When in Manila, a lot of us are dog lovers. Many of my friends have bought their pet dogs in Tiendesitas, which I frequent to buy dog treats and look at the adorable puppies! But every time I leave, there’s an uncomfortable feeling. How I wish I could adopt those puppies and give them a better home instead of those cages. I also notice how sometimes, when the vendors see me looking at the dogs, they rattle the dog cages just so the dogs would react to the customers.
However, there are more troubling things that happen once the stores are closed. Sam Yen shared these photos on Facebook. She wrote:
Saw this today in Tiendecitas. It’s super depressing. 11am. Store closed. No ventilation. No water for the dogs. And the dogs surrounded by its own feces. I know this is a business and I don’t want to preach about animal rights etc, but these dogs need help. It’s completely inhumane the situation these dogs are in. It makes me so mad. Can someone please help.
Many netizens were outraged and suggested finding measures to close down stores that the animals this way. The said post became an avenue for other netizens to share their experiences in Tiendesitas as well.
Marta commented:
It’s sad, but unfortunately if people keep buying from pet stores in tiendecitas, this will keep happening. Tiendecitas sell puppy mill puppies. They are not reputable breeders. 10 years ago I bought a dog from there. The amount of health problems I’ve had with her have been incredible. You think, oh cute puppy and she’s cheap… Well the price you have to pay later makes up for getting a healthy dog. I went to the ” breeders” house of one of the owners of a pet store in tiendecitas. It was a house in Quezon City. His home was filled dogs in cages in his driveway, roaming his house. And the most horrifying part… He had a shed. No light, no proper ventilation. And cages, one stacked over the other. Filled with at least 50 dogs! All living in cages with no light and used for the sole purpose of breeding. I ran away so fast. But that environment Is where puppy milled puppies come from. So now awareness is important. Do you want to welcome into your home a puppy born and raised in darkness with no love, human interaction, with a half crazy mother? And continue this business? It’s so sad
Another commenter shared her story:
Omg! Ive never seen those stores when they were not open. Horrible!!!I had a terrible experience. Stef wanted a Shihtzu so we went and got one there two years ago. Shortly after we found out she has an infected wound in her tail underneath all the hair thats why her tail was always down. Then after that we found out she had congenital mange! Which can only be transferred from the mother! Ur not even supposed to breed a dog with that type of mange bec it will be passed on! We consider her our rescue! Thankfully after months of sleepless nights and lots of vet visits she is now a healthy princess. So be careful buying there! Never again!!
Sam, the one who originally posted the photo, commented:
“I wrote Tiendecitas a message on fb messenger. I couldn’t find any admin email on their website. I also sent the photos. Hopefully they reply. Will continue to write them until they do.”
It’s heartbreaking to see helpless creatures locked up and living in inhumane situations like these, all for the sake of profit. It’s even more heartbreaking to know that many dog-loving customers–myself included–are the ones indirectly perpetuating this buy supporting this kind of business.
We hope to spread awareness by posting this. To all our readers, what actions do you think we should do? Please let us know in the comments below.
We are also very much open to airing the side of Tiendesitas or the breeders who currently sell pet dogs and cats there.