Stop buying animals from breeders

The Issue

The widespread practice of buying animals from breeders has resulted in overpopulation and mistreatment of animals. Every year, millions of animals are bred, often in inhumane conditions, to meet the demand for pets. Many breeders prioritize profit over the welfare of the animals, leading to poor living conditions, lack of proper healthcare, and genetic disorders due to overbreeding.

Simultaneously, animal shelters are overflowing with pets in desperate need of homes. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of these, approximately 1.5 million are euthanized due to a lack of adopters.

By purchasing animals from breeders, people are inadvertently supporting an industry that contributes to the suffering of countless animals while neglecting those that are already homeless. A paradigm shift towards adopting from shelters rather than buying from breeders can make a significant difference.

Adopting a pet from a shelter saves two lives: the one you bring home and the one that takes its place in the shelter. It also reduces the demand for breeding and encourages ethical treatment of animals. Shelters provide a wide variety of pets looking for loving homes, many of which are purebred, contradicting the myth that purebred animals can only come from breeders.

We call on animal lovers and potential pet owners to make a compassionate choice. Opt to adopt, not shop. Visit your local animal shelter or use reputable pet adoption websites when looking for a new pet. By making this choice, you will be part of a movement towards a more humane and responsible pet industry.

Join us in the fight against animal overpopulation and inhumane breeding practices. Sign this petition and pledge to adopt animals from shelters instead of buying from breeders.
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Lena ViltPetition Starter

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The Issue

The widespread practice of buying animals from breeders has resulted in overpopulation and mistreatment of animals. Every year, millions of animals are bred, often in inhumane conditions, to meet the demand for pets. Many breeders prioritize profit over the welfare of the animals, leading to poor living conditions, lack of proper healthcare, and genetic disorders due to overbreeding.

Simultaneously, animal shelters are overflowing with pets in desperate need of homes. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of these, approximately 1.5 million are euthanized due to a lack of adopters.

By purchasing animals from breeders, people are inadvertently supporting an industry that contributes to the suffering of countless animals while neglecting those that are already homeless. A paradigm shift towards adopting from shelters rather than buying from breeders can make a significant difference.

Adopting a pet from a shelter saves two lives: the one you bring home and the one that takes its place in the shelter. It also reduces the demand for breeding and encourages ethical treatment of animals. Shelters provide a wide variety of pets looking for loving homes, many of which are purebred, contradicting the myth that purebred animals can only come from breeders.

We call on animal lovers and potential pet owners to make a compassionate choice. Opt to adopt, not shop. Visit your local animal shelter or use reputable pet adoption websites when looking for a new pet. By making this choice, you will be part of a movement towards a more humane and responsible pet industry.

Join us in the fight against animal overpopulation and inhumane breeding practices. Sign this petition and pledge to adopt animals from shelters instead of buying from breeders.
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Lena ViltPetition Starter
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The Decision Makers

Humane Society of the United States Board of Directors
Humane Society of the United States Board of Directors
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Petition created on February 12, 2026