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Charm City Puppies--what would you do?
So, a new puppy store, 'Charm City Puppies,' is opening in my neighborhood in Columbia, MD. I'm very upset, and I plan to write to my councilman about it. I also plan to speak to the manager when they open, and I want very specific information from him, although I feel as though I know where these puppies are coming from. He insisted in a recent article that these puppies come from breeders, which I find to be laughable, as no reputable breeder would sell their puppies in a store. I told my husband that I wanted to put up information about puppymills around the area, but my DH warned me that I could be sued for doing so. I'm so angry though--who really believes that these are happy little puppies from happy little breeders?! Also, why does anyone in 2011--2012 believe that we need another pet store when MILLIONS of dogs are murdered every year in shelters that cannot keep up with them?! This is crazy to me, and this is supposed to be a pretty progressive community. What would you do?
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Re: Charm City Puppies--what would you do?
I live in that neighborhood and sadly, this is the second one within just a few miles. Today's Pet moved from the mall to the shopping center near Costco. And it also happens to be under a mile from 2 shelters- the county run one and a private one. The market is there- people will buy puppies especially one run with a cutesy theme such as CCP is planning. I believe that they are planning to not keep puppies in cages- they are putting them in "custom made cradles"
Unfortunately, county regs prohibit putting signs up, except on weekends, and I am pretty sure that you need a permit even on weekends. Otherwise, you could be fined.
I think at this point, spreading the word is the best strategy for those of us who live in the area. Post stuff on your FB wall, pimp out the shelter dogs, and donate to the shelter. Also, Best Friends has a great intiative with lots of resources.
Side note: I have been told that the owner of Today's Pet is considering a switch to all adoptions in the future. We'll see if that happens.
I can't believe that Today's Pet is still open, considering the proximity of Howard County Animal Care & Control, and considering the demographic of Columbia...generally upper middle class, educated, involved in community, etc.
Part of me would love it if you would ask the owner to host adoption events, like PetCo and PetSmart. Then again, part of the reason those stores do it is because it drives business. I'd hate to have these idiots profit in any way.
For now, write a letter to the owner and ask for detailed information about where the dogs come from. If you don't get a satisfactory response (which you won't), write a letter to the Flier, to the Sun, etc. Note the store owner's response, and then educate readers about better places to acquire pets; there are a ton of great rescues and shelters in the Baltimore area, like HCAC&C, BARCS, and the Maryland SPCA.
(Oh, and because you're probably wondering...I grew up in Columbia. I actually just got back from a week there for Christmas. I moved away from Maryland 5 years ago.)
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I too live right around the corner from where CCP is opening. Until now, I was sincerely hoping that it was just a pet supply store and not an actual 'puppies for sale' store.
I'm happy to help write letters and spread the word - once you get information from the owner. And I am sure there are plenty of others in the area that would be willing to help.
This is something that I have been struggling with lately. A local cat rescue actually has 3 or 4 cages at Today's Pet. I donate to that rescue and this just wasn't sitting well with me. I emailed the director to ask for her justification and willingness to cooperate with the owner. She was satisfied that the store is taking good care of the cats. But I still am iffy on any method that increases traffic that might not have otherwise gone into the store.
is there a way to find out who the landlord is and complain to them?
I live in that area too and have seen the store going up. I would think writing letters to the Flyer, Baltimore Sun, Patch, etc. and making sure this gets coverage would be the best thing. Put things up on FB, etc.
Their FB page has more information than their website. Would it be out of line to post on their wall and ask for breeder information? Or should this be done 'formally'?
Post it on their FB page!
Disgusting. I think asking on their facebook page would be ok. It is an honest question. I hope Today's Pet starts adopting out instead of selling. I bought food there once (I was in a pinch) and in their survey I said I would be much more likely to use their store in the future is they didnt sell puppies.
And wtf is a "custom cradle"?
you can't even send them a message. i guess we could comment on a photo they've posted.
I am pretty sure the owner has a sign posted on the side of the building. But I can't imagine they would care much. He is getting his rent legally and the business is in compliance with zoning (presumably).
The name of the CCP owner is in here.
Check to see what your local ordinances are regarding this. Although you may not be able to put up flyers on buildings, lamp posts, etc. there are other ways of getting the info out there. Remember - freedom of speech. If you're giving info in a lawful manner and not harming anyone you're not going to be sued (I'm not a lawyer - but this is from what I understand).
Remember, you have your local newspaper, which could be a good outlet. Letters to the editor are just one example of a way you can express the way you feel about this issue. If you really want to get "hard core" you can protest the store opening, picket, or what ever you want to call it. It's legal as long as you're not trespassing or harming others.
Husbands should be like Kleenex: Soft, strong, and disposable.
I'm going to send an email to all the members of teh county council about this.
There's really no reason these businesses should be legal in the county.
He didnt lie... they do come from "breeders." Puppy mill people call themselves Breeders too... GRRRRRRRR. I hate hate hate "pet" stores. I work for a corporate pet supply store, but we dont sell dogs and cats. We have a remarkable adoption organization going.
As to flyers in the nieghborhood. check with a lawyer, but i am betting if you kept it generic info about #'s and %'s with no mention of this pet store specifically, you could get away with it. also, some cities have laws against mass flyers. And it is a federal law that you cannot place things inside mailboxes so that wouldnt work either. Just trying to help....
Animal Advocates for Howard County may be a good place to reach out to for help getting the word out and checking on what is legal and allowed around the area.
Also PSA seeing as how a lot of posters seem to be from the area: I live in Sykesville and my husband and I adopted a puppy from Animal Welfare of Howard County (right next to Humane Society) on December 2nd who we just found out is positive for distemper. I DID call the shelter and let them know, seeing as how he came with 4-5 littermates, but they did not seem super concerned. I know it is not their fault, just wanted to inform them, and let anyone know who might be considering going there in the near-future because we now have a puppy who is fighting for his life and I would never wish this on anyone else to have to watch their baby slowly die!
I'm so sorry you are going through this
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Try posting a response on this newspaper article and suggest that they cover the whole story - a little investigative reporting should be within their realm of interest.
http://columbia.patch.com/articles/new-business-columbia-charm-city-puppies
Also, write to Maryland Votes for Animals on their facebook page, or call them. They are lobbying for animal rights and reforms in MD and if enough people voice their concerns they may highlight the issue.
Contacting the other businesses in the shopping area may also be an option - "we enjoy your business but unfortunately we cannot patron the shopping center while Charm CIty Pets is selling live animals from 'breeders." - this may encourage the local businesses to get involved with the leasing office.
Hi everyone. I just joined this board so I could comment on this thread. About a week ago I was driving along Snowden River and about hit the car in front of me as I did a double take. Could it be?! Did I really just see a big sign that said PUPPIES?!!! Unfortunately I did. I thought this country was moving away from that. I've heard of pet stores converting to only having shelter puppies and dogs available for adoption.
Upon doing more detective work, I find a FB page. Oh good, now I can get some questions answered. But, lots of people are already there asking intelligent, important questions. I don't think anyone was being mean or degrading. I asked a few of my own only to see they were deleting all of them. No answers at all. Now the page is gone. If they have nothing to hide, why aren't they answering questions left and right about their practices. I believe they do love those puppies and take good care of them, but I think they are uneducated about a lot of things, including the fact that their puppies are not coming from reputable breeders.
Have you all seen the article in The Columbia Patch and all the responses? Over 100 responses and only 1 person sticking up for them. I come here and see 1 person sticking up for them. Their listing on superpages has all negative reviews, except for 1 person sticking up for them. I'll assume this is the same person who is either an owner or friend of the couple.
The biggest reason I joined this conversation was to see if the person who made the comment about BARCS trying to talk to them before it opened and their attitude of it's not our problem we don't care, could write a comment to that effect about the article in the comments section. The editor has notified me that they are looking into doing a follow-up article.
There is also a petition site. If you need any of the links, let me know.
Oh, just a little about me. I have a retired racing greyhound, foster for a dachshund rescue group, and volunteer at a cat shelter. Keep up the fight...the dogs in the mills don't have a voice. We are their voice!!!