Puppies of Westport Buys From Puppy Mills
Click on blue links below to see the latest USDA inspection reports of breeders/brokers used by Puppies of Westport and other Ct. pet stores.
Diane Swearingen (S&D Kennel / Swearingens Sweeties) - Aurora, MO - 43A1747
Jeff, Jim and Kari Fortin, HC1 Box 13A, Selden, KS. Ph: 785-386-4115 | Doing business as Classic Canine Companions, Pixie Pals, Triple C Kennel.
On their 2008 USDA inspection:
- 15 pens containing 50 dogs have an excessive accumulation of feces.
Amy & Clark Woodley (Dreamland Kennel) - Willow Springs, MO - 43A4512
Puppies of Westport used in 2009.
Lou Cox - Chillicothe, MO - USDA #43A1969
Puppies of Westport purchased puppies in 2009.
Magdalena "Maggie" McGowan (Orchard Kennel) - Cabool, MO - USDA #43A4545
Government Inspection Reports
Research BEFORE you buy. A full listing of USDA inspection reports on puppy mill breeders and dealers supplying pet stores nationwide.
All pet stores are required by law to display breeder cards.
Jot down the details and do your own research for free on the USDA site.
OR, since the USDA site is a little confusing, contact us and we'll do it for you...free.
Don't be pressured into buying on the spot. Do the research yourself or let us help you. Remember, no respected breeder would ever sell their puppies to a pet store. Ever.
Local vets are another good source of advice. Ask a vet who has NOT been recommended by the store. Get an independent opinion on pet store dogs. Yes the puppies in the store are cute, but their mothers spend their lives in tiny cages. Puppy mill dogs commonly have long term medical problems.
More details
Hear From Customers
For more than two years, a local group of highly educated professionals has worked to expose the true story behind the sale of dogs through pet stores.
Dozens of people who bought dogs from Puppies of Westport have provided heart-wrenching stories of pain and suffering experienced by their dogs and their families.
Read some of their stories here...Warning: New Pet Store Opens in Ridgefield
Join the protests. Learn details of yet another outlet for puppy mill dogs in Fairfield County, Ct. Help break the cycle of cruelty.Shelter Dogs
Connecticut's shelters are always looking for good homes. The adoption procedure is simple and protects both the animal and the prospective owner/s. Contrary to popular opinion, shelters are a great source of puppies and purebred dogs.
Breed Rescue
There is a breed rescue group for almost every breed of dog. They have a steady flow of purebred dogs of all ages and are meticulous in providing health care and assessing prospective owners.
This list can help put you in contact with someone in your area.
Lemon Law for Pet Store Purchases
The chances of purchasing a sick pet store animal are EXTREMELY high. Acknowledging that fact, pet lemon laws have been introduced in many states. In Ct, dogs are covered for health problems for 20 days. Reimbursements for veterinary bills can't exceed $500. Of course, veterinary care for even the smallest health problem very regularly exceeds this amount. Our organization has heard of cases from Puppies of Westport customers that have cost thousands of dollars, often incurred within mere days of buying the dog. Click for full details
What is a Puppy Mill?
A large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given a higher priority than the well-being of the dogs. The health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits. Veterinary care, nutrition, socialization, integrity of the breed/breed standard and sanitation are substandard in comparison to responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on these aspects of husbandry. Illness, diseases, fearful behavior, and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are not uncommon characteristics of dogs from puppy mills. Breeding is performed without consideration for maintenance of genetic quality/breed standards, resulting in the passage of hereditary conditions and diseases from generation to generation. Female dogs are bred at every opportunity with little to no recovery time between litters, until they are no longer physically able to reproduce. Puppies are typically sold through pet shops and marketed as young as 8 weeks of age. The accuracy of their pedigree and purebred status is often questionable. (Source: ASPCA)
Meet The Owner of Puppies of Westport
Store owner Monty Kaufman has threatened violence against protesters outside the store. Local police officers have been very patient in explaining the principles of free speech to this former attorney on multiple occasions.