Pet Industry Peak Body In Turmoil After Consumers Misled

[tdierikx]

[

One of my own dogs managed to develop aspiration pneumonia after inhaling her food - she's a Lab, go figure - and she had an interesting cough develop that I saw a vet for asap... one week of high strength antibiotics later, and she was fine again. A pup with a cough or breathing issues should have been straight to the vet on day one... not later...

T.

Sadly that isn't always the case. I lost my perfectly healthy 6yr old aussie to aspiration pneumonia and I can assure you she had the best vet care possible, it just wasn't enough. Pneumonia can be very deadly so you were very lucky.

We used double strength antibiotics for a good week to get the cough cleared up... and single strength for another week to make sure! My vet doesn't mess about... lol!

But what I'm saying is that apart from the article saying that the pup died 9 days after purchase, there is very little detail as to how long it had been showing any symptoms. Pneumonia doesn't develop overnight... there will be some signs of illness long before it is at death's door...

T.

[Sheridan]

I can't remember if they took the pup to the vet.

[_PL_]

I think, while the loss of the poor little pup is terrible...

The article exposes some of the shocking things puppy farmers do (such as shipping hundreds of tiny babies out of state, making them untraceable) and the retailers who claim they never source pups from them.

I mean, seriously...if you're able to order all sorts of breed litters at any time of the year from the one supplier you have to have some balls to plead ignorance when you get caught for lying to customers and pouring money into one of the worst types of cruelty.

PIAA can disown them, it means nothing. Another industry association will welcome them in.

[Jed]

Very very few puppies sold in pet shops come from "reputable breeders". The majority come from puppy farms. Sad but true.

[Boronia]

This from 'Independent Australia'

https://independenta...supporters,7946

I have not included the full article

Desperate measures from puppy factories and their lobbyists

Peter Wicks 15 July 2015, 6:00pm AnimalsCrime

PIAA can't guarantee your puppy doesn't come from here (Image via Oscars Law) It's panic stations at pet stores and their associations, as the public outrage over cruel puppy factories increases all the time. Peter Wicks from Wixxyleaks reports.

A couple of weeks ago, I published an article on how the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) had thrown one of their members under the bus and made them a scapegoat for the public backlash after the exposure of puppy factories recently.

Last week, I spoke to Rose Wilson, one of the owners of Mt Lawley Pets and Puppies after she had crawled out from beneath the wheel of the bus that the PIAA had thrown her under. Despite having had a week I'm sure she would have rather forgotten, she had some interesting things to say regarding PIAA and the way in which this matter has been handled.

At the time I spoke with Rose, PIAA had not long put up a public statement that said, in part, that Mt Lawley Pets and Puppies were no longer registered with PIAA as their membership has been cancelled.

Later that same day, I received a call from Rose asking me if I would please not publish anything from our conversation, even though it had been "on the record" at the time. Rose claimed the reason for this was that they had been in discussions with PIAA and if they ceased purchasing from the puppy factory in question, they may once again be PIAA endorsed. The next day, PIAA made yet another public statement on their Facebook page, once again confirming that Mt Lawley Pets and Puppies were no longer to be endorsed by PIAA or members of the Association, as well as stating that they could in no way stand by their own guarantee that none of their retailers sell animals from puppy farms — a guarantee that has now been removed from PIAA's website.

The information Rose asked me not to publish has since been made public via social media through her statements.

The events of these two days has left me wondering if PIAA were the first association in history to suffer from multiple personality disorder.

The real shopfront: The NSW puppy factory where Mt Lawley Pets and Puppies sourced stock (Image via Oscars Law)

Rose informed me that PIAA had, only months earlier, offered her the role of being the association's Western Australian representative and spokesperson. While being honored, Rose knocked the role back to concentrate on running her own business. Now, the association who sought her services has dumped her like a bad habit and is making her the fall guy for and industry body that is clearly in crisis.

Rose however has now some new friends taking up the fight on her behalf. Pets Australia are keen to pick up the membership fees for the retailer now that PIAA has deserted them. However, it's fair to say that the approach of Pets Australia has been less than admirable and is, in my view, indicative of both the morality and integrity of the organization.

Pets Australia are yet another industry lobby group that compete with PIAA for membership funds of retailers and those within the pet industry. Pets Australia is run by a woman by the name of Jo Sillince, who was formerly a President of PIAA, but was allegedly removed in a cloud of controversy and disgrace.

This week, Pets Australia released their newsletter, which made some pretty startling claims regarding the goings on at the Mt Lawley Pet Store.

Pets Australia's newsletter expanded on earlier reports regarding allegations of the assault of an employee of the pet store. The allegations were made by Chris, who it turns out was none other than the owner Rose's son, someone with whom I was corresponding via email. When, after several emails, he finally brought up the allegation, I asked him if he had any evidence: any photo's of injuries, a copy of a police statement, or even an incident number? I never received a response and so I assumed his silence spoke in volumes as that was the story that was being desperately pushed out by the store.

Keen to pick up a new paying member, Pets Australia, in their newsletter, have gone even further as this section shows:

Heaps of fines and an assault charge laid on activists?

I thought that it may be worth actually checking this claim for myself with someone in authority and so I contacted WA Police.

The view of WA Police could not have been more contradictory, with a spokesperson for WA Police stating:

"No charges have been laid and WA Police do not fine people for this type of incident."

So, this was, allegedly, an outright lie by Pets Australia.

Some may also be wondering about the "AAPDB Hero" mentioned by Pets Australia, who apparently emerged from the crowd to kindly enlighten the police in attendance about the law, just like Moses coming down from the mountain with the 10 commandments.

The arrogance to try to imply that some mysterious person appeared through the mist and explained the law to police who, in gratitude for this new-found wisdom, handed out fines like confetti and laid one assault charge — apparently on multiple activists (how does that work?)

So, who is this ghost who walks and who are the AAPDB?

Alas, like a fart in the breeze, our mysterious anti-hero has disappeared back to whatever hole he crawled out from.

And the AAPDB? They are the Australian Association Of Pet Dog Breeders. While that may sound reasonable and legitimate, it is worth noting that, despite the long name, there is one word missing and that would be "Registered". The reason that word is missing from the title is because registered and reputable breeders have their own organization that looks after their interests.

The AAPDB are, in fact, an organization that represents puppy factories exclusively. An organisation that seeks to help what many describe as the often tax-dodging factory breeding enterprises that profit from industrial scale animal cruelty.

The AAPDB are headed up by puppy farm owner and operator Jodie Knox, who took over from founder Kate Schoeffel after she was forced to step down after her puppy farm and animal cruelty on her were exposed.

Vet Dr Kate Schoeffel outed as a Puppy Farmer

So why all this sudden desperation from these fringe pet organisations?

This week, evidence is being given to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into puppy factories by various stakeholders, and it is clear that organisations such as AAPDB, Pets Australia and PIAA are more than a touch worried. Indeed, PIAA is showing their desperation and "confidence" in new CEO Mark Fraser by hiring lobby firm Newgate. Newgate are an agency that represents several large property developers, so no doubt PIAA will be hoping that may have some pull with a Liberal government, given the close relationship seen between the Coalition and property developers via Independent Commission Against Corruption in recent times.

Representing themselves with just just facts and evidence will be the side of public interest and decency. This side will have various organisations in its corner, such as Dogs NSW, Voiceless, the RSPCA and of course Oscars's Law.

It is primarily due to the efforts of Oscar's Law that efforts are being made to address this issue in NSW, and it is these tireless efforts that have also largely led to changes to legislation and codes of practice in Victoria, that are in the process of being legislated or implemented.

The Labor Government in Victoria are making huge inroads in this fight against an inhumane industry, with Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford doing some truly remarkable work.

[_PL_]

Thank you for posting Boronia. :) Sooooo glad it's coming out in the open, and that people are being called out for what they are.

For the longest time any accusations were easily refuted as fiction because of the loony fringe in animal activism.

^^^^

As I said, PA and AAPDB waiting to pick up members. PIAA member cancellation is nothing and will just bring the puppy farmers closer together. Somehow I completely missed Kate Schoeffel being outed though! :laugh:

btw At a yearly event, the man in the seat next to me introduced himself then immediately tried to give me Jo Sillince's business card, not his own. He took an award home that night and I was left wondering how many seemingly normal, dog loving people and businesses are members and support the denialist propaganda.

[CrazyCresties]

^^^^

:rofl:

I was at that protest, it was the tamest, most peaceful protest I've ever been to! They literally just make shit up :laugh: However the shop in question felt it necessary to have two 'heavies' standing outside trying to look menacing and took photos of everyone.

[Little Gifts]

I cannot believe puppy farmers have the audacity to have their own lobby group! I'm going to see if they have a facebook page I can get thrown off of.

[Steph M]

I cannot believe puppy farmers have the audacity to have their own lobby group! I'm going to see if they have a facebook page I can get thrown off of.

:laugh:

[Dave-o]

The trouble with the world today is social media hearsay and "activists" reacting by assumptions not facts. I read a lot of posts about this on Facebook when it happened as it went viral and I had a few friends on the bandwagon. I believe it was very damaging to Rose and her business, and understandably anyone facing activists will feel threatened or afraid of abuse/violence. It's appalling when such events occur out of hearsay and not legitimate facts, which is what it felt like to me (although perhaps it was justified).

I don't know what the facts were, but I heard Rose wasn't really aware of the terrible conditions the puppies were brought up in. She'd been duped to some extent. I believe the puppy farm were using a front, which was only exposed by a veterinary certificate in the known location of the puppy farm? Rose had allegedly visited the farm and had no reason for concern, and apparently after the event also claimed she would still source puppies from there - no idea if that's true or not.

The puppy that died was checked and cleared by a vet in Wembley, like all their puppies are. The farm was known about, and had been known about, by the RSPCA for some time, but nothing was done about it. It seems the blame could go in a lot of directions.

[Sheridan]

The trouble with the world today is social media hearsay and "activists" reacting by assumptions not facts. I read a lot of posts about this on Facebook when it happened as it went viral and I had a few friends on the bandwagon. I believe it was very damaging to Rose and her business, and understandably anyone facing activists will feel threatened or afraid of abuse/violence. It's appalling when such events occur out of hearsay and not legitimate facts, which is what it felt like to me (although perhaps it was justified).

I don't know what the facts were, but I heard Rose wasn't really aware of the terrible conditions the puppies were brought up in. She'd been duped to some extent. I believe the puppy farm were using a front, which was only exposed by a veterinary certificate in the known location of the puppy farm? Rose had allegedly visited the farm and had no reason for concern, and apparently after the event also claimed she would still source puppies from there - no idea if that's true or not.

The puppy that died was checked and cleared by a vet in Wembley, like all their puppies are. The farm was known about, and had been known about, by the RSPCA for some time, but nothing was done about it. It seems the blame could go in a lot of directions.

Are we supposed to be sorry for someone who sells puppies in a retail outlet?

[CrazyCresties]

I don't know what the facts were, but I heard Rose wasn't really aware of the terrible conditions the puppies were brought up in.

That makes it even worse in my view - she was already claiming they didn't source from puppy farms so should have been scrupulous in checking their sources. However we all know it is total BS anyway as no breeder worth their salt would sell to a pet shop

[_PL_]

I don't know what the facts were, but I heard Rose wasn't really aware of the terrible conditions the puppies were brought up in.

That makes it even worse in my view - she was already claiming they didn't source from puppy farms so should have been scrupulous in checking their sources. However we all know it is total BS anyway as no breeder worth their salt would sell to a pet shop

Of course she knew. She must think people are as stupid as her.

There is no way on earth that you can get a constant stream of 8wk old fluffy puppies and not for one moment realise that they aren't just growing on trees out the back of granny's house.

I worked in a pet store in my 20's and I 100% guarantee that you know where pups come from even if you get them from one the slimy dealers who take orders and do the laundering for the farmers. They ALL know where their dogs come from.

[Tibbie_tabbie]

I don't know what the facts were, but I heard Rose wasn't really aware of the terrible conditions the puppies were brought up in.

That makes it even worse in my view - she was already claiming they didn't source from puppy farms so should have been scrupulous in checking their sources. However we all know it is total BS anyway as no breeder worth their salt would sell to a pet shop

Yep, either way it's ridiculous!

[Little Gifts]

The trouble with the world today is social media hearsay and "activists" reacting by assumptions not facts. I read a lot of posts about this on Facebook when it happened as it went viral and I had a few friends on the bandwagon. I believe it was very damaging to Rose and her business, and understandably anyone facing activists will feel threatened or afraid of abuse/violence. It's appalling when such events occur out of hearsay and not legitimate facts, which is what it felt like to me (although perhaps it was justified).

I don't know what the facts were, but I heard Rose wasn't really aware of the terrible conditions the puppies were brought up in. She'd been duped to some extent. I believe the puppy farm were using a front, which was only exposed by a veterinary certificate in the known location of the puppy farm? Rose had allegedly visited the farm and had no reason for concern, and apparently after the event also claimed she would still source puppies from there - no idea if that's true or not.

The puppy that died was checked and cleared by a vet in Wembley, like all their puppies are. The farm was known about, and had been known about, by the RSPCA for some time, but nothing was done about it. It seems the blame could go in a lot of directions.

Dave-O I have a couple of issues with ANY pet store selling puppies so while I agree threats by activists are unacceptable (although a DOLer was at the protest and they said there was no threats) I believe it is absolutely the responsibility of a pet store owner to ensure they are sourcing, keeping and selling live animals responsibly. I didn't know is not an acceptable excuse. She should do her research. I personally don't think ANY puppy farm or puppy wholesaler is capable of breeding a sound pet. They do not keep the puppies with the parents for long enough. They do not stimulate, socialise or expose the puppies to a range of people, animals, sounds or activities. They are focussed on volume and not the betterment of the breed. But the worst thing a pet shop knowingly does is sell pets without health and behavioural guarantees for exorbitant prices. There are also many examples of misrepresenting the breed. The staff are not pet experts. They don't provide any support services to ensure that live creature is going to a suitable home either. So I don't care if she didn't know where those puppies were really coming from. Selling companion animals in pet shops is wrong for the animals for many reasons. The fact is she knew they were coming from a farm type environment where mass breeding was occurring and she knew her product was not as sound as it could be and she sold less than perfect products for as much money as she thought she could get. Companion animals should not be sold in commercial pet shops period.

[BullBreedBoy]

I want into that Mt Lawley shop once when I was in the area. I was staggered by the price of the puppies. I think that the pups they had at the time were Boston's, and some designer white fluffy. For memory the puppies were $5000 each.

[CrazyCresties]

I see the shop in question is now a proud member of Pets Australia instead of PIAA

[Sheridan]

Gee, wonder where their puppies will come from ...

[casowner]

I am a pet shop owner and I categorically state that ignorance is not an excuse, it is my Industry and those in it must be responsible for their own decisions and actions. I am sorry but if you are getting a regular invoice/supply of product (puppies) you know damn well that they are coming from a business. Invoices have ABN's which can be searched etc and if you have a business name and ABN on an invoice you know it is a BUSINESS.

[Little Gifts]

I agree. I don't know many businesses that could get away with simply saying 'I didn't know' about their products origins or quality. That's your freaking job to ensure the customer is getting what you advertise.