not allow them to choose their puppies’ homes. Thus there is no such thing as a pet store puppy that comes from a responsible breeder; pet store puppies all come from puppy mills and large volume commercial breeders that do not care what happens to the puppies that they produce once they have sold them.

Hey. I watched the show with my girlfriend the other night and was surprised to learn that petstores buy from puppy mills. Great job on the show, we enjoyed watching it and would like to see more exposes done with animals.

This was a great program and its message definitely needs to get out there. As a person involved with animal rescue for rodents and other small animals, I think it's worth mentioning that this issue affects ALL types of animals sold in pet stores. I have seen the consequences of contagious and genetic diseases in small animals, and the heartbreaking filthy conditions animals live in before they are shipped to stores. I think sometimes it is more difficult for people to empathize with rodents because they don't have the same cuddly image as puppies, and I believe that is why the public is less critical of pet stores when it comes to these animals. There are reputable breeders out there for rabbits, rats, hamsters, etc. who are able to provide health info just like reputable dog breeders. Better yet, there are tons of local rescues out there with all kinds of animals who need homes.

Wow....To say i was disappointed in this show is an understatement. Wendy Mesley's style of reporting is similar to the Howard Stern show..all shock and no substance. It truly is a shame when someone does a show like this and paints a picture with a wide brush and makes everyone in the industry look bad. Next time try not to skew the show so one way.
And your bit on the scanning code of practice?? you did 4 stores and found 2 items that totalled 60cents difference? Not so great discoveries...so what was the point? were you promoting the stores or trying to disgrace them? Anyway thats my last half hour i was on your show...

It is horrible that this is going on still in the 21st century and our laws are not stricter - what can we do besides boycotting the stores that sell them, since we know there will always be people that will still buy puppies from pet stores?

I was very disappointed in the pet store puppies story.
It's amazing to me that so many people would still consider purchasing a puppy from a pet store. The pedigree certificate is a worthless piece of paper, it is not a Registration Certificate! puppies are from puppy mills, backyard breeders, or large commercial breeders like the Hunt Corp. There are no health checks done, no socialization at the critical times, the mom usually lives in squallid conditions until she no longer serves "a purpose".
Instead of just pointing fingers at these stores, Marketplace had a wonderful opportunity of letting people know how to find a responsbile, ethical breeder and what questions to ask, along with what to "look for".
Even having mentioned the CKC website, which has "what to look for" on their homepage would have been helpful. Mr.McCann appeared totally disinterested and uninformed.

I truley loved that this topic has once again made an impact on people.

However, I do love that everyone feels so strongly but we need to do something. The said thing is that pet stores are not just going to go away. We need to get the government involved and stop this abusive chain towards pups.
All the dogs in the kennels we shaking and terrified.
I know some say they are just animals but then why is it so painful to see them locked in cages and given no attention or love.

We need to shut down places like the "middle man" and shut down the breeders who are not following breeder standards.

People must not be fooled by PJAC either!

PJAC is one of the largest promoters of Hunte...did we not notice how nonchalant and non committal the PJAC fellow was with Wendey of Marketplace? He wasn't going to say anything to jeopardize his high paying position and PJAC's stance on backing of high volume breeders and those such as Andrew Hunte and the Hunte family dynasty.

Canadians should wake up and look into PJAC also!

Maybe that should be another story for Marketplace? In my view, it should be.

A good story which hit the mark about the horrendous treatment of puppies. If only people who want a puppy would do their homework. A reputable breeder will always ensure that their puppies go to the right home and usually provided extensive health records and guarantees. These pet stores prey on the emotions of the public and charge an exorbitant price. They are nothing more than scam artists. A couple we know bought a Schnauzer puppy for well over $1000 and then spent several more $'000's on vet bills. A good quality Schnauzer puppy from a reputable breeder would have cost around $1000 including shipping and guarantees with respect to it being healthy. It is hoped that shows such as yours will help put an end to the inhumanity of pet stores and the Harte company and educate people to seek out a good breeder, who really cares about their dogs and puppies.

I would like to say that this episode of Marketplace was very biased and contained a lot of false information. You talk about how people shouldn't believe everything on the internet because it looks pretty or convincing, same goes with tv, just because you put fourth a convincing argument about how "all" or "most" puppies come from puppy mills or are mistreated in pet stores doesn't mean it's true. I have previously worked at a pet store and can say that the puppies were never mistreated by staff. Clean water was always accessible and water and poop checks were done regularily. Vet checks are performed twice weekly. You can't attack all pet stores for one's wrong doing. It's not like you all stopped going to Wendy's when the finger was found in the chilli. This was later found to be a sham, so it's not fair to bash a pet store based on a mishap from one or two.

Hey there,

I work for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) and I loved this episode. It’s nice to see that people are trying to get the word out there about pet stores and the animals they sell there. And it’s not just big cities that get their animals from puppy mills - small town stores often buy from byb (back yard breeders) and full blown puppy mills and sell to unsuspecting people.

I hope to see more stories on animals- I really enjoyed this one!! Maybe a part two about the puppy's parents who never get out of those cages, and are constantly bred until they get too old/sick to produce more, and are "disposed" of ???

I worked at PJ's for a short period of time before quitting from disgust. You wouldn't believe the state that the dogs arrive in! They are often sick and covered in urine and feces. They arrive in boxes, many from Quebec puppy mills. Sure, PJs says Dingle is the exception but that is a load of BS. Dingle's owner Michelle has a webpage detailing all of his problems. Just google Michelle and Dinglehopper the pomeranian. If you were disgusted by this you should call or write to the stores or Hunte and let them know.

Great job on the show!

Thank you for doing this story. I would like to remind other viewers that other animals (cats, rabbits, hamsters, etc) are susceptible to the same horrible system. Also, please do not buy a rabbit as an Easter gift! Pet store rabbits have been through the "mill" and thousands die in transit.

All companion animals are available for adoption through reputable rescues / SPCAs and humane societies.

The backyard breeders / home breeders make me just as angry as the huge millers - millions of animals are killed every year because there just are not enough homes. Even if they find the perfect home for each puppy / kitten / bunny, those homes are now full, so they won't be taking an adoptable animal from a shelter. There are just too many animals being bred

several years ago ,I visited pj's with my sister as a witness, It was obvious to myself that the puppies on display were not old enough to have been weaned, When I asked a staff how old these puppies were, I was told security would be called to have myself removed from the store . This happened at the Yorkdale location,I tell everyone of my experience, my sister could not believe the reception I received. I have owned dogs for 30 years as well as fostered for rescue groups.I have whelped and raised puppies and kittens,as well as cared for sick and injured animals. I knew just on sight these puppies could not have been older than 5 weeks. I will never set foot in their store again.

I find this ridiculou
I bought my dog at Pj's Pet store and i know many people who have their dogs are great and healthy, mine as well. My dog is happy and healthy.

Ya sometimes breeders can be cheaper but if it is sick do they take it back or anything? Pj's offers the 2 year warranty and all and i know someone who bought their dogs from a breeder and had sooo much problems. And i am sure if a person came into a store to ask about the dogs they would answer because i have asked and the Pjs answered everything for me.

Prior to seeing the March 6, 2009 broadcast of How Not to Buy a Puppy, I hadn't imagined the degree to which puppies are so poorly treated. It was frightening to watch this program and see the atrocity that these defenceless animals are subjected to. Furthermore, the misrepresentation by the so called "breeders" is outrageous to say the least. How could this have gotten so far out of control? The suffering and deception must end and it must end now. A governing authority dedicated to establishing policies and programs and the enforcement of humane practices to stop the needless suffering of these animals must be put in place. Acceptable breeding and kenneling practices must be adhered to and system must be enacted that penalizes offenders for the crimes that they commit. Plenty of resources and support exisits amongst reputable and caring breeders. There is no excuse to ignore this.

I think to paint all pet stores with the same brush is not fair. I bought my puppy from a local pet store (not one of the big ones like PJs) She came from a local Ontario Breeder. I received a guarantee and I was provided the breeder's number and was able to contact the breeder and ask a few questions. She is not a purebred, Cocker poodle cross, and I know that. I paid $499 which some will say is a lot for a mixed breed but she is what we wanted, we love her and she has been a great dog. She is 4 now and no problems.
Great show, I love Marketplace.

Sadly the main content of this story was about the unsuspecting consumer being ripped of by the pet stores and their suppliers. The real victim in this story is the dog. He/she was more than likely born in captivity under the most horrendous conditions. These pups are born with physical and behavioural issues which the new owners may or may not have rectified. Many of these pups live a life time suffering and paying for being born under these inhumane circumstances. When we start to understand the love and compassion derived from these guys we will start to not consider them as objects to be bought and sold.

Bravo Marketplace and Michelle Dean for coming forward to expose the horrendous conditions that these puppies are exposed to and that they finally end up in these big chain store operations posing as "healthy, happy puppies"......100% guaranteed!

I have experienced first-hand the traumatic 3 years that Dingle has gone through and I am very proud that Michelle has persevered all the health problems (not to mention the expense!)

We need to continue to make the public aware that purchasing a family pet from these puppy mills and major pet store chains may result in years of medical issues and heartbreak for the owner.....

Kudos to Marketplace for producing a documentary on the behind the scenes stories of the puppies sold in pet stores.

A good reputable breeder would NEVER have their pups sold through a pet store. All homes are screened and it is never first come, first served. Just because you have the money in your hand doesn't mean you'll be approved to buy that puppy from the breeder's home.

Puppy mills were developed to harvest puppies in order to make a big profit. No socialization, no health care, improper diet, no veterinary care for serious injuries. It is all about how many puppies they can produce. If their bodies give out from having litter after litter they are disposed of.

We need better laws to protect these animals from the abuse and horror they live in everyday to produce those "cute" pups that harbour so many health and temperament issues. Truly buyer beware.

I worked for PJs Petstore in Ont. in 1978 and I see from your program that nothing has changed.Fifth Estate or Market Place aired a story similiar to this many years ago and I thought that would help people beware of petshop purchases but we are on the wrong track again.I quit my job at the petshop because of the poor conditions the puppies were being shipped-sometimes 8-6 week old pups would arrive in one cage.Needless to say the condition of the cages and puppies when they arrived-it was horrifing.The government has to step up and consumers have to be educated.So PJs nothing has changed in 31 years?

Great expose' CBC-TV! Thank you.

Arrggghhh to the Hunte Corp... accepting any miller's puppy for gain. Shipping puppies across the U.S. and to Canada... making money off the lives of the parent dogs that remain in deplorable conditions at the mercy of the millers. This cycle continues until the female can no longer produce puppies... she is destroyed and replaced with another female that can continue to produce puppies. The millers will continue to exploit her... breeding her at every cycle... continue to provide puppies to the Hunte Corp... who will continue to fill your neighborhood pet store with puppies.

ADOPT from a shelter.... DON'T SHOP.

First of all these pups are not registered. The pedigrees shown were from the APR (American Pet Registry) a made up registry to pass pups off as purebred. The only recognized registries in Canada are the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) and the CFC (Rare Breeds). These are both recognized by the Canadian Livestock and Pedigree Act. In the US it is the AKC (American Kennel Club). In fact it is illegal to call a puppy purebred in Canada unless it is registered CKC or CFC. Another thing is don't think that the puppy mill/backyard breeders are only in the US. We have plenty of these operations here in Canada. Just check out Superior Aquarium/Puppys Everything in Stratford, Ontario. They sell mass produced pups bred in barns all over Ontario.

What about the small independent pet stores who sell dogs from' reputable' breeders, but will not disclose the names? There is no law that requires a pet store to disclose their Canadian suppliers if the puppy is from Canada. A vaccination may be done by a pet store employee and a customer will never know if it was expired or even given. It only requres a signature if a veterinarian administered it. What exactly does a 'vet check' include? There is no standardization of that term. There are no minimum standards of health care required by commercial breeders who may even be breeding their own store 'stock.' The pet store industry is virtually unregulated and in sad need of overhauling. This is a matter of animal welfare, consumer protection and revenue accountability.

The scanning code of practice was a good segment. However, it was not indicated that the consumer must identify the error and tell them they are entitled to get the item free or get 10.00 off. The retailer will not tell you, it is not in their interests. You must insist, otherwise you are out of luck. Also, retailers usually hide the sign stating the code. Only an informed consumer would benefit. A good segment, but more info was needed. Thanks.

DAVID

Hi I am appalled and disgusted that people take others for granted and those poor, poor puppies. I was in one animal store and saw puppies on the floor with a pen around them. I noticed the mess and told the owner to clean up the mess of these puppies. And somebody wanted to buy one I tried to discourage it but they bought it anyway. I had a friend who bought one from the pet store and of course it had hip displacement or had to have hips replaced, etc. It died at about 5 years old very sad. I would never buy a puppy from the pet store. I notice how nasty they look and very sad. Even kittens look terrible at times. I cannot believe that we have no rules and regulations in place for animals. If we were to buy a live person (baby) I am sure that it would be different. Thanks for the show YOu have a great show and love watching it.

This was such a sad and apaulling story to view.I hope these puppy mills wll be shut down and this story will have a positive effect on the lives of so many inocent puppies. It's a sick and cruel industry all for the mighty dollar. What has become of humanity? I hope there is further investigation into the matter.

Way to go Marketplace. I am happy you took the time to expose the real truth about these so called pet stores. It makes me sick to my stomach to know people in this day and age are still ignorant to where these poor dogs are coming from.
I still think we all have a long road ahead, this will not go away with just watching this. There will always be impulse buyers.
I own three purebred dogs that I have had to wait over a year to get from a reputable CKC Breeder.
As long as there are places like PJ's Pets and other like that, there will always be people to buy from them. Who in their right mind would pay 2500.00 for a mix breed.
This is just the start to a larger country wide problem. We all need to boycott stores like this.

Louis McCann visited Hunte in Ohio he said it was fine, Wendy then showed him pictures of dog warehousing. (He was speechless) He then said that they don't stay in there forever, Puppies don't but the parents do!

Puppy Mills are wrong and must be stopped, you must tell what you know and never give up, the dogs depend on us the people who have a voice. Never buy from a pet store or a breeder that sell many breds of dogs, Marketplace shows how sick they are and sadly many die at a very young age.

The program the other night was a great start at exposing the industry part of pets - but it was only a start. You emphasized the US connection, but failed to mention it is happening here, right in our back yards. Maybe not so grand a scale, but still significant. Point is - pet shops should not be allowed to sell pets. You should only buy from the source, meet the parents of your pup, see the environment they have been raised in and what sort of care they get. Research you pup, especially if getting a pure bred. There are a lot of very good resources - the Canadian Veteriary Medical Association has an excellent pamphlet; the CKC can inform you on pure breeds and "pedigrees". And as for PIJAC - I cannot print my comments.

Boycott any store that sells companion animals. In North America the pet industry is a multi billion dollar business where nothing is given back to the shelters and rescues that end up having to care for these guys. Be responsible and go to your local shelter when looking for a family pet. It is time our pets be given the respect they so rightfully deserve and not be treated as intangible objects.

unbelivable the puppie mill will never go away untill people who are doing this sort of thing have no income pet stores shouldn`t even be allowed to sell pets they need to be controlled through legal channels and finnally shut down the pupy mills once and for all this is the only way i can see a end to this horible problem

There is no point in a pet store trying to find a reputable breeder to buy puppies from to sell in their store. A reputable breeder will never sell a dog or puppy through any third party be it a puppy broker or pet store.
Interviews for appropriate homes will always be done by a reputable breeder.
A reputable breeder knows the breed they have intimately and will usually have just one breed of dog perhaps two, not a multitude of different breeds and cross breeds.
A Certificate of Registration from the Canadian Kennel Club will always be provided by a reputable breeder transferring ownership to the new owner provided at no extra cost. Genetic health guarantees will also be in the contract.

...The province of quebec has sadly gained a reputation has the puppy mill haven in Canada.
Since May 1st 2008 including yesterday shipment [march 7th 2009] our organization has sent/transferred 262 dogs to Toronto Animal Services South, located at the CNE.
Our program dubbed "Le French Connection" and our "pups" referred to as the "frenchies" has gained so much popularity that the demand for quebec dogs is increasing.
If we really want to make a difference ADOPT
As a animal welfare advocate the airing of this show could not have come at a better time.
Tell your family, friends co workers, donate your time to helping organizations who care for animals every little gesture helps

Thank you for the eye opening piece about pet stores .
I would like to make people aware that there are puppy store like brokers operating over many internet sites as well. They too buy their puppies from puppy mills right here in Ontario. They then sell them from their homes in very nice urban "family" settings. What the buyers are not aware of is that these poor puppies are kept in sheds or bins in garages until you come to visit. They are sold with questionable health & breeding info . Often these puppies are ill & most have been taken away from their dams way too early. Please be careful.

Bravo to CBC's Marketplace for airing this story. Unfortunately, at the local Square One PJ's pet center, I often see beautiful little puppies that are far too big for the tiny cages cooped up and looking miserable. My heart goes out to them. Humane Society International Canada is currently bringing awareness to this situation... I agree with Barbara Thompson's comments and will no longer buy anything from PJ's Pet Center, simply because I will feel like I am contributing to the misery by giving my business to these awful places. I hope that the Canadian Gov't will ban the sale of puppies in all pet stores.

Thank you for bringing this to the fore front again, I was disappointed that Hunt Corp was focused on when Canada certainly has its own fair share of puppy millers/brokers . Public education is a key point, people should be aware the CKC breeders will not sell to a pet stores, go there or to a rescue to adopt a pet. This is a continuing battle that that will not cease until our laws and regulations become tougher in regards to animal abuse and neglect. Until puppy millers are stopped pet stores will continue to have inventory. I applaud Quebec and other provinces for bringing in tougher laws for animal abuse, while in Nova Scotia, you can abuse and kill 2 kittens, plead guilty and receive a 5 dollar fine
Annette Armitage, Animal Rescue Coalitions

Thankyou for your piece on pet store puppies. I have been involved in dog rescue for over 10 years and we (all rescue groups) try very hard to educate the public about where those pet store puppies come from.

Pets Unlimited (in Eastern Canada)is a sister company to PJ's Pets and so also purchase their puppies through the Hunte Corp. One thing that people can do is to refuse to buy ANYTHING (food, toys, supplies) from a pet store that sells live animals.

If you want to add a pet to your family - contact a rescue group (many rescue groups are breed specific so you can get anything from a Springer Spaniel to a Yorkie), try your local SPCA and above all deal only with a reputable breeder - not one who advertises on sites like Kijiji or Craigslist. Your local vet or breed specific rescue group may also be able to refer you to quality breeders.

Thank you for this show. I am sorry to say that both Pet Habitat and PJ Pets have stores in my community. I wish you could run this show in other languages as both these stores have many customers who don't speak English. It is appalling how blatantly these two companies lie to the public. The simplest way to stop this cruelty and deception is not to buy anything from stores that sell live animals, and to spread the word/truth. By the way, not only dogs suffer in mills, but also cats and rabbits.

So many people truly love dogs. You have done a great service to those who do not realize what perils there are in buying a pet store puppy. There are SO many responsible breeders. Any one of them is happy to sell directly to people who are genuinely capable of raising a companion animal.
Thank you for shedding light on a critically important aspect of so many families lives.

Thanks for airing the story on pet stores puppies, but you didn't have to travel to the US to find puppy mills. There are hundreds of sickening mills in Canada, too.

I strongly urge you to do follow ups. Puppy mills need to be shut down and made illegal in this country.

If you really want to see just how horrendous these places are, try to get a copy of HBO's "Dealing Dogs" which aired in the US a few years ago.

Thank you for the excellent Marketplace program on how NOT to buy a Puppy. Bobby is a Papillon who came from Tennessee, and spent 5 months in a cage in a pet store in
Windsor. The $1800 price was marked down to $1500 and a woman purchased him on impulse. She was unable to keep him and was unable to return him to the store, so she relinguished him to the Humane Society. I adopted him from the Humane Society and he was timid and anxious for some time. He also has congenital luxating patellas, which now, 6 years later, he is having surgically repaired. He is a wonderful, precious, part of my family. The points you raised in the program are so important. Puppies are indiscrimately bred to supply pet stores, and are often overpriced, unhealthy, and poorly socialized. Thank you.
Marlyce Swinnerton in Windsor Ontario.

I'm ashamed to say it but in the past, I too have bought a puppy from a pet store. BUT WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, YOU MUST DO BETTER! My family and I take in rescue dogs. Presently, my daughter is trying to nurse a Bernese back to health. She came from a puppy mill raid in Quebec. This poor dog has had 2 litters and she's not even 2 years old. Some of her teeth are missing or broken. She has scars on her snout. If anyone raises their voice around her, she cowers and hides. She is presently infested with hook worm and we are now treating her with medication for the 3rd time. This poor girl was so under nourished, had severe ear infections, her coat was dull and falling out, she weighed only 62 lbs. She is much shorter than the average Bernese, due to the fact she was kept in a cage far too small for her to stand up in. Thanks for this expose. Please help us stop the cruelty!

Great Show. Thanks for exposing these stores. One notable point. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canada Border Services have attempted to stop the flow of puppies from pupy mills by recently tightening up Import Requirement on all dogs under the age of 8 months.The
Import Requirements clearly state that for commercial purposes the importer must have an Import Permit with the stipulations set forth by the CFIA veterinarian and a Certificate of Health issued by the USDA.

There are reputable breeders in every province who will have pet quality puppies for sale. Contact your province's CKC director and ask for a reputable breeder of the breed you would like to purchase.

Better yet, support a rescue and adopt a dog or puppy in need of a loving home. There are many breed specific rescues in every province of Canada.

Stop supporting pet supply stores that sell puppies. Do not fall for Petland's claim that they are adopting a dog to you for $900.00. If we stop purchasing dogs, food, supplies from these stores they will either change their policies or go out of business.

Don't fall for the so called designer dogs or hybrids...it's a fancy name for mutt. They can make great additions to a family but why pay $800 or more when there are so many in rescues and shelters.

visit www.petfinder.com to find an available rescue dog in your area.

There are general misconceptions about "pure bred" dogs which ultimately drives poor purchasing. There is no health advantage to buying a purebred. The healthiest dogs are relatively small mongrels. A long-term study showed that the two most significant factors associated with increased veterinary visits, poor general health and a short life were being purebred and being large. Pure breeding, especially when driven by the arbitrary characteristics prescribed by the CKC or AKC are often directly associated with genetic disorders that keep veterinary clinics like mine in business. Nature invented sex to mix up genes. If we were meant to be purebred, Hitler would have won and we'd all be budding like yeast. There are never any guarantees in the genetic shake of the dice but your chances of a healthy dog are slightly better if you choose a small mutt from the SPCA rather than a purebred

Wow...!!so much more needs to be asked about these unanswered questions!..so much impact on the innocent lives of both the adult dogs being bred and the puppies in their formative months of life-experience .. I know there are many reputable breeders doing an excellent job but so much more awarenes is needed in the public eye of the horrors of disreputable trading taking advantage of our desire and need of animal companions!!
Thank you Wendy Mezley,Iesza Snowdon and CBC Market Place for keeping our eyes open..I hope we will hear more of"Hope" as she progresses on the road to recovery from her early traumatic experiences!!!

I know Michelle Dean and her dog, Dinglehopper and he's a very sweet dog. I was very upset when I learned that he is going blind. I hope the show was well watched and educated lots of people about the cruelty of puppy mills and pet stores.

The price code policy. I actually had the same thing happen at Walmart, it was on bed in a bags. I contacted the consumer affairs because Walmart wouldn't live by the price posted. It took me almost 60 days, but I got the bed in the bag for the price that was posted. $19.97. However, the actualy price was suppose to be $69.97. Also, Sobeys gives you the item for free no matter the price if they scan wrong. They are wrong a lot and I watch very closely when I get my groceries. I save a fair amount of money each month.

It surprises me that people are still purchasing dogs from pet stores and supporting backyard breeders and puppy mills. Especially considering how much pet stores are charging for these animals.

Reputable breeders, the kind who won't just sell their puppies to anyone with cash in hand, no questions asked, who offer after sales support and health guarantees, are not that difficult to find and often far less expensive.

It's a heartbreaking thing to love an animal, and think it will be your companion for more than a decade and then to find its quality of life, and ultilmately yours, compromised by issues that might easily have been prevented by responsible breeding.

Stop buying living creatures as impulse sales. And don't patronize any store that sells dogs and cats for profit.

It find it uterly amazing that in this day and age, that there are so many people out there that are totaly oblivious when it comes to purchasing a pet. Do research, talk to a reputable vet or humane society before you bring a living, breathing puppy into your life. They are aware of the reputable breeders in your area. There are many (too many) puppy mills right here in Canada that are getting away with inhumane treatment of animals. Canadian law is not doing enough to protect the animals or charge the people who are making the offense.

This was terrific although I must admit I expected it to be harder hitting...good job and please give us more of this sort of thing....the public has the right to know...

Thank you for showing an honest segment on the horrors of pet store puppies, the Hunte Corporation and the puppy mill breeders. In this present age where PETA is trying to portray all breeders in a generalized form....it can be very frustrating for a breeder that shows their dogs, health tests all breeding animals, guarantees, and spends countless hours into breeding the best puppies that they can as well as ensuring through proper screening that their puppies ONLY go into preapproved, loving homes. This information is no surprise to many reputable breeders. All puppy buyers should do all their research BEFORE buying that puppy and really screen the breeders before putting any money down. Thanks again and I would love to see you do a follow up as to whether or not the director of the pet store industry does anything with your complaint information. I am guessing NO.

Hi there i was going to buy a puppy for my son but now i am rethinking this completely

Great piece, though I wish you had put more emphasis on where people should go for a puppy and what kind of questions they should ask. At the end of the day, this is about buyers being smart. A reputable breeder can answer your questions about the breed, tell you about your dog's pedigree, provide information on health testing and support you once you take your puppy home.

At the end of the day though, these are living organisms. Even the best breeder can only guarantee that they have done everything they can (i.e., health testing) to prevent problems. So the importance of a guarantee doesn't lie in the breeder guaranteeing there will never be a problem, no one can do that, it lays in what support they will provide if there is a problem (i.e., refunding up to the purchase price toward treatment costs, replacing the puppy, etc.). These aren't toasters at Wal-Mart, after all.

Yes, PUPPY MILLS need to be shut down. Yes, Puppy Brokers such as the HUNTE Corporation needs to be shut down. But Marketplace does not tell the TRUE FACTS. Those facts are: PJ's in fact are the only known Pet Store Chain in Canada that stands behind it's puppies 100%. PJ's cares and most PJ's buy from local, reputable breeders. Marketplace also forgets to say that for every occasional puppy with problems purchased at PJ's, many dozens without problems are loved in their new homes. Marketplace also forgets to mention that many ill or problem puppies are purchased from private breeders (often without any Health Guarantee like PJ's has). There are always going to be Problem Puppies no matter where you buy them. It happens people, Pet Store or Private Sale, it happens. Lets remember all the Healthy Puppies purchased out there instead of just the occasional problem one.

Good work CBC on raising public awareness of puppy mill dogs being sold at pet stores. Unfortunately, this story is old news and what you exposed has been going on for many, many years. I think many pet owners, veterinarians, responsible breeders and others would like to find out what is being done to resolve this crisis. What laws are in place? Are these laws being enforced? Who is responsible and how can we make them accountable? What can be done in the name of transparency? What can people do to provide support short of not buying their pets at pet stores? I think many pet owners across the country would be willing to lend their support if only they knew what to do. Can you shed some light on this? I hope you consider a follow-up piece in this regard.

I thought that if you brought more that one puppy into Canada, that they had to be individually identified ie
tattoo or microchip. It was my understanding that the
Department of Agriculture had some rules in place!!!!

I am an experienced dog groomer, trainer and breeder of purebred, registered dogs. I was not surprised to see where the puppies came from. But let’s not forget many puppies in Canadian pet shops come from Canadian puppy mills. The rule of thumb should be, “only buy from reputable breeders” or adopt from a shelter. Reputable breeders will never sell their puppies to pet shops and they will provide health records. I believe many of the puppies that end up in pet shops are taken away from their mother and siblings far too young and therefore develop behaviour problems. They should be at least 8 weeks old and well socialized before leaving the breeders home. Most puppies that are purchased in pet shops are “impulse buys”, or the buyer feels sorry for those poor creatures, but everyone that is sold, creates another space in a puppy mill for more to live in horrific conditions. As long as people are willing to pay huge amounts of money for mixed breeds and puppy mill dogs, these places will continue to exist. My suggestion; anyone that is looking for a puppy, check with a vet, groomer or the Canadian Kennel Club.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO LOGICAL EXPLANATION FOR WHAT WAS WITNESSED HERE, THE PEOPLE THAT ALLOW THIS TO GO ON SHOULD BE TREATED IN THE SAME WAY THESE DEFENSELESS ANIMALS ARE TREATED, MAYBE SOMETHING WOULD CHANGE THEN.
AS A PET OWNER I WILL NO LONGER SHOP ANYWHERE PETS ARE FOR SALE. I AM BUT ONE PERSON, HOWEVER, IF ALL OF US THAT VEHEMENTLY OBJECT TO THIS TAKE THE SAME STEPS TO AVOID THESE PARTICULAR PET STORES, IT WILL BEGIN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Laws need to be put in place to stop the sale of puppies, unless you are a licenced breeder, subject to routine inspections.

With online sales of puppies escalating, the need for Pet Stores decreases. This just cuts out that middleman, but still allows the sale of puppies from less than humane breeding situations. What happened to the days of "Free" mixed breed puppies? Now its the day of Designer Mutt puppies selling for hundreds of dollars. Where will it end?

There are too many puppies for sale now, as everyone thinks its an easy way to make a quick buck.

Thank you marketplace for exposing the Puppy mill business and Pet Stores yet again!! PJ's deserves every bit of negative publicity--it is well earned.

I purchased a puppy from PJ's Yorkdale Mall Toronto 18 YEARS AGO!!! This puppy had major problems-- I put it to sleep at 2 years of age. This dog was so vicious it could not be trusted around anyone. My vet would not vacinnate him without a muzzle!! He was fine for the first year but he started turning after that. This dog was a cocker spaniel!! I have had dogs my entire life and I currently own a dog and have never experieced a problem such as this.

I sued PJ's who in turn went after the vet. Animal Alliance's Liz White and peter Silverman got involved and pj's settled out of court--they paid for everything except the food. They only paid due to TV exposure--keep up exposing them CBC!!

THE TIP SHEET

"whether you buy from ..... or pet store, make sure the facility is reputable..."

NO REPUTABLE BREEDER would EVER sell a dog to a pet store. A simple rule to cut down on the number of badly cared for dogs and poorly bred puppies from puppy mills is to stop buying from stores. Period.

Please change your TIP SHEET to reflect this truth. Read the Canadian Kennel Club's information pages about this.

I found your show on How Not to Buy a Puppy very interesting and am glad you exposed this side of the industry. I do feel however, that consumers have to share some responsibility here. Why not go to the SPCA or Humane Society and get a rescue dog or cat? If consumers do not insist on having a pure bred animal, perhaps there will be less economic incentive for puppy mills and pet stores to exist. Heinz 57s make great pets too!

Truthfully, there are no good quality dogs in pet stores, as good, responsible, caring breeders NEVER put their puppies in pet stores. Ever.

It was helpful that you interviewed a responsible dog person (the trainer.) However, it would have been more to the point to actually interview a responsible Canadian Kennel Club breeder, who could show you exactly what they do: health testing, appropriate selection of quality parents, REAL pedigrees, pedigree research, no expense spared, contracts, etc. This would show the public what real quality is, where it can be found, and what a sham the pet store is.

Thank you for this timely and accurate program. As I said, I only wish you had promoted what responsible, Canadian Kennel Club members/breeders are and do, to show the contrast, and educate the public.

When will people learn? They have been shown this greed based business over and over. After the Oprah show one woman who knows I organize a dog rescue actually said, "That's horrible. Thank God it doesn't happen in Canada." I told her there are approximately 1,800 puppy mills in Quebec alone.

When people won't learn, the dogs and pups suffer. Every time a puppy goes out the pet store door, a mother is sentenced to more years of pain and neglect. What happens to her once she cannot breed? What happens to her? No self respecting breeder would sell their pups to a pet store.

Thank you Market Place for trying to educate people. What we need is to educate politicians who allow these hell holes to exist.

.......... Just one thing, it is unbelievably necessary to push the fact that as a customer, if you are an activist of animal rights, don't go into the featured pet stores and harass the sales associate. That will achieve nothing.
The workers love animals just as much as you do and yelling at them will just increase tension.

Oh, So much didn't make it into the show, too much for the timeframe. Pet Habitat's puppies are all priced the same. $2588 when they are new, 1788- when they are four months old and haven't sold and 1188- when they are almost "un-sellable" either because they are too old or sick. Hope was discounted to 1188- she was five months old and too big for her cage. Over the month of investigation, six other "older" puppies disappeared...not sold. There isn't the demand for all these puppies, but these stores inexplicably keep a fresh supply of babies, Have you ever seen an adult dog in a pet store? This is a sick business.

I have worked at a pet store...
and I'm not sure why, when going undercover, the sales associate was saying it's of true 100% pedigree.
I know that at my store, we were told to push the fact that these are NOT show dogs. Average everyday people would come into the store, because their dog at home accidentally had puppies and they would bring them in because they didn't want to leave them on the street or send them to an animal shelter. Also, the buyer for our store took tons of contact information from the breeders... and it wasn't like the breeders were bringing in twenty dogs every week. It was a litter every once in a while.
I know when you raise 40 puppies all together in one store, there is bound to be problems, believe you me, there were viruses that went around and the dogs do get sick.
I just know that as a worker I probably didn't know the true extent.............

As a dog owner, I did my homework, and was pleased to find that the breeder was very interested in where she was sending her puppy. We went to her, saw where the dogs were housed, and were impressed. The breeder has always been supportive in the almost 3 years we have had our dog. What is wrong with our gov't, allowing dogs to be shipped from another country? We are not allowed to take a pet into another country without a perfect bill of health. I agree there are enough breeders here in Canada to more than supply the need, and at a much cheaper price than in Pet Stores! What can I do to help? Is there anyone I can call, email to show my displeasure of this cruelty to animals?

This is an excellent report on purchasing puppies from Pet Stores. Too often these purchases are spur of the moment because the puppy is soooo cute. That is what these sellers count on and the more pet stores sell puppies the more they are bred by corporations to fill the niches. The purchase of a dog is a lifetime commitment and buying from a reputable breeder helps ensure that your dog is healthy and there will be someone there to help you if a problem does arise.I am amazed thta the gentleman from the agency that oversees Pet Stores professed not to be aware of how the Hunte Corp. houses its puppies.

Please repeat this story closer to Christmas!

Your checklist is a good beginning - but only that. There is so much more that people should be asking.

How long have you been breeding/raising this breed?
What guarantees come with the puppy?
Are the parents on the premises & can i see them?
What criteria do you use to match puppies with homes?
On what basis did you choose to breed the parents?
What type of temperament do the parents have?
Has either parent ever had a health problem?
What health checks do the parents have?
What activities to you partake in with your dogs?

and I could go on. Do your research - look up "Selecting A Breeder" on the internet - much information is available.

I was disappointed that they did not mention that sick, inbred and genetically ill puppies do not only come from the US. Stores can easily refute everything this documentary says by simply saying their puppies do not come from the US. Yet Quebec has over 2,000 active puppy mills and is a supplier to many Canadian and American brokers/pet stores. All Canadian provinces have a good number of puppy mills and not-so-reputable breeders that supply our retail pet stores and flea markets. Marketplace should have traced some Canadian dogs or at the very least, mentioned that it is not strictly an American problem.

too many people stick their heads into the sand when it comes to pet store puppies. Thank you.

Thank you Marketplace for airing this program on the real origins of pet store puppies! I hope this will go a long way towards educating people on why they should never buy a puppy from a pet store, and should instead seek out one from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder would never knowingly allow one of their puppies to be sold through a pet store. Perhaps the answer is to ban all pet stores from selling puppies?

It is a known fact that the "Hunte Corporation" buys from Puppy Mills, mostly in the USA. They should be SHUT DOWN, not P.J's who just need to buy locally instead of from a "Puppy Broker" which Alberta PJ's does already.This episode of Marketplace contains misinformation. The American Eskimo featured is an older pup that could easily be "Peeing Submissively" because of something the owner is doing wrong handling it. The Vet called it "Submissive Peeing" because it was doing it in its bed"? That sounds like "Urinary Incontinence", not "Submissive Urination" which is usually caused not by a medical problem but how the owner is handling the pup! Wrong diagnosis here? Now for the DOG TRAINER.The papers he is talking about pertains to Breeds such as German Shepherds who are Purebreds with known Hip/Elbow problems so those parent dogs need to be tested, not all other breeds require testing.

I have to agree with other, this was a great show, I have known that pet shops get their pups from these types of places for years, and and happy to see any show that will open others peoples eyes. I fail to believe that Louis McCann of PIJAC Canada did no know that this is where these places get puppies from, and if it is true then he needs to be replaced with someone who knows his job better.

People need to clue into the fact that buying a pup from these places is not "rescuing" it is letting the puppymillers know to breed more puppies because there are more suckers.

The sooner that laws are passed preventing the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops the better.

The only way to stop this evil trade is boycott ALL the stores that sell live animals. Buy nothing from them and tell the staff why you will not purchase from them. Do not even buy food or pet accessories from them. Pass it on to your friends and ask them to pass it on. Demand feeds the supply; do NOT buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it. If you do YOU are part of the problem.

Reputable breeders NEVER sell their puppies to pet stores.

Excellent expose on pet shop puppies! Unfortunately, the cute factor sells puppies and until the sale of puppies in pet stores is banned, people will continue to fall for the adorable 'puppy in the window'. I think people believe they are saving the puppy from the small glass box in the pet shop, but they don't realize that every time they purchase a puppy, one more is being born in a puppy mill. There are lots of reputable breeders in Canada who charge a lot less than pet shops and they guarantee the health of the puppies they sell and screen buyers to be sure they're going to the best of homes.

I'd love to see Marketplace go one step further and debunk the 'hybrid vigour' hogwash of so called 'designer dogs' i.e. doodles, poochi's, maltipoos, etc. A mutt by any other name is still a mutt.

Thank you for again reminding people that buying a pet from a pet store is not a good idea. Unfortunately these stores rely on impulse buyers. Perhaps a followup feature on how to find a well bred, stable and healthy puppy is needed. People need to know that there are reputable breeders and shelters out there who care about their little charges. They need to remeber that they are going to be responsible for a life for the next 10 to 15 years and a little research and thought will go a long way to make the experience positive for all.

Kudos to marketplace for doing such a fabulous job on such a horrific problem. People are taken everyday by these unscrupuloous dealers of canine flesh.
Truly this is one place that desperatly needs regulation.
More fine honest programs like this need to be aired.
Thank you again marketplace.
Sheila Robillard

Thank you for this story. While individual breeders vary in terms of conscientiousness, it is wonderful to see that large scale operations are being examined. There is no way that the Hunt Corporation can provide the loving environment that is necessary to produce a well socialized puppy. Dogs are not livestock. They are accepted into most families almost on a level equal to a child, and educating the general public is the most effective way to shut down poor quality breeders and those who would take advantage of the quest for a loving creature to share with one's life.

Please don't stop there. How about a look at what goes into producing a happy, healthy puppy. Compare private breeders who put their health testing out for all to see on the Orthopedic Fondation for Animals website and are willing to commit themselves to the puppies they produce.

Thank you. Rita Thomas

I know of someone who paid $3,000 for a boxer puppy, and someone else who paid $5,000 for a Dogue deBordeaux pup, using P.J.s pets financing and monthly payments. Aside from this being a ridiculous amount to pay for a pet-quality pup (even a purebred), neither person wound up keeping them. No serious health issues, just too much dog for them. The Dogue DeBordeaux pup was taken to a vet to be euthanized at 14 weeks of age! It wound up surrendered to the Vet clinic and rehomed. The buyers were still on the hook for the full purchase price though..,

Though it is great that Marketplace would expose pet stores buying practices, there was no mention of the "right way" to get a dog. Consumers think that you go to a pet store to get a dog, and no alternatives were proposed.

As a volunteer for an animal rescue in Quebec, I see that the average Canadian has no idea about rescue or adopting animals. Thousands of animals put down every week across Canada -- most with no health problems at all.

More than just stopping buying animals at puppy mills, it is very important to get the word out that adoption is the best option.

Wendy Mesley and CBC's Marketplace, thank you for this most informative investigative report. It must have been terribly frustrating for Wendy while interviewing Louis McCann of Pijac. He did two things: ... b)he said they don't stay in the hutches all their lives, he forgot to mention that the puppies parents do from birth to death! c) he did not have an answer for the rest of the questions...

Let's be very clear, it is in the best interest of Pijac that pet stores sell puppies. He can't possibly not know that these puppies come from puppy mills, as no reputable breeder would sell his puppies to a pet store. There should be a national ban on puppy mills and the sale of pets in pet stores. The millers are part of the underground economy and the government is giving them the green light to do business.

On June 10th 1996 my wife and I made the mistake of buying a puppy from PJ's at Yorkdale. In the first week we spent $1500.00 fixing numerous health issues and this continued over the next 11.5 years of Cody's life. But we loved Cody so much, and we always made sure he had the best of everything,I had never owned a more affectionate and gentle dog. Over the course of his life he developed Colitis,Pancreatic Insufficiency,Diabetes,a heart murmur and eventually stomach cancer.The cost of Vet bills over his life time exceeded $70,000.00, but for us,doing everything to keep him well and give him the best quality of life we could for such a courageous little dog was worth it. But in reality no Pet owner should have to go through that,I blame poor breeding standards and Stores like PJ's who show little compassion not juist for the Pets but also for the owners.In memory of Cody 12/24/2008.

We were given a puppy from a young couple who said they could not care for this dog. He was 3 months old and after a couple of weeks we noticed a limp. It has gotten progressively worse, we were told xrays probably wouldn't show anything til about a year old. He may have a genetic shoulder problem needing surgery. We can't afford this, but watching him limp day after day is heart-breaking.
This genetic problem should have been picked up by PJ's or Hunte Corp. if they looked at the history of the parents.
The dog is a Yellow Lab and he is now 8 months old.

I find it very interesting that so much research is done on bad breeders, who and where NOT to buy a puppy but as a person looking where do I go. there is never anything I can remember on a program on good ethical breeders. Home breeders, who spend hours training, socializing and loving their puppies. Maybe someone should show the puppy buyer what they look like . Novel idea hey?

With attempts at the border to tighten regulations on puppy mill imports from the US, the mill opportunities have opened up here in Canada. Quebec is apparently the puppy mill capital. But anyone can just set up shop...

I find it disgusting that pet stores are willingly partici[pating in the sale of puppy mill dogs. They play dumb and turn a blind eye - they know full well where these poor animals come from. They not only need to be held accountable and financially reponsible for these animals - they need to STOP . They also need to be forced by law to spay or neuter before adoption to put and end to the overwhelming, needless deaths of unwanted animals. People need to boycott pet stores that sell animals.

Well done Marketplace!!! Information like this is necessary to bring the horrors that these poor creatures and their sires & dams must endure to the public. When purchasing a puppy, the buyer should be able to meet the dam(mother) and occasionally the sire(father)as well. Buyers should be able to see the area where the puppies are raised as well as be able to interact with the dam and/or any other dogs on the premises. Records of health testing should be available to view or sometimes be posted to the OFFA site, but no matter how, it should always be available to the puppy buyers. Registration is required by Federal Law in Canada when you sell a dog as a "purebred". This registration must be done by an acceptable registry such as the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

Excellent episode,

The phrase "caveat emptor" has never been so important. Dog breeder, through "line breeding" (inbreeding) have so corrupted the most popular breeds that the list of genetic faults is almost endless. Before you buy, find out everything that can go wrong with a breed and decide to live with it, or not. The sickest puppy I ever bought (giardia etc) came from one of the most prestigious breeders at the time. Not a pet store.

Do your homework!

It's not only sick puppies that are coming from PJ's. I once bought a guinea pig and ended up spending over $200 at a vet because he had ring worm which is highly contagious to both animals and humans!! I no longer support or make any purchase from PJ's and encourage everyone else to do the same.

Bravo! Hopefully your expose on pet stores will air a few more times to make even more people aware of where those puppies come from. I knew that you should never buy from the stores for those reasons but was unaware that the puppies were being mostly brought in from the states. I was glad that the provincial laws were clamping down on the puppy mills here in canada but I see now our import laws will have to be looked at. Thank again for the insight.

I purchased a Chi-Pom mix from PJ's in August of 2008. He has had terrible problems with his legs due to lax-patellas. Also, I noticed when I got him home that he was missing a toe. He has some unidentified deficiency that causes him to crave to eat the feces of other animals. It has been really disturbing and challenging. I cannot let him enjoy the yard without having to supervise him constantly. I am so glad that you did this program. I had no idea that this was going on. No wonder Chino, my dog is so sick.

I too purchased my pup from PJ's.
From Day 1 we had problems. I could go on and on and on. Basically the pup almost died because of negligence from their kennels. Within 2 weeks of buying the pup we had already maxed out the pups "warranty". Returning the pup was not an option as we have heard from too many people, including people in the veterinary field that PJ's would have put the pup down due to the fact that it was becoming too expensive to make the pup well enough to sell again and make a profit. They then ended up cornering us into a situation where we cannot talk about them. The government needs to step in and do something. These are living beings not just some piece of merchandise on the shelf! Thank you for your report, I am so glad you are getting the message out there. I just wish there was something more I could do.

I am a breeder of purebred, CKC registered Miniature Schnauzers and recently had a client that unfortunately for her purchased not one but two puppies from Pet-A-Rama. One of the puppies died from VWB (a bleeding disorder)after being spayed and the other had seizures and had to be euthinized (sp) both at around 6 months of age. They had no recourse with the store. It is the old story - the puppy looked so cute I couldn't walk away and this is exactly what these pet stores rely on for business.
I went into this store when they first opened and asked about their guarantee on the puppies they sold - their comment was they don't have guarantees because their puppies are all healthy!!!!! I have never been in that store again.

I would love to see your program repeated and perhaps a sequel done with actual breeders of CKC registered dogs showcased.

This show made me so mad! I can't believe that people would do this kind of thing for a living! I bought my dog 8 1/2 years ago from a pet store and later watched a show on Puppy Mills, I took her to the Vet right away! I'm so lucky that she is in good health, but would never buy any animal unless it was from a breeder and see where the animals live and the parents should be on site as well. This was my first dog and I love her more than words can say. I was lucky but the people I was watching on your show last night could have been me. I feel so bad for them. I can't believe that the government could sit back and let this happen. This should not be allowed to go on! The people who do this do not have any kind of regard for life! They are the lowest form of life there is on the planet! They have to be shut down and never be allowed to own any animals at all! Your show made an impact!

This is an excellent show, but only a first step. If the public want change, it takes only a few words in the right place.

Tell your friends about the show. For everyone who saw it, a dozen didn't. Share the knowledge you gained. When the topic of pets comes up, take the opportunity to mention the problems of pet store pets and to promote shelter adoption. If you have a shelter animal, brag.

Talking up the problem raises awareness, especially in the age of the internet. Blogging, twittering and messaging have a huge impact: use them.

If you want to do more, you can volunteer or donate to a shelter. A big return for a small investment.

Just as bad a petstores is buying any kind of animal from the back of a truck. I had a friend do this and, though she was lucky and got a healthy dog, how can anybody possibly know for sure? Do you really think this guy is going to be there if you have a complaint? Its time people started using their heads when making purchases of any kind and not their hearts. After all, have you ever seen an ugly puppy or kitten?
Thanks too for the $10 tip. Im going to keep it in mind when I go shopping tomorrow. I have a store here in my town (Wholesale club) try to tell me they werent obliged to refund me for an incorrect purchase because it was over the 14 day limit. I told them it was their mistake and my money and if they wanted to stay out of the limelight they'd better cough up. They did!
Great shows

This is simply heart breaking. Unfortunately for every person that cares for living creatures... there are people that do not. Pet stores like any other stores are out to make money. Make the effort to do research on the pets you plan to own and care for.

I just watched your show and I am disturbed beyond belief. I went into Pet Habitat and they told me that ALL of their puppies come from the Hunte Corporation and that they NEVER buy puppies from Canadian Breeders.
Because it was the only way to "guarantee" the "purity" of the genetic line...

I can only hope that someday, somehow, some way, people will finally get it: pet stores do not sell healthy dogs. CKC registered breeders can not sell their puppies through stores. If you think you're getting a CKC registered dog at a PJ Pets or some other pet store you're wrong. What most people don't realize is that a carefully, responsibly bred purebred from health checked lines cost far less than what you hand over to these stores. Are you thinking about adding a dog to your family? A living, breathing, feeling creature? Start here: www.ckc.ca Research the breeds. Find breeders in your area. Go to dog shows in your area and talk to breeders and owners, find out the good and the bad about the breeds you're interested in. Breeders care who they put their puppies with. Go to rescue organizations or shelters. Just don't go to "pet stores". Please.

The vast majority of pet store puppies are healthy, happy and problem free. The vast majority of breeders who provide these puppies are responsible animal lovers who trust the pet store to care for their puppies during the placement process. Pet stores are a legitimate source for potential pet owners who want a responsibly bred animal from a professional kennel with a comprehensive health and development warranty. Most pet stores will pay for warranty related health issues. This is an important service. Most breeder warranties do not - they will offer to replace your pet with another animal. This story does a disservice to potential pet owners who will now avoid a safe and legitimate source for puppies, turning instead to the internet or other dubious sources, and a disservice to the vast majority of reputable pet stores who place animals responsibly and ethically into the community

Thank you for airing this program as it illustated how the public is constantly duped by pet stores. Sadly, however, you failed to point out that a dog with an easily generated pedigree is NOT purebred. Only a certificate of registration from the Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club guarantees a purebred dog.
The examples shown were poor representatives of the breed and would make one suspect they are not purebred (and likely haven't been for a few generations). If you want a dog you have two choices - the local shelter or a responsible breeder who tests their stock and who breeds first for themselves.

I was disgusted to learn about this. It is an act of animal cruelty and if the government is aware of it, I don't see why they allow it. I wish I knew about this before I bought my puppy from a pet store. For any people who work in places like the Hunte Corporation or breed there dogs in this manner are sick. I am extremely disgusted and saddened and I will do everything I can to warn people about this.

Thank you marketplace!
I have been working very hard for a number of years to encourage friends and family to NOT shop for animals. I have seen many undercover puppy mill operations online and have been exposing each and every one to as many people as possible. This broadcast is yet another that I will refer friends and family to view. Unfortunately, thousands of dogs are purchased yearly from these deplorable conditions and to be quite honest, I'm sick of it. It's time for us all to put an end to these kinds of operations.
Here's food for thought... don't shop... ADOPT!

Rachael Bowdridge
St. John's, Newfoundland

It's not uncommon for breeders to say their dogs are registered a with a kennel club. I don't know about the CKC but the AKC does little or nothing to prevent such abuses from occuring. Some major puppy mill busts in the U.S. recently--the breeders had lovely websites saying their dogs were AKC and some of them probably were, at some time.
Caveat emptor. "Reputable breeder" is a term that is used loosely and there are NO ENFORCED AND MONITORED STANDARDS.

Well that was an eye-opener! I am sure a lot of people out there, including myself, were unaware of the conditions the cute little doggie in the window lived in prior to and you might as well call it a Breeding Warehouse Facility- Big Business. No wonder puppies bought from Pet Stores have multiply health issues from continous inbreeding, terrible kennel conditions (I should just say wire cages), etc...

Thank you Marketplace for investigating this horrible problem in the pet industry, and I hope you air it again. Where there is no demand, there will be no supply. PEOPLE! DO NOT BUY DOGS/CATS FROM PET STORES!!!

I am glad that Marketplace has decided to air the dirty laundry that these pet stores are trying to hide.
Yes, a certain Toronto pet store continues to receive a large portion of their puppies from Hunte Corp. But do not overlook the fact that they also obtain quite a few of their puppies from puppy mills in Quebec (as it is still legal to run such horrible operations there). One of the main purchasers has family running these filthy puppy factories in QC under numerous names. What people do not see as well are the behind the scenes areas to these pet stores. Extra rooms with extra puppies to replace those sold (2x2 Kennels, 3+ puppies per kennel), and a critical care room. Those with Parvo and other life threatening conditions. These places need to be shut down!

Loved the show tonight. I however was not one of the shocked people. I have heard of puppy mills for years. What I don't understand is how a person can pay so much for the pet store pups ($2500!!). I recently purchased my pure bread, CKC registered, international championship parented, genetically tested parented, with a contract stating I get a new pup if mine has any major problems, standard poodle for $1500 from a breeder. I met both of the parent dogs, and was at the bitches home when the puppies were 5 weeks old. I could not stress enough on going with a breeder, and also I could not stress enough peoples' responsibility to do their homework. Visit the whelping area to find out how clean they keep the puppies, and how much socialization they get right off.
I feel sorry for all of the people who got sucked into the pet stores...

The puppy "industry" is just that. It sickens me and many others that the government of Canada does not have strict rules and regulations regarding the sale of puppies for profit. Just like any other "industry". Especially those crossing our boarders from the U.S. It is well known, but ignored, that these stores sell puppymill puppies yet so called Watchdogs fein innocence....please...If you are being paid to do this job then do it properly. Marketplace can.

I was recently in a PJ's in Edmonton and noticed blood coming from the rectum of a little white puppy. When I brought this to the attention of an employee her exact words were: "Well, the other one looks OK." (pointing to the other poor soul in the same kennel). I was disgusted and demanded to speak with the manager. After waiting more than ten minutes a different employee returned to tell me the manager wasn't available and if I had a concern I should return to the store on the following Monday.

If people would stop buying these pets, the retailer would stop selling them and the puppy mills would cease to exist.

Checking with the Canadian Kennel Club for a reputable breeder is very simple and effective. So is visiting your local shelter.

These mills must be shut down and the retailers who sell these pups should be fined to the point of bankruptcy. Shame on them!

Wendy did a very good job of profiling the problem. It was very representative of the situation and a much needed look behind those cute little puppies in the pet store window. Please keep up the pressure and let's get this insanity stopped.

I too bought a dog from PJ Pets (Yorkdale) in 1994 and another from Doogans (Barrie) in 1996 and the found out they came from mills in the midwest US. Appalled, I have been trying to educate people not to repeat my mistakes ever since.

Keep up the good work.

Hello

I have made the same mistake I bought from a pet store as well. Pet Land! My little angel has had many surguries for her luxating pattela. Roxie is her name. She has had soooo many problems since we have had her. I can not stand to watch these people get rich doing this to these animals. What can I do to help stop this?? I have spent a small fortune on Roxie trying to make her life better. She should not have to go through all the pain and suffering she does. Please plaes let me know what I can do to help.

Yours truly
Cheryl Penny

Thank you for this expose on pet store puppies and puppy mills. I hope you will replay this and educate people that they should never buy from a petstore. A well bred dog, from a reputable breeder will cost them less money. And they can meet the breeder and see the parents and ask for health testing. Reputable breeders registered with the Canadian Kennel Club will be able to provide a picture history as well as documented health test reports on the ancestors of the puppy. And they will cost far less than a commercial pet store. Thank you again for this report. There are good breeders out there, and people need to do their homework and not buy dogs from a store like a loaf of bread

I'm RAHT (registered animal health tech.) in victoria BC and I can't tell you how many times I've seen puppies of all breeds from the pet store CREATURES,come in to the facility I worked at with a very serious virus called "parvo" it causes puppies in to have diarrhea, sometimes bloody and there's vomiting, lethargy and severe dehydration. It can also lead to death. this virus can be prevented with a series of puppy vaccines (three). Often what happens is the "breeder" gives the puppy it's first vaccine and then sends it on it's way to the pet store and then the owner is responsible for the final two shots or final shot. But unfortunately due to the traveling, often poor living conditions and then finally a new home with a new family, the immune system just cannot handle the stress and an unvaccinated puppy becomes extremely sick.

Cudos to CBC's Marketplace for bringing this issue to the public's attention. As an avid dog lover and active volunteer for foster dogs from the local Humane Society, a number of points rang true in this feature. Two in particular bear special mention.
The first being that responsibly bred animals are not sold through pet stores, period. Reputable breeders adhere to a code of ethics that dictate they carefully screen the potential buyer.
The second being the behavioural issues that arise from pups that are taken away too young from their litter and dam. These issues are difficult to deal with if the pup has not had the proper start.
As a buyer don't settle for anything less than an open invitation to see the dogs in their environment and a frank discussion about health and the genetic background of your potential new family member. Your dog will thank you for your diligence!

Furthermore, I will never buy pet products from a store that deals in the sale of puppies. I can provide for my dogs without giving any of my business to stores who are part of the problem...

I would also add that this breeder was quite normal looking. Most people would say they looked to be 'reputable'. Normal house, normal neighbourhood, normal town. The inside of their house was typical suburban. That is where they showed their dogs. The rest of the time, the miserable animals were crammed into stinking, feces-encrusted rabbit hutches. The breeding moms and papas likely never set foot on solid ground or saw the light of day.

How many shows, articles etc. do people have to see before they get it through their heads that puppies sold in pet stores come from dubious backgrounds and most likely originate from puppy mills!

As a dog owner who has gone through reputible breeders registered with the CKC or have rescued dogs through the pound or rescue organizations, it amazes me that consumer are part of the problem of supply and demand....the more people purchase from pet stores the more they will continue to sell puppies that are overpriced and more than likely have various health problems.
I used to go in to pet stores in Toronto and advise consumers to spend a few bucks on a magazine that lists breeders then to plunk their money down on an over priced pup that chances were would only bring them heartache along with an empty wallet. Save a rescue or use a reputable breeder with the CKC,DON'T GO TO A PETSTORE.

I recently assisted in a puppy mill seizure operation. The dogs were traumatized from living in rabbit-hutch sized cages, they stunk of ammonia and many were immobilized by their thick matts. These dogs were sold over the Internet, I saw the misleading ads that the breeder put out--happy dogs romping thru the grass, and to pet stores. These dogs are lucky, they were rescued, they will be cared for and socialized and homed in loving forever homes. Tens of thousands others are not so lucky. People, wake up! DO NOT BUY FROM PET STORES OR OVER THE INTERNET! Ask yourself, what does "reputable" breeder mean? How can that be quantified or verified? If you love animals, there are thousands of them in rescue groups and in shelters who need a home. Please don't buy while shelter animals die.

Great episode. I hope now more people are aware o!!f pet store puppy's. hope this episode will air again, or even a second part.

Like most viewers I was saddened and horrified by tonight's show, though unfortunately not surprised. Mixed in with this reaction, however, was frustration. I am continually stunned that people continue to be taken in by pet store's claims that that their animals come from so-called reputable breeders. This claim in an of itself should be a red flag. No reputable breeder would ever EVER sell their puppies to a pet store.

It is time for potential dog owners to take responsibility. Don't buy from the pet store. You are not 'rescuing' the dog from what is admittedly, a sad situation Every puppy bought in a pet store only provides more incentive for places like Hunte. Refuse to participate and hopefully stories like those of Hope and Dinglehopper will be a thing of the past.

Thank you for your story on the puppy mill puppies.

I am aware of these problems and would never consider purchasing any animal from a pet store.
Why wouldn't you question the price of these unfortunate animals when considering getting a pet. If people would boycott these places en mass I am sure it would not take long for them to go out of business. The humane societes certainly have pets that need loving homes.

I am puzzled on how this can still go on and people seem to accept the horrible conditions endured by these animals.

Hopefully this story will help in putting some of these places out of business.

Hello,

How can people be so blind by these pet stores ? I am really glad that you aired this show as people need to know where they are really getting their puppies from.

Thanks for airing this show.

Bravo, "Marketplace"!! As a professional dog groomer, in Toronto, I cannot tell you the number of pet-store puppies (PJ's for one eg.) I have seen in my 10+ years in the business. The majority are not well bred, not overly healthy, and have numerous behavioural problems. I have been "asked to leave" PJ's when I started questioning (politely) the pedigree of a certain breed of dog, of which I know very well. They showed me a piece of paper, with four generations of dog names...all supposedly AKC (American Kennel Club)registered. There was no way to prove the existence of these named dogs, and they are banking that most people won't even notice the difference between a "certificate of pedigree" and a "certified pedigree" complete with seal and stamp of the issuing kennel club. i.e. a way to actually follow-up on the pup's ancestry. (Getting off soap box, for now)

A reputable breeder ALWAYS wants to know what kind of family their puppy is going to be a part of, never uses a middle man,and doesn't necessarily sell you a puppy just because you are shopping for one.
Why do people buy on impulse from pet stores and not do their homework first? The only way to stop pet stores
from buying these poor puppies is to stop buying them at pet stores!

This is a copy of an e-mail I sent to the executive director, Louis McCann of PIJAC Canada.

To Whom it may concern,

I just watched CBC's Marketplace with Wendy Mesley, concerning PJ's in Toronto and Pet Habitat in British Columbia. I was not aware of the Hunt Corporation in Missouri and the conditions the puppies are subjected to. As a Canadian, I am appalled that the government doesn't do more to prevent the puppies from "immigrating" over the border. Are there not enough reputable breeders in Canada to supply the Canadian retailers with healthy puppies?
As a Permanent Resident of the United States I am once again disgusted by yet another story of "puppy breeding" in America. Whether it's a mill or a factory, it's all supply and demand, and who really pays the price.

V. Bechard

Thank you for airing this. Now my question is what is PIJAC going to do about this? What is the Canadian government going to do to stop the sale of dogs from Hunte Corporation from crossing our borders? What is it going to take to shutdown pet stores like PJ's Pets? They have been selling ill dogs for years and have been getting away with it. Please don't stop here with this report. I would like to see more of this on a grander scale, till the canadian public get the message. Because of these individual corporations selling dogs in our country, my rescue group exist. We are constantly taking in sickly dogs from around Canada and the USA to save their lives, medically and physically from this sort of abuse. This is abuse at its highest level. What is it going to take?