Edition:
January 20, 2006
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Reporter
It’s a cold heart that isn’t melted by a puppy – wriggly little bundles of warm fur, wet noses and big, clumsy paws. Sadly, though, there is a rise in unscrupulous smugglers who are buying puppies from breeders in Mexico at bargain-basement prices while making big money by selling them though they are often too young or too sick to survive.
The puppies, generally small breeds like Poodles or Chihuahuas, are purchased in Mexico for $50 to $150 and resold after being illegally brought into the state, where theygo for anywhere from $300 to upwards of $1,000.
The Border Puppy Task Force, a group made up of 18 animal control agencies as well as animal protection groups, was formed last year amid complaints from dog owners whose puppies were dying at alarming rates. A two week-long operation at both of San Diego’s border crossings turned up nearly 400 puppies under the age of three months, 155 between three and six months and 1,061 adult dogs; many of the smuggled puppies and dogs were found in trunks and under seats. It is legal to ferry dogs across the border only if they are declared and the owner provides documentation of rabies vaccinations and health records.
Two men were seen recently in front of Guaranty Bank, attempting to sell Chihuahua puppies, and some Canyon Lakers have unfortunately experienced the end result of purchasing such contraband puppies. A couple that recently purchased two small breed puppies from men who were selling them outside in a parking lot saw one die and the other was so infested with mites that they were passed on to the owners.
Residents hoping to add a fuzzy friend to their family should take care when deciding from whom and where to buy their furry companion. Pets should never be an “impulse purchase” – always carefully research the breeder or pet store and make certain that the animal has received a clean bill of health and all necessary vaccinations. Remember, too, that there are always healthy, loving pets available for adoption from shelters and rescues.
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