Puppy Mills

In the commentary published in the Sept. 30 edition (“Blame Profiteers for Death of Puppies”), Diane Calkins brings to light many good points regarding the inhumane and exploitative practices of the puppy mill industry and the American Kennel Club. She is absolutely correct in directing a large portion of the blame for the horrible misfortune of those ill-fated puppies that died on Flight 141 back to the original source of irresponsibility: the puppy mills.

In regard to puppy mills, I would like to add an additional point to Ms. Calkins’ commentary. Last year in the United States, over 5 million dogs (including many puppies and purebreds) were killed in animal shelters around the country. They were killed not because they were old or sick, but because they were “surplus.” There simply were not enough homes for them.

In light of the fact that our country is faced with the horrendous problem of overpopulation of dogs, it is an abomination that puppy mills exist at all. It is heartbreaking to realize that even if those unfortunate puppies had not suffered and perished on Flight 141, chances are they would have ultimately suffered and died in some other horrible way like so many millions of their brothers and sisters do. They are yet another example of how innocent animals are forced to pay the price for the greed of humans.

J.P. NOVIC

San Diego