This information was forwarded to us by our pals at Poodle Rescue New England. Please take a minute to help out, this needs NOT to happen in Massachusetts or any other state for that matter.
If you think dogs and cats should not be used and returned like ZipCars,now's the time to do something about it. Waiting even a few weeks could be toolate. FlexPetz, which rents companion dogs by the hour or day, is poised toopen in Boston soon. Once the door is open, other pet rental businesses willfollow.All aggressively promote the "disposable pet" mindset, to the detriment ofanimals--and those of us dedicated to rescuing them.Every voice is needed; Boston residents have extra clout.How to Help in Three Quick, Easy Ways
1. Urge your Boston City Councilor to ban FlexPetz and similar businesses,because they could put animals, consumers and the general public at risk.How? See the Talking Points, below. You can send Councilors the attached ExpertPerspectives for extra impact.To find your Councilor: _http://www.cityofboston.gov/CITYCOUNCIL/_(http://www.cityofboston.gov/CITYCOUNCIL/)
2. Call State Rep. Angelo Scaccia (617-722-2692), who represents parts ofBoston and Milton. If you're a constituent, say so. Urge that "An ActProhibiting the Renting of Pets" (HD 4864) be released right away. That's just thefirst step in the passage process, which ends in July, so it has to happenNOW. If you get voicemail, leave a message (including your address) but try tocall back to speak with a person.
3. Ask your state rep and senator to co-sponsor; 17 colleagues already havestepped up, yours should too. Most legislators have expressed personalsupport, but want to hear from constituents: That means you. You have the power toprotect animals. Please don't let them down.To find your legislators:_http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php_ (http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php)Want to do more?
Join a group of animal lovers who will be visiting Beacon Hill to speak withlegislators personally. Email _CPRPets@aol.com_ (mailto:CPRPets@aol.com) byMay 7 if you're available for an hour or two on a weekday.
Rent Cars, Not Pets: Talking PointsFlexPetz is a business that rents dogs by the hour or day for people to useand return on whim. FlexPetz calls it "flexible ownership." But exploitationby any name hurts.Why It's Bad for Pets
1. Pet rental businesses suggest they benefit shelter animals. Not so,according to the MSPCA, Animal Rescue League, Buddy Dog Humane Society and otherreputable shelters and rescue groups: They oppose renting pets and don'tprovide animals for this purpose. Besides, dogs appealing enough to command heftyusage fees obviously are appealing enough to be adopted. Duh! Instead, they're turned into profit centers.
2. Being rented could ruin a companion animal's chance for a "forever home"when the business is done with her, according to behavior consultant JoJacques, CDBC, CPDT, CPCT. "These animals will become distrustful of humans; theywill withdraw. If they're not adopted or it fails as a result? Off to ashelter, but older, more confused…and more likely to be euthanized or spend therest of their lives in cages."
3. Dogs and cats need stability and consistency. Rental pets are handed offto a succession of people for short periods of time, subjected to differentpersonalities, routines and rules. "I see a lot of dogs who have severebehavioral issues resulting from inconsistency. It is nearly impossible to beconsistent with rented pets," says Jo Jacques.
4. What happens to rental pets who become chronically ill, are criticallyinjured or develop behavior problems? No business can hold "inventory" thatcosts instead of pays. And few people adopt animals requiring a lifetime ofexpensive medical care. Fewer still want those who bite. What do you thinkhappens to them?
5. Who will protect rental pets from abuse? Because these businesses areunregulated, it is unlikely animal protection agencies will know if the pets arebeing abused—or their fate when they cease to be profitable.
6. Who will pay attention to early signs of distress? Probably not a doggieday care worker charged with overseeing a pack, including rental pets betweenassignments. Like humans, an animal's psychological and physical problemsare more easily treated when caught early. Unlike humans, animals may be putdown if those problems escalate.
7. Renting encourages "disposable pet syndrome"—thinking of all pets as "things" we enjoy till they're no longer cute or convenient, then return.
8. Pet rentals and dog fighting are on the same continuum: They trade ondesensitization of humans, commoditization of animals. One business conditionsus to tolerate the other.
Why It's Bad for People - Even well-mannered pets are more apt to bite when stressed, and constantchange is very stressful, say the experts. Consumers may not appreciate the riskof injury—or a lawsuit—to which renting a pet could expose them."Indemnification or liability insurance, if offered, may not adequately protect petrental clients from the stress and/or staggering costs of litigation," accordingto Atty. Jonathan Stone Rankin.
Why It's Bad for Massachusetts - The "disposable pet syndrome" that pet rental businesses promote mayultimately strain public and private resources. It is akin to the dumbing down ofAmerica—except it's our perception of and responsibility to companion animalsthat will erode. That can only lead to increased pet abandonment, adoptionreturns and abuse. And that hurts all of us, including taxpayers who don'thave an affinity for animals.
