Tyler Rally Planned for Puppy Mill Awareness Day

There is an East Texas nonprofit that is working on a rally at a Tyler pet store on Puppy Mill Awareness Day. The details were posted on the Pets Fur People Facebook page regarding the planning of a peaceful rally at the Petland pet store in Tyler on September 19 in opposition to the use of puppy mills.

Smith County Recognizes Puppy Mill Awareness Day

Our Smith Count Commissioners' Court took a vote earlier this week to make September 19th Puppy Mill Awareness Day stating that “puppy mills are large scale commercial dog breeding facilities that prioritize profit above the physical and emotional well-being of the animals, and whereas dogs in these facilities are frequently confined and overcrowded.”

On the date later this month the Commissioners’ Court is encouraging residents “to make informed choices, combat deceptive online sales and stop store pipelines and choose humane alternatives like adoption.”

READ MORE: Texas Bill Proposes Ban on Selling Dogs and Cats in Stores

When and Where Is the Tyler Rally?

Pets Fur People is planning to rally in front of Petland at the French Quarter Shopping Center on Sept. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. They're inviting the public to attend wearing navy blue and bring signs.

Petland says it does not purchase puppies from puppy mills and says it works with USDA-licensed breeders. The company also says it has breeder standards and conducts visits to breeders.

The Tyler Petland location is at 4512 S Broadway Ave., Suite A1, in Tyler. The rally organizers' position is focused more broadly on raising awareness about puppy mills, pet-store puppy sales and what they call the "puppy mill pipeline."

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East Texas Has Plenty of Animals Looking for Homes

Most people in East Texas realize and understand that pet overpopulation is a serious issue in our community. We see people attempting to sell animals at grocery stores on a regular basis.

In my opinion, this rally is a great idea and a wonderful reminder to adopt instead of shopping when looking for your next furry family member. Do you support this rally in Tyler? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email anytime at billy.jenkins@townsquaremedia.com.