Mich Dept of Ag Stops Pet Store Inspections
What a shame! The MDA has officially stopped inspecting pet stores in Michigan. And it couldnt have come at a worse time. With the economy so bad and money so tight, one of the first things to suffer are the animals.
Years ago, the MDA also inspected research facilities, dog dealers and pet breeders similar to the USDA Animal Care unit. In fact, there would be times when the situation was so dire that the agencies would team up and go to a facility together. Dealers who sell dogs to research facilities were pretty bad back then and it was nice to know that someone was making sure the animals were treated humanely.
But that is no longer the case. Dirty, smelly pet shops running on a shoe string are pretty common now and there is no one left to advocate for the animals. Well you say, people should just stop buying animals from a place like that—right? Of course that is the best answer. But what usually happens is that some well meaning people come in, see the mess, smell the stench, and then decide to “save” the animal by buying him; thus removing him from the problem. But that only keeps these guys in business.
I guess the best plan is to write the MDA and your representatives in Lansing and tell them that this is unacceptable. Tell them to fund the Department of Agriculture and to restore the pet shop inspections. The animals depend on us to protect them and this is something that must be continued!