Pet Sales at Flea Markets: 'Animal Cruelty' or Misunderstood?

A puppy seller at Wagon Wheel Flea Market takes issue with the protests from some local residents who are opposed to his business. What do you think?

(Editor's note: The State Attorney's Office opted not to prosecute Mitch Pelletier in the case referenced in this article following an investigation in October 2012.) What's your take? Post a comment below or vote in our poll. The practice of selling animals in local open air markets has created an outcry on Facebook and led to a petition on change.org, but a local pet dealer has a different perspective on flea market puppy sales. Some local residents are against sales of animals at Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park on weekends. Tammy Sommers started the No Sales of Animals at Wagon Wheel Facebook page after seeing photos and going to the market, where she said she observed plastic wrapping on cages and empty water bowls. "Imagine …

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Save Me: Adoptable Pets From Pinellas County Animal Services

Ready to Cherish, "Cherish?"

Whoever adopt this lovable pup is likely to cherish her for her good nature and enthusiasm.

Name: Cherish Age: One year, one month Gender: Female Breed: Hound Mix Cherish is a young and energetic girl who enjoys having a good time. Like most hounds, she is very smart and understands most basic commands. Because of her young age, Cherish still needs to work on her manners, so her new owners will benefit from the canine behavior classes offered by the SPCA Tampa Bay.

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Add Boots to your List

Boots is this week's rescue of the week. Meet him at the SPCA.

Name: Boots Age: 8 years Gender: Male Breed: Domestic Shorthair About Boots: Boots has a charming purr-sonality and lots of love. His almost all-black coloring means he comes with a gift basket full of treats and useful items meant to start this feline on a happy new life.  At eight years of age he is not quite into his ‘golden’ years but Boots would prefer an easygoing home where he can bond with his new family members and get extra attention. He likes special chin scratches and long massage-type rubs down his back and up his tail. Boots has lived with other cats and even a small dog. Holiday Special: Adoption fee waived through 2011. Pay only a $10 microchip fee. Meet Boots at the SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Avenue North in Largo. Preview…

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Meet Trixie an Australian Shepherd Mix

Trixie is an 8-month old Australian shepherd that's up for adoption at the SPCA.

Name: Trixie Breed: Australian Shepherd Age: 8-months old Gender: Female Trixie is an 8-month old Australian shepherd. She is full of life! Trixies loves playing with other dogs, water sports, dog parks and riding in cars.  Visit Trixie at SPCA Tampa Bay at 9099 130th Avenue North in Largo. Or visit their website. The SPCA has extended adoption hours. They are now open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Meet Rico

Rico, a 2-year-old black cat, is this week's featured adoptable pet.

Name: Rico Age: 2 years, 5 months Gender: Male Breed: Rico is a domestic shorthair cat that loves the company of other cats, large dogs. He especially likes hanging out with kids. Rico is an active, playful cat that is entertained by chasing anything that moves. Volunteers described him as friendly and outgoing. Rico does enjoy the extra love and attention he gets while lounging on his favorite human's lap.  Meet at Rico SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave N in Largo or call 727-586-3591.

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Sibling Jack Russells Up For Adoption

Spike and Emmie were turned in by their previous owner because they couldn't take them along when they moved. They hope they can be adopted together. Visit them today!

Name: Spike & Emmie Age: 7 years Gender: Male and Female Breed: Jack Russell Terrier Mix Meet Spike and Emmie: These two arrived at SPCA Tampa Bay because their previous owner moved and could not take them along. They've grown up together and hope to be adopted together. Volunteers say they both have great personalities. Emmie and Spike can be your lifelong friends and companions. Visit them at the SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave N in Largo or call 727-586-3591.

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Meet Hal, The Cat That Loves to Talk

Volunteers say Hal loves to talk. He's a 4-year-old cat that is affectionate and playful. Meet him today at the SPCA.

Name: Heath Andrew Ledger or HAL Age: 4 years, 4 months Gender: Male Breed: Domestic shorthair About HAL: Mr.Heath Andrew Ledger is a wonderful well-behaved cat, that you can Hal! He’s sweet, affectionate and enjoys spending time with a compassionate animal lover. Volunteers say he's a very vocal kitty. Hal is ready to become a loving feline companion in his new forever home. Meet Hal at SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave N in Largo or call 727-586-3591.

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Rescue Pet of the Week

Pilots 'N Paws Rescued Dogs Ready For Adoption

The SPCA Tampa Bay's nine rescued dogs through the Pilots 'N Paws program are ready to be adopted.

Two weeks ago these nine dogs' future was uncertain. They were saved from being euthanized when they were removed from an overcrowded shelter from Florence, SC. They were shipped to the SPCA Tampa Bay by Pilots 'N Paws, a non-profit that brings pilots from all over the country together to transport animals at risk of being euthanized or abused. Now they are ready to be adopted.

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Learn About Pit Bulls at the SPCA’s Pit Bull Awareness Day Event

The SPCA and Tampa Bay Bullies' Pit Bull Awareness Day event is set for Saturday at the SPCA, 9099 130th Ave N in Largo, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SPCA Tampa Bay dog trainers aim to educate the public on pit bulls on Pit Bull Awareness Day, Saturday, Oct. 1. “The goal is to educate people on what pit bulls are really like,” said Sakyie Oliphant, social media coordinator for the SPCA. The SPCA and Tampa Bay Bullies, a non-profit pit bull rescue, are sponsoring the event set for Saturday at the SPCA, 9099 130th Ave N in Largo, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trainers and volunteers want to show the public that pit bulls are good family pets as opposed to fighting dogs, Oliphant said. They will be handing out “bully dollars" to well behaving pit bulls and pit bull mixes throughout the event. The bully dollars can be used to purchase items in the SPCA pet boutique. Pet owners can have their dogs …

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Nine Dogs Saved From Overcrowded Shelter, Shipped to SPCA

On Saturday the SPCA Tampa Bay welcomed nine dogs from an overcrowded shelter in South Carolina. The dogs were shipped pro bono by Pilots 'N Paws.

Cheryl Houston, SPCA ambulance driver, anxiously waited at Tampa International Airport for nine dogs to arrive from an overcrowded shelter, on Saturday. "They were given a second chance. These guys are special," Houston said.  The dogs were being shipped from Florence, SC, by Pilots 'N Paws, a non-profit that brings pilots from all over the country together to transport animals at risk of being euthanized or abused.  The first dog to step out of the ambulance after arriving to SPCA Tampa Bay in Largo was Karla, a one-year-old shepherd mix.  Volunteers assisted Houston in checking the dogs for any visible signs of trauma. Karla was shaken and nervous, but was cleared by staff. That's expected, said Jennifer Clement, SPCA medical department …

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