Letter to the editor: PetFax act will protect animals

With his introduction of the PetFax Act, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Peters, is leading a bill in Congress to protect animals from cruelty.

This bipartisan legislation will not only help dogs, but improve transparency in the puppy-selling business by requiring pet stores to disclose where a puppy was bred, the puppy’s medical history and whether the breeder had violations in the previous two years. Just like using a CarFax report when you purchase a vehicle, buyers will have basic information about the dog’s history.

Why is this legislation necessary? Puppies born at commercial facilities often become sick because of unsanitary conditions, poor breeding and long distance transport to pet stores. Consumers then buy these dogs, unknowingly supporting the most cruel of industries and often ending up with a dog that will need thousands of dollars in veterinary care. Virtually every puppy sold in a pet store comes from these unscrupulous puppy-breeding factories that are focused only on profit, not animal welfare. It’s quite common for mother dogs to be bred repeatedly and kept in filthy cages without any socialization. They endure these horrifying conditions until they are no longer able to reproduce.

Reschenthaler deserves the deepest of thanks for introducing this important bill. And please, call your U.S. representatives and ask them to cosponsor House Resolution 5715, the PetFax Act.

Natalie Ahwesh

South Side