REFERENCES

Article 1

ASPCA (2019) Pet Statistics. https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-

surrender/pet-statistics

Pet Statistics
How many pets are in the United States? How many animals are in shelters?

Facts about U.S. Animal Shelters:

The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names
are not part of the ASPCA or The Humane Society of the United States. Currently,
no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national
statistics for the animal protection movement. These are national estimates; the
figures may vary from state to state.

 Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal

shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are
dogs and 3.2 million are cats. We estimate that the number of dogs and
cats entering U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately
7.2 million in 2011. The biggest decline was in dogs (from 3.9 million to
3.3 million).
  Each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized
(670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats). The number of dogs and cats
euthanized in U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately
2.6 million in 2011. This decline can be partially explained by an
increase in the percentage of animals adopted and an increase in the
number of stray animals successfully returned to their owners.
 Approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year (1.6
million dogs and 1.6 million cats).
 About 710,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to
their owners. Of those, 620,000 are dogs and only 90,000 are cats.

These estimates are based in part on Shelter Animals Count data and other
known and estimated sources, 2015-2018.

Facts about Pet Ownership in the U.S.:

 It's estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in
the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United
States have a dog, and 35% have a cat. (Source: American Pet
Products Association 2015-2016 (APPA))
 Approximately 40% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners learned
about their pet through word of mouth. (Source: APPA)
 According to the APPA, these are the most common sources from
which primary methods cats and dogs are obtained as pets (Note: this
information was based on a multiple response question, which results
in the total % exceeding 100% individually for cats and dogs. In
addition, the ‘other’ category includes all source categories that were
reported by <10% of both dog and cat owners):
Dogs Cats
Animal Shelter/Humane Society 23% 31%

Friends/Relatives 20% 28%

Breeder 34% 3%

Stray 6% 27%
Private Party 12% 6%
 Other 32% 39%

APPA reports that 34% of dogs are purchased from breeders, while 23% of dogs and
31% of cats are obtained from an animal shelter or humane society.
 Around 27% of cats are acquired as strays, down from 35% in 2012.
(Source: APPA)
 According to the ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, pet problems
are the most common reason that owners rehome their pet, accounting
for 47% of rehomed dogs and 42% of rehomed cats. Pet problems
were defined as problematic behaviors, aggressive behaviors, grew
larger than expected, or health problems owner couldn’t handle.

Article 2
Elankoyan, V. (2018, February 14) These Puppy Mills Force Dogs to Live in Tiny Cages
and Mate All Day and Night
https://worldofbuzz.com/puppy-mills-force-dogs-live-tiny-cages-mate-day-night/

Left image for illustration purposes only | Source: Care Like I Do and Daily Mail

Puppy mills have always been under scrutiny because of its notorious
background. Thus, their every move will be watched by the hawk-eyed
authorities and NGOs. You can bet that they will be exposed at any cost if they
were to commit an offence.

For instance, just recently, PETA Asia had exposed several mills in China
that abused purebred dogs, as reported by Daily Mail.
Source: Daily Mail UK

According to their reports, a mill in Shanghai, China had kept their dogs in
dark rooms that prevented visitors from seeing what was going on
inside. Also, at another puppy mill in the Guangdong Province, southern
China, a male French bulldog named Nutmeg, had been severely abused
up to a point that he is now limping.

Source: Daily Mail UK

According to their investigator, the poor little thing is suffering from severe hip
dysplasia. FYI, this isn’t the first time a dog had suffered severe physical
illness in a puppy mill.
However, if this condition is left untreated, it could very well lead to crippling,
lameness or painful arthritis.
Source: Daily Mail UK

According to PETA, all the pictures and videos were taken when they sent an
undercover researcher who had visited 13 dog breeding farms in Shanghai,
Guangdong and Shandong Provinces. One of their spokespersons further explained
that the 13 places visited had apparently met China’s national hygiene standards for
dog breeders. Well, based on these pictures they don’t seem that clean!

Source: Daily Mail UK

Furthermore, the investigator added that the dogs in these mills were very
malnourished. On top of that, the person claimed that these dogs were sticking
their noses through the cage wires in efforts to escape the stench of their own
faeces. Poor thing!
The PETA spokesperson also explained that purebred dogs were
often forced to mate all day and night, and female dogs would be
forced to give birth to two litters of puppies every year. Giving birth
once a year can physically weaken the dog but imagine giving birth twice
a year. Pity them!

Source: Daily Mail UK

PETA Asia explained that the investigation took place in accordance with the
upcoming CNY celebration. Since this year would be the year of the dog, they
wanted to reveal the harsh realities of these animals’ living conditions.

It’s rather unfortunate that these puppy mills exist not only in China, but all
around the world too, and that includes Malaysia!
However, it is surprising to see that a ban on this industry has not been
implemented yet, besides the current ban that is in practice in California, USA.
Hence, until a ban is implemented, we should not buy our furry companion;
instead, we should adopt them. Don’t shop, adopt!
Article 3
Hirsh, S. (2020) Why Everyone Should “Adopt Don’t Shop”
https://www.greenmatters.com/p/why-adopt-dont-shop

Coronavirus quarantines have provided most of us with extra time at home —

inspiring many people to finally welcome that dog or cat they’ve longed for into
their families. Over the past few months, I’ve seen numerous posts in my social
media feeds from friends and acquaintances who used their time in quarantine to
purchase dogs from breeders rather than adopt animals in need. I’m sure the
pups are going into wonderful, loving homes — but knowing all that I know about
the dog breeding industry, it’s a little bit heartbreaking to see.

Of course, the dogs they’ve purchased are cute and lovable — but so is every
single adoptable dog in a shelter or rescue. No matter what breed, size, or age
you’d like, you can find one in need of adoption. All it takes is a bit of research and
patience. And I promise, you posting your newly-adopted dog or cat on Instagram
will generate just as many likes as posting a purebred or “designer” dog that cost
you $4,000.
Not to mention, there are endless benefits to following the credo “adopt, don’t
shop” when it comes to taking in a dog or cat — it costs less, the dog is more
likely to be trained, less likely to have health issues, you’ll have bragging rights
that you adopted your dog, and so much more.

If you still aren’t convinced, read on for a few of the reasons why you should
always adopt, not shop. 

What does “adopt don’t shop” mean?

“Adopt, don’t shop” is a campaign slogan encouraging people to adopt dogs from shelters or rescues

rather than purchasing a dog from a breeder or puppy mill.

Why should we adopt not shop?

There are so many reasons to adopt a dog rather than purchase one from a
breeder. Every year, an estimated 1.5 million adoptable shelter dogs and cats
are euthanized in the U.S., according to the ASPCA — that’s because the
shelters simply don’t have enough space and funding to accommodate all the
animals that are brought there. 
Every time an animal is adopted, a space opens up in the shelter or the rescue.
So when you adopt a cat or dog, not only are you saving that animal’s life, but you
are also opening up a space for another animal’s life to be saved.

Additionally, the shelter or rescue may share your dog or cat's story with you.
Maybe they were saved from an abusive home, found living on the streets, or
even rescued from South Korea's dog meat industry — and knowing they had
a troubled past (that you can help them recover from) may strengthen your bond
even more. 

Why do people buy pets from breeders?

The main reason people go to breeders or puppy mills is because they want a dog
of a specific breed. But fortunately, you can always find a dog worth loving —
even of the breed you want — at a shelter or rescue.

Adopting a dog or cat is cheaper than buying one.

Not to mention, adopting a dog is typically cheaper than purchasing one.

According to Prudent Pet, some of the most expensive dogs include Samoyeds
($14,000), Chow Chows ($11,000), Rottweilers ($9,000), and Afghan Hounds
($7,000). 

According to Animal Humane Society, adoption fees for dogs typically range

from $118 to $667, and cats range from $34 to $276. Those adoption fees
typically include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and necessary health tests,
while dogs purchased from breeders may not. 

Why are puppy mills bad?

Another reason to adopt a pet is because doing so helps fight puppy mills, which
supply dogs to pet stores and breeder websites. Puppy mills are large-scale
dog breeding operations that prioritize making a profit over the care of the dogs.
The dogs are often kept in less-than-ideal conditions, mother dogs are forced to
endure multiple pregnancies in a row, and puppy mill breeders often do not give
the dogs adequate veterinary care — that means dogs purchased from a puppy
mill are more likely to develop health issues as newborns, before they have
access to proper care.

Puppy mills typically focus on breeding purebred dogs — and purebred dogs often
come with genetic disorders or shorter lifespans. For example, pugs are prone
to snoring and wheezing, various skin disorders, ringworm, atopy, collapsed
tracheas, and more; French bulldogs are prone to various allergies, hip
dysplasia, conjunctivitis, hearing loss, and more; and dog breeds with shorter
lifespans include Saint Bernards (9.5 years), Newfoundlands (9 years), Irish
Wolfhounds (7 years), Bernese Mountain Dogs (7 years).

These issues mean parents of purebred dogs may need to take their dogs to the
vet more often, which can become costly.

Why are dog breeders bad?

Those who want a purebred or “designer” dog — such as yorkiepoos,

goldendoodles, cavapoos, and cockapoos — will often go to “reputable” or smaller
breeders instead of puppy mills. Unfortunately, breeders are still part of the same
problem as puppy mills. For one thing, many breeders — even ones that come
recommended by a friend — may simply be puppy mills that market themselves
as responsible breeders. And like puppy mills, dog breeding is a business — so
no matter how compassionate a dog breeder seems, the dogs and puppies are
still their products, and the breeders are focused on making a profit. If their No. 1
priority was the welfare of dogs, they likely wouldn't be unnecessarily bringing
more dogs into the world by breeding them. 

Dog breeders are expensive.

Additionally, purchasing a dog or cat from a breeder will still run you thousands of
dollars, compared to the several hundred dollars that adopting a dog costs. Not to
mention, breeders who market themselves as reputable may charge even more
for their dogs than the pet stores do, knowing that consumers will be willing to pay
more for a “reputable” breeder — but the dogs may actually all come from the
same puppy mill, behind closed doors.

Not to mention, purebred dogs from breeders will still be susceptible to the same
health issues and shorter lifespans as purebred dogs from puppy mills.

Article 4
Yee, H., L, (2014, November 18) Why Should Malaysian Adopt Their Dogs and Cats Instead of
Buying? https://says.com/my/news/why-should-malaysians-adopt-their-dogs-and-cats-instead-of-
buying

Why Should Malaysians Adopt Their Dogs and

Cats Instead of Buying?
Many people are now choosing to adopt their pets and here are reasons why!

By Hew Lee Yee — 18 Nov 2014, 04:22 PM — Updated over 5 years ago

1. With overpopulation, there are many animals waiting to be

adopted. SPCA Selangor receives over a thousand animals each
month!

Image via shelbystar.com

There are too many animals and not enough homes. Shelters have been facing a pet
overpopulation problem for the last few decades.
When you adopt from a shelter, you become part of the solution to the
overpopulation crisis. You give a deserving animal a new home. You free up cage
space for another animal needing to be adopted. And your adoption fee goes toward
the shelter’s education and spay/neuter programs, which help prevent more
unwanted litters.

2. Adopting a pet is essentially saving a life! Doesn't it feel great?

Image via cdnify.io

There is limited space at shelters, staff members sometimes need to make very hard
decisions to euthanize animals who haven't been adopted. The number of
euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets
instead of buying them.

Adoption will not only save the life of the pet you are adopting but will also make
room and free up precious resources for another animal that the shelter will take in.
Adopting an animal from a shelter is the best way to help the shelter continue its
work.
3. A puppy at the pet store could cost you thousands of ringgit
but significantly less at the shelter (the price of adopting an
animal from PAWS can be as low as RM50)

Image via peta.org

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group is much less expensive than
buying a pet at a pet store or through other sources.

In addition, animals from many shelters are already spayed or neutered and
vaccinated, which makes the shelter’s fee a bargain.

4. Old or young, you can choose a pet of any age to your heart's
desire

Though puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly, they can also be a handful. An
adult or older pet may be a better fit for you.

An adult or older pet that is already trained may be a better fit for your lifestyle. For
example, adopting an adult dog that is already housetrained and knows basic
commands is often much easier than adopting a puppy.
5. There are so many choices, you can even find an animal that
suits your wacky personality

Image via thestar.com.my

Rescued pets have full histories … something that can actually be GREAT for
adopters. Remember, all pets– even eight-week old puppies and kittens — have
distinct personalities. Those personalities will either jive with your home and lifestyle
or not. Work with rescue group or shelter staff to find the right fit for you.

6. Animals from shelters are healthier than you might

think

Image via http://nanasanctuary.blogspot.com

Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy animals just waiting for
someone to take them home. Most shelters examine and give vaccinations to animals when
they arrive, and many spay or neuter them before being adopted. In addition to medical
care, more and more shelters also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviors
to make sure each family finds the right pet for its lifestyle.

7. Puppy mills that supply to pet stores have been said to put
animals in terrible conditions

Image via respectyourdog.com

Most animals raised in these mills are housed in poor conditions with improper medical care.
They are often in poor health and have ongoing behavior and health problems due to lack of
socialization and human companionship, and are often inbred. Mill animals are sold to
unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet, and through newspaper classified
advertisements.

By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain you aren't supporting cruel puppy
mills with your money. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing from
them.

8. Female dogs in puppy mills are bred when they are in heat in
a commercial dog-breeding facility for mass distribution to pet
stores
Puppy mills will breed a female dog every time she is in heat. For instance, a 5-year-
old dog could have given birth to 10 litters of puppies.

Female dogs are bred twice a year and are usually killed or abandoned when they
are no longer able to produce puppies.
9. Some Malaysians are insistent on obtaining purebreds or
designer dogs but are unaware of the plight that comes with it

Image via telegraph.co.uk

“People just see a designer breed and say, ‘I’ve never heard of that dog, but it
sounds cute.
Buyers may be swayed by talk of “papers” and “AKC registration,” but these
papers cannot ensure good temperament or good health. Says one
veterinarian, “The best use of pedigree papers is for housebreaking your
dog. They don’t mean a damn
thing.”

10. Previously-owned pets are usually already

housetrained. Hey, that's half the job done!

Image via tigerlandk9.com

Most shelter residents are healthy, affectionate animals. Many have already
lived with a human family and have the basic training, socialization, and
cooperative skills they need to become part of your household.

11. Many pets are put into shelters for various reasons
and it doesn't mean that they aren't good pets
 Image via ohmidog.com

It is a common belief that animals end up in shelters because they were

abused or behaved badly. In truth, many animals in shelters are there for
reasons that have more to do with their previous owners than the pets
themselves: divorce, moving, lack of time, and financial constraints are
among the most common reasons why pets lose their homes.

Shelter animals make great pets. A “second-hand” pet in no way means

second-rate. On the contrary, many shelter animals seem to sense what they
were up against and become among the most devoted and grateful
companions.

12. Is everything a bit too much to handle? Fret not, as

you'll have a support system

Image via straitstimes.com

Rescue groups often provide support for new owners because keeping pets in good
homes is in the best interest of these groups. So if you are worried about health issues,
want advice on what kind of dog food to buy, or have other newbie questions, the
shelter staff will probably have opinions and advice to share.

In addition, shelters offer educational literature on all aspects of pet ownership, and they
often provide ongoing advice, guidance and training suggestions.
Article 5
The Humane Society of the United States, THSUS (2020) Top Reasons to Adopt a Pet
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/top-reasons-adopt-pet

Top reasons to adopt a pet

It’s not just the right thing to do; adoption is a reward.

Pet lovers know: Adoption is the snuggliest option.

DGLimages
/
iStock.co
m

Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are ten reasons to adopt
your new best friend.

1. Because you'll save a life.

Each year, it's estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are
euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters
and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.

The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people

adopted pets instead of buying them. When you adopt, you save a loving animal
by making them part of your family and open up shelter space for another animal
who might desperately need it.

2. Because you'll get a great animal.

Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy pets just
waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelter pets wound up there because
of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because the animals did anything
wrong. Many are already house-trained and used to living with families.
3. Because it’ll cost you less.
Usually when you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter, first vaccinations (and
sometimes even microchipping!) is included in the adoption price, which can save
you some of the up front costs of adding a new member to your family. Depending
on the animal, you may also save on housebreaking and training expenses.

4. Because of the bragging rights.

No one needs to see another selfie—unless it’s a selfie of you with the adorable
pet you just adopted! Adopt a pet, post those pictures and let the well-earned likes
roll in.

5. Because it's one way to fight puppy mills.

If you buy a dog from a pet store,online seller or flea market, you’re almost certainly
getting a dog from a puppy mill.

Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of
dogs. Animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with
improper medical care, and are often very sick and behaviorally troubled as a result.
The moms of these puppies are kept in cages to be bred over and over for years,
without human companionship and with little hope of ever joining a family. And after
they're no longer profitable, breeding dogs are simply discarded—either killed,
abandoned or sold at auction.

These puppy mills continue to stay in business through deceptive tactics — their
customers are unsuspecting consumers who shop in pet stores, over the Internet or
through classified ads. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop
supporting them. By adopting a pet, you can be certain you aren't giving them a
dime.

6. Because your home will thank you.

Many of the pets from shelters and rescues are already house-trained, which means
you’re not only saving a pet’s life, you may be saving your rug. Adopting a mature
pet not only gives older animals a second chance, it often means introducing them to
your family will be much easier.
 7. Because all pets are good for your health, but adoptees
offer an extra boost.
Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been shown to be
psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial to their companions. Caring for a pet
can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness. And when
you adopt, you can also feel proud about helping an animal in need!

8. Because adoption helps more than just one animal.

Overburdened shelters take in millions of stray, abused and lost animals every year, and
by adopting an animal, you’re making room for others. Not only are you giving more
animals a second chance, but the cost of your adoption goes directly towards helping
those shelters better care for the animals they take in!

9. Because The Shelter Pet Project makes it easy.

You can go to the Shelter Pet Project to find pets near you, of every size, color,
temperament and breed. Purebred and mixed breed animals alike are waiting for their
forever homes!

10. Because you'll change a homeless animal's whole world.

And get a new best friend out of the deal. Seriously, what could be better than that?

Article 6

Bershadker. M. ASPCA CEO (2019, May 21) Seven Reasons Why Fostering Animals Saves Lives
https://www.aspca.org/blog/seven-reasons-why-fostering-animals-saves-lives
A three-year-old black and white cat named Big Boy was living in the parking lot of Los
Angeles County’s Baldwin Park Animal Care Center for several months before ASPCA
staff there noticed he might not be a feral cat, just a scared outdoor cat. He was receptive to
being petted and allowed our veterinary team to conduct an exam and eventually neuter
him.

You might think the next crucial chapter in Big Boy’s story was adoption, but it wasn’t. Big
Boy went to foster caregiver Brigid Harmon who helped him come out of his shell. After
developing an upper respiratory infection (URI), Big Boy went to another foster pet parent,
Dan Edwards. Dan helped Big Boy overcome the URI and socialized him to a home
environment, including training the cat to go into a carrier and teaching him the joys of
human affection. After several weeks, Dan’s friend Samantha expressed interest in Big Boy
and gave him a permanent loving home. 

Helping an outdoor cat adjust to domestic life is one of the many reasons fostering is a vital
part of homeless cat rescue. Other reasons range from providing neonate kittens with
lifesaving care to exposing long-term shelter residents to new groups of potential adopters.
In some communities, the need for foster caregivers can be even more important than the
need for permanent adopters.

Whether taking in temporary pets is your personal passion or your only option, it’s
important to know and share why fostering kittens and cats is so crucial, especially during
kitten season, the high breeding period between spring and summer. Seven key reasons are
listed below:

1. Fostering saves the lives of neonate and pee wee kittens.

Neonatal (zero to four weeks) and Pee-Wee (four to eight weeks) kittens are extremely
vulnerable and often don’t survive without round-the-clock care. Some shelters and rescue
organizations run fostering programs, in which they train and supply foster caregivers with
what they need to keep kittens healthy enough to be spay/neutered and ultimately adopted.

2. Fostering provides a safe and healthy environment for kittens to grow.

With weaker immune systems, kittens are more prone to getting sick in shelter settings
where they are exposed to various animals. Kittens under eight weeks old—who cannot
survive on their own without continuous care—are especially vulnerable.

3. Cats living in a home often receive more attention, which helps relieve their stress.

Studies show that increases in socialization and play time are good for kittens’ mental and
physical health, which also increases their chances for eventual adoption.
4. Fostered kittens are likely to be better sensitized to the world they’ll face when adopted.

Spending time with people, children and other domestic dynamics in a temporary home
enables cats—especially kittens—to become comfortable with similar stimuli in a
permanent home.

5. Fostering helps prevent the births of more unwanted homeless cats.

In addition to being safely indoors, fostered kittens are typically spayed and neutered,
which helps control cat populations and save more lives.

6. Fostering cats creates space in shelters for other animals in need.

Whether a shelter is crowded or not, each cat and kitten in their care requires time and
resources that could be conserved if those animals were in foster homes.

7. Fostering introduces cats and kittens to new pools of prospective adopters.

Fostered cats and kittens benefit from exposure to the caregiver’s friends and family, and
the caregiver can offer trusted and enthusiastic assessments of the cat’s personality and
needs. At their best, foster caregivers are their cats’ parent and publicist.

You can learn more about fostering and fostering opportunities at our “Meow For Now”
kitten fostering campaign. And, if you are or know a shelter that can use help establishing
or improving its fostering program, please visit the “Meow For Now” page
at ASPCAPro.org to watch a webinar with expert advice and examples.

Cats like Big Boy are fortunate to come from communities where animal fostering is valued
and encouraged. How much yourcommunity values fostering can be up to you. Please
consider contacting your local shelter and asking how to become a foster caregiver for
kittens or cats in need—it will undoubtedly be a joyful experience for you and one of the
best things you can do for them.