Hampton Barringer Luzak has enjoyed a multi-faceted career, with positions ranging from creative director’s assistant at the iconic advertising firm BBDO to on-air reporter and producer at MSNBC. Hampton Luzak is also active with a number of charitable organizations, including the ASPCA.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) works to protect the well-being of animals through a number of services and initiatives, including an ongoing fight against “puppy mills.” These businesses can vary in nature, but the overriding issue for organizations like the ASPCA is that they operate as for-profit operations. The more puppies they produce, the more money they make, a motive which often results in limited space and nutrition for the animals, inadequate health care, unsafe breeding practices, lack of exercise and socialization, and other related problems.
There are a few ways individuals can avoid inadvertently supporting a puppy mill as they search for a dog. An obvious step involves adopting an animal from a rescue group or shelter. Not only is it a kindness to provide a home to an in-need animal, but shelter dogs have been vetted for health complications and behavioral issues. If families are committed to getting a specific breed of puppy and raising it, there are responsible breeders available. Many online resources can be used to find one, including the ASPCA website.
Key factors separate responsible breeders from puppy mills. The first involves location. Puppy mill owners usually do not allow potential customers to visit their operation and may not even provide an address, while trusted breeders will insist upon an in-person meeting. Breeders will thoroughly interview prospective owners and may be hesitant to provide a puppy for any number of reasons that could indicate a poor match. Puppy mills, on the other hand, may only be interested in credit card information.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) works to protect the well-being of animals through a number of services and initiatives, including an ongoing fight against “puppy mills.” These businesses can vary in nature, but the overriding issue for organizations like the ASPCA is that they operate as for-profit operations. The more puppies they produce, the more money they make, a motive which often results in limited space and nutrition for the animals, inadequate health care, unsafe breeding practices, lack of exercise and socialization, and other related problems.
There are a few ways individuals can avoid inadvertently supporting a puppy mill as they search for a dog. An obvious step involves adopting an animal from a rescue group or shelter. Not only is it a kindness to provide a home to an in-need animal, but shelter dogs have been vetted for health complications and behavioral issues. If families are committed to getting a specific breed of puppy and raising it, there are responsible breeders available. Many online resources can be used to find one, including the ASPCA website.
Key factors separate responsible breeders from puppy mills. The first involves location. Puppy mill owners usually do not allow potential customers to visit their operation and may not even provide an address, while trusted breeders will insist upon an in-person meeting. Breeders will thoroughly interview prospective owners and may be hesitant to provide a puppy for any number of reasons that could indicate a poor match. Puppy mills, on the other hand, may only be interested in credit card information.