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Question on backyard breeders

meganp

Active Member
I'm not sure what forum this belongs in. Is it possible to report a backyard breeder without knowing too much specifics about them. My dog was originally from such a place and he's been diagnosed with epilepsy and I have been told that other puppies in this litter could be affected. I don't know what steps to take but I don't want more people to have to go through the heartache I have. Is there anything I can do?
 

Hiraeth

Well-Known Member
No, there's probably not much you can do besides share your story and educate people about the dangers of purchasing from backyard breeders.

What state do you live in? How old was your puppy when you bought him and how old is he now? Do you have a receipt or a contract?
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
I found myself in a similar situation a couple of years ago when Kryten was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia. All I was able to do was post messages on the local pet sites to tell anyone who had a mastiff born on his birthday out of Medicine Hat that one puppy in the litter had been diagnosed with a genetic disorder and his littermates were also at risk. I did end up in contact with someone who had rescued one of his brothers who had been given up because he had gotten sick so I do know that people did read it.

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meganp

Active Member
It's kind of confusing to me. I guess I'm not sure where he's really from but I got in touch with the people who had him before me. He was just a pup when I got him and I guess I thought he was originally from a family who had a litter. I was able to get in contact with that family and was asking about the other dogs and the parents to see if the knew of any other problems. The woman said she was in contact with a few other people who took their puppies but that they hadn't heard of any others that had issues. She said she was going to get in contact with the breeder to see if there were problems. I have a feeling she's giving me the run around to keep something hidden. I do have a receipt or a contract type thing but I'm not looking for anything. This dog and I are in this together. I'm more hoping to prevent anyone else from having this heartbreak. I'm in Massachusetts but the people he was with were in Rhode Island.
 

BlackShadowCaneCorso

Super Moderator
Staff member
I haven't but there is a huge problem in CCs at the moment here in Canada with EPI popping up and the ones responsible ducking and hiding everything so the owners have felt alone and un-supported in a very difficult time.
 

maryl

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. The trouble with genetic problems is that even if the parents have been thoroughly tested and x-rayed, anomalies can still crop up. I had a bitch with hip dysplasia from three solid generations of OFA cert. hips on both sides of her parents. Her sire, grand sire, and great grand sire on her father's side were all OFA exellent. I bought this girl as a pup from a very well known, highly thought of professional breeder. Good breeders do these tests and breed only to animals with clear backgrounds to help stack the cards in your favor, but until we have DNA testing for all genetic problems we will always have some troubles.
 

trulytheone30

Well-Known Member
I'm in Arkansas and a few backyard breeders have popped up since I had my 2 year old DDB! It sad how ppl treat the animals. I love my Gigi she is my daughter & actually take care of her like my 2nd child. I wish ppl were more responsible in breeding. It's not about the $$!.
Praying for your baby!

LaToya, Gigi's Mom
 

lexinrose

Well-Known Member
Maybe SPCA can go see what type of environment the dogs are in. Sometimes they shut down backyard breeders especially if their breaking the rules too many dogs, sick dogs dogs in cages so if you have an address see what they can do

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season

Well-Known Member
There will always be backyard breeders and there will always be ignorant/stupid people that buy from them (not saying everyone is ignorant and stupid). My mom use to tell me that If I ever made the stupid choice to wrestle with a pig, don't get mad because it was my fault for doing it. You'll both be dirty but one actually likes it.
 

meganp

Active Member
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I would trade my dog for anything and I'm well aware of the types of people who buy and sell in these situations. I guess my thought is more my dog was lucky he somehow ended up with me, not all of the dogs coming out of this place would be so lucky. I guess I have to remember I can't save every dog. (Or person for that matter.)
 

meganp

Active Member
haha tried to edit my last comment to say wouldn't trade my dog but it won't let me. I wouldn't trade him for anything though I'd be happy to give up his food bill!!!
 

meganp

Active Member
He had the two and then on just last week but less intense and shorter than the first two so the vet believes we are on the right track with his meds and dose. We have been very fortunate so far. His blood work looks normal and he seems otherwise healthy.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
That is good news. I'm sure he will keep getting better. I can't remember what all we discussed but if he is on Pheno, I found that it was cheaper purchased through a local pharmacy than from the vet. Your vet can write you an RX in your dog's name.