EDITORIAL:Lancaster County residents: Please adopt pets from rescues and shelters, rather than shopping

May 6-THE ISSUE

Last month, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed nearly 100 animals, including 76 dogs and puppies, from a West Hempfield Township home where they were being kept in deplorable conditions. Fifteen cats and kittens and two Flemish rabbits also were removed. As of last week, at least 17 of the dogs had found new homes with adoptive families as the PSPCA worked to file charges against those responsible for the mistreatment. Another 10 dogs went to the animal advocacy organization's partner rescues.

It was a tip that saved these helpless animals from horrific neglect.

"The conditions these animals were forced to endure were truly heartbreaking," Nicole Wilson, director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations, said in an April 23 news release. "Ninety-three animals living in filth, without clean water, adequate shelter, or basic care - this is why our team works around the clock to respond to these calls."

The details were stomach-churning: Extremely matted fur, covered in feces, lost hair and scabbing. Contaminated water. Zip-tied crates.

Thank goodness for the tipster.

We all have a responsibility to look out for the most vulnerable beings among us. Please keep this case in mind if ever you hear persistent barking or fearful howling and mewling emanating from a building - if ever you have reason to suspect that animals are being neglected or are being treated cruelly. Report suspected animal abuse by calling the PSPCA at 866-601-7722 (or use the online form at this link: bit.ly/CruelReport).

With charges pending in the West Hempfield case, we offer this urgent plea: Please consider adopting an animal from a PSPCA partner rescue, or another responsible rescue group or animal shelter, many of which are full - or overfull - with adoptable pets.

Some animals have been abandoned because of financial issues. Some, like those found in the West Hempfield home, have been rescued from terrible conditions. Some have been returned, sadly (and inexplicably, in our view), because of a family's disinterest or lack of commitment.

Whatever their origins, animals in shelters and rescues are worthy of loving homes. And you're likely to find whatever breed, whatever age, whatever size pet you're seeking.

The website Petfinder says it screens the adoption groups that list available pets on that site. It advises that you ask questions of the organization - and that the organization ask you questions that are aimed at ensuring you'll give the pet the long-term care it deserves. Most rescues or shelters will either spay or neuter the pet before it's available for adoption, or will require the adopter to sign a contract promising to spay or neuter the pet. More tips for determining whether a shelter or rescue is trustworthy may be found at bit.ly/GoodRescueTips.

We know the motto "Adopt, Don't Shop" can come across as preachy, but it's a sound ethic to guide responsible pet ownership. There are just so many animals that need loving homes. And, unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous and uncaring people looking to profit from vulnerable animals, particularly in Lancaster County, which - to our enduring shame - remains a puppy mill hub.

As LNP - LancasterOnline reported in March, "Lancaster County has the largest number of licensed dog kennels in Pennsylvania - 430, according to the state Department of Agriculture. And over the years the county has garnered a reputation as home to some of the worst puppy mill offenders in the state."

Layla Fischetto, an 11th grade student at Conestoga Valley High School, tackled the issue of puppy mills in an April LNP - LancasterOnline Generation Z(eal) column: "Puppy mills don't take care of their animals well enough for adoption, animals may be bred in ways that cause genetic health problems and puppy mills don't do background checks," she wrote.

Not every local kennel, of course, is a puppy mill. But we are wary of large-scale breeding operations. For this reason, we support state Sen. James Malone's bill that seeks to prohibit pet stores from accepting dogs from licensed kennels that house more than 26 animals.

Alarmingly, in this county, only 17 licensed kennels - just 4% of all county kennels - held 25 or fewer dogs, according to the state's 2024 dog law report.

Malone, a Democrat who represents much of the northern half of Lancaster County, said the goal is to shift the pet retail market toward more responsible and humane breeding practices.

We understand that there are some circumstances - a family member's allergy, for instance - that require buying a particular breed of dog, for instance, from a breeder. But in those circumstances, please ensure that the breeder's operation is above board.

That means, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the breeder's dogs are provided with "quality food, clean water, proper shelter, exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care." The dogs are kept clean and well-groomed. The health of the mother dog is prioritized (ask how many litters the mother dogs have delivered - veterinarians generally advise that a female dog shouldn't be bred more than once a year, and only three to four times in her lifetime). Also ensure that the puppies are handled safely daily and socialized with other dogs as well as people. The dogs must not be subjected to "permanent physical alterations that are done solely for cosmetic purposes." And make sure the puppies are "gradually and fully weaned before being placed" (more advice: bit.ly/ASPCAguidelines).

When you bring an animal in your home - into your family - you are becoming the center of that animal's world. It is a privilege and a joy to care for that animal. You should be prepared to provide veterinary care, proper food, exercise and attention for however long the animal lives. And you should want that to be for as long as possible.

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