The Town of Summerville is Turning a Blind-Eye to Citizen’s Call to Ban Puppy Sales

EDITORIAL BY: ALICIA ROSE WILLIAMS Founder, Eunoia Rescue

*Disclaimer: The following article is the opinion of Alicia Williams. Although facts were gathered from The Human Society, their opinion is not being represented.

Well, I’m back and writing another opinion piece about a topic we have previously discussed; puppy-selling pet stores. That’s right, I’m talking about Petland located in Summerville, South Carolina. The cries to end PetLand’s selling of puppies have been completely ignored - even with community protests, letters to councilmembers, and support from The Humane Society (which is a nationally known organization).

To recap, let’s quickly go over some reasons why we are anti-puppy-selling pet stores. A) We already have an over population of animals. Many shelters in South Carolina have to euthanize simply due to lack of space to place all of the homeless animals. So why are we purposely breeding more when a surplus is already present? B) Most (if not all) of the puppies for sale are provided by commercial dog breeding facilities characterized by quick breeding and incredibly poor living conditions – also known as a “puppy mill.” Petland lies to consumers as to where the puppies come from and allow the community to think that the animals are provided by reputable breeders. C) There have been several cases where Petland has sold sick puppies. If an owner of a sick dog demands to be reimbursed for the veterinary medical bills – some Petland franchises require a contract that denies the consumer to talk about their experience with Petland or to report the deceptive practices to the Department of Consumer Affairs. ***Remember, these are only some of the reasons as to why Petland should cease in the selling of puppies. A simple Google search will reveal more ground as to why puppy-selling pet stores should be outlawed.

Some of the residents of Summerville (where Petland Summerville is located) have done their research – and they’re pissed. This year Dorchester County passed a ban on the sale of puppies and now they want the town to do the same. In hopes to make a difference, many wrote to their local government asking for help. Even Kelsey GilmoreFuteral, the South Carolina State director of The Humane Society wrote in. After reviewing the e-mail thread between Gilmore-Futeral and Summerville councilmembers, I’m pretty appalled. After Gilmore-Futeral’s initial email, Councilman Terry Jenkins stated that, “this issue is better handled by the public and not our Council. I believe that this matter is resolved easily by the public not buying these animals if they are inferior and not by Council restricting who can [buy] and sell a legal product. I am certainly open to further communication on this matter but I do feel strongly about my position.” Councilman Bob Jackson, Councilman Walter Bailey, and Councilwoman Kim Garten-Schmidt all agreed with Jenkins.

Ummmm, I’m sorry? The problem would “easily” be resolved by the public not buying these animals…? Even though Petland is practicing a cruel and inhumane operation – people are still going to make the purchase from them either out of ignorance or selfishness. People know that some merchandise is crafted in sweatshops, and still go through with the purchase. People know that cigarettes are bad for your health, and still go through with the purchase. My point is that the consequences, even when they’re known to the public, do not slow down sales. The fact Jenkins thinks that not purchasing the animals from Petland altogether will resolve the problem is laughable.

Jenkins goes on to state that he finds it “hard to believe” that if the allegations against Petland are done so often – “how is the public not aware of this?” Well, Mr. Jenkins, just like other businesses that conduct malpractice – Petland lies. PetLand pays people off so the truth isn’t found. PetLand partakes in false advertisement. It’s all one big façade and not only are the consumers the victims – but the animals are victims too.

Alas, Jenkins provides a suggestion to help resolve the Petland predicament. “A simple advertising campaign or community awareness outreach should resolve the issue,” he says. Yes, because the Smokey the Bear campaign trying to prevent forest fires or the “Keep America Beautiful” campaign against littering totally solved those problems (SARCASM/ MAJOR EYE ROLL).

Mr. Jenkins and the rest of the Town of Summerville council: Stop being afraid that outlawing a barbaric practice will be seen as “anti-business.” Stop offering suggestions that have already been proven to be unsuccessful. Stop neglecting the issues at hand. Stop worrying about your own personal agendas and listen to the people of your community. Frankly put, if the “public sector” were able to successfully prevent puppy sales within Petland – it would have already happened. Wake up, listen to your people, and do something. ■