Many people only buy from Puppy Farms because they don't know where or how to go about buying a puppy.  They also don't know how to recognise a puppy farmer or a responsible breeder.  I was in conversation with my local Librarians (I used to work there) and they told me that they have plenty of people asking them where they can buy a pup or get information.  They suggested that I write a leaflet covering the basics of choosing a breed, finding a good breeder, and avoiding the puppy farmers.  This sounds to me like a positive action we could all take, providing the local Library see the need for it and are willing for you to do it.  The deal is that I will write the leaflet and my local library[ies] will print them and keep them in the information section available to the public :) 

I'm NOT suggesting naming and shaming the local PFs, far from it!, what I am suggesting is giving pointers of where to find out about different breeds and how to choose one, where to find a breed club/breeder, info on health testing, why be prepared to wait and how to recognise a puppy farm[er], what paperwork should be expected etc.  with the emphasis on finding a good healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.  As people involved in the dog world many CD members are in a good position to know where to find all the relevant info, all we would be doing is sharing it :D

Anyone who wants to try this, feel free,

any comments on this or suggestions, ?

I think it is an excellent idea - and what would be even better, would be for you to inform your local radio station, and possibly suggest that they interview you about it!

In fact we all should do it!

Margot

i also think this is a great idea,at the end of the day all you are trying to do is educate members of the public,especially those first time dog owners who really don't know where to start when looking to buy in a puppy.
charlotte

Margot,

While I'm prepared to compose the leaflets (and they are taking a long time to get right :(  ) and take them to the library, and even add my contact details, I draw the line at local radio   I have absolutely no ambitions in that direction I'm afraid.  I once talked to a newspaper about a small business I had, I still have the cuttings to remind me never to get involved with the media ever, ever again :(  to say it was a disaster is an understatement, I didn't recognise the photos or the write up, to say it was a complete fabrication wouldn't come close.  I still refuse to buy newspapers or take any notice of the news on TV.

But if anyone else wants to do a leaflet for their local library, providing the library are interested, then the more the merrier :)

What about printing off the into on this line describing the differences between good breeders and puppy prodcuers?
http://www.dog-play.com/breedercomparison.htm

or

http://st15.startlogic.com/~justonel/breeder.html

That is a good point, Dill - forgotten how things can get twisted!

Margot