Adopt a shelter or rescue animal, and have them spayed or neutered

While visiting Paso Robles in early May, I picked up a copy of The Tribune and noticed an ad for a pet shop that advertised “Over 80 Pups.”

I talked to a shop person who said these dogs come from licensed and unlicensed breeders locally and have on occasion obtained dogs from “out of state.” Usually, out-of-state means puppy mills, and we all know that the ASPCA advocates against puppy mills because of the horrific conditions and treatment of the animals (go to www.aspca.org for info).

The Central Valley from Bakersfield to Stockton has rescue groups, with purebred dogs, if that is what you are after, who need a loving home. These animals are pulled from kill shelters, which are overrun with animals that have been dumped or turned in.

Please consider adopting a shelter or rescue animal — the cost is minimal — and have your pet spayed or neutered.

This story was originally published May 21, 2016 at 9:23 PM with the headline "Adopt a shelter or rescue animal, and have them spayed or neutered."