NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Banning Puppy Sales Considered At Fairgrounds

Banning Puppy Sales Considered At Fairgrounds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Animal advocates trying to eliminate puppy mills are calling on Nashville-area flea markets to forbid the sale of puppies.

In late June, nearly 700 dogs were rescued from a Hickman County farm. The seizure was the biggest puppy mill rescue in Tennessee history. Rescuers found many animals crammed in small cages and sitting in piles of feces at Pine Bluff Kennels.

The Tennessee State Fairgrounds, which is south of downtown Nashville, is considering a ban of puppy sales at the monthly flea market.

Pine Bluff Kennels owner sold animals online and at flea markets-

Puppy mill owners often sell at flea markets to hide the conditions of their kennels and to grind out profits from customers they'll likely never see again.

"Flea markets are not where professional dog breeders would sell their dogs," said Mary Pat Boatfield, executive director of Nashville Humane Association.

"What can we do to ensure that we're not a part of that not be a part of that?" said Executive Director of the State Fair Buck Dozier.

On Tuesday, animal advocates met with state fairground officials to consider banning the sale of puppies at the fair's monthly flea markets.

The flea market only features three dog breeders and organizers have turned dozens of others away.

"We have a huge list of people that want to come here.  We've limited them," Dozier said. "In fact, we kicked one out a number of years ago because it wasn't performing and their animals were not healthy."

The discovery of the puppy mill in Hickman County has placed new emphasis on stopping irresponsible breeders. Animal advocates believe one of the best tactics is to eliminate easy ways for puppy mill owners to sell their dogs.

"A flea market is an opportunity to have an outlet to sell a large number of puppies," Boatfield said.

While the state fairgrounds doesn't consider itself part of the problem, it may end up being part of the solution. Its actions will be closely watched by other flea markets.

"We're going to take a look at the whole issue of selling animals period at the flea market," Dozier said.

Experts said potential pet owners should never buy on impulse. They should research breeds and find a reputable breeder or adopt from a shelter or rescue group.

Puppy mill dogs often suffer from major health defects. While they are sold for less than other dogs, they could end up costing more to owners once they go home.

Puppies will be for sale during a pet expo at the state fairgrounds later in the month.

"It's probably too late to cancel it, but the state and Metro will be out to observe it and to make sure the animals are fine," Dozier said.

Memphis has already banned the sale of animals in flea markets.