From companion to commodity?

Owning a purebreed or cross-breed to some is seen as prestigious or a status symbol. In Sri Lanka, this has led to breeding turning into a business, where dogs are often treated poorly and cruelly neglected or abandoned on the streets once they can no longer provide puppies for the breeders to sell.

Similarly, people who buy these dogs simply to show them off, often end up neglecting them once the novelty of owning such a dog wears off. This results in mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and in worse cases, even physical health problems, which are sometimes fatal. suitable homes once they are mentally and physically ready.