Puppy mills are inhumane breeding farms where dogs are poorly cared for and generally mistreated. The goal of a puppy mill owner is to produce the largest number of 'purebred' dogs at the least amount of cost.
Dogs that come from puppy mills are usually ill or severely traumatized.
Puppy Mills in the News
In November of 1997, Wendy Cicchetti, a TV reporter with WTNH in Bridgeport, Connecticut, conducted an undercover investigation of a puppy mills in Missouri.
While visiting one of the mills, Cicchetti asked a breeder how many litters he got from each female, the answer: "Well, it depends on how long they live. Ha!"
The Long Version
Puppy mill owners are individuals, who view their dogs as a commodity, no different than cardboard boxes. Some puppy mills are horrid, filthy places. Others run 'clean' establishments, at least on the surface, but nonetheless keep their dogs in cramped cages and treat them inhumanely.
Puppy mills are commercial establishments that keep their breeding stock confined in cramped cages. Diseases and parasites are rampant in the mills. Dogs born and maintained in puppy mills seldom, if ever, receive proper veterinary care.
They sell their dogs, wholesale, and as lots at auctions.
The biggest buyers of puppy mill dogs are pet brokers, who in turn sell these puppies to pet stores.
Puppy mill breeders' main concern is to produce as many dogs as possible, and consequently they do not follow proper breeding practices.
They breed dogs with known genetic defects.
They knowingly inbreed their dogs.
Who Buys Puppy Mill Dogs?
Puppy mill owners seldom sell directly to the public. They know that if anyone outside the 'business' saw the conditions that the dogs were kept in, they would be reported and most likely shut down. Consequently, most puppy mill breeders sell their stock either directly to brokers or they auction off the dogs, in trailer truck sized lots.
In turn, these pedigreed puppies find their way into pet stores around the country. Puppies that are in such poor shape that even the pet stores will not buy them are usually sold via newspaper ads.
How Can You Be Sure Your Not Buying a Puppy Mill Dog?
Sometimes, even after doing all your homework, you may still find yourself the proud owner of a puppy mill dog. However there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
Before you respond to a newspaper ad, look over all the dog ads carefully. Are there several ads for different dogs, but all with the same telephone number? This can be a sign that a broker is trying to sell 'damaged' merchandise.
At the pet store, ask where the dog was bred and ask to see their records.
Does the puppy appear to be well socialized? Most puppy mill dogs have had very little contact with humans and may be skittish or aggressive.
Is the puppy well filled out and healthy looking?
When in doubt, don't buy the puppy. As long as people continue to buy puppy mill dogs, puppy mills will continue to operate.
…But What if I'm buying a Registered Dog?
Just because a dog has been registered, doesn't mean that it wasn't born in a puppy mill. Both the American and United Kennel Clubs have the same simple requirements when it comes to registering a dog. The parents must be registered, and you must pay your fee. Whether the puppy is a product of inbreeding, is ill, or has a genetic defect, it is immaterial, just as long as the letter of the 'law' is followed.
Both the AKC and UKC are trying to crack down on puppy mills. When they uncover one, they readily suspend the breeders' privileges to register their dogs.
Should You Buy Your Dog from a Pet Store?
In most cases, the answer is no, as many pet stores sell puppy mill dogs.
A better option is to buy directly from a breeder, one who will allow you to inspect their records and their facilities.
Better yet, rescue a dog from the pound or get one from an animal shelter.
Become an Activist
If you think that you have found a store selling puppy mill dogs or if you discover a puppy mill, report the situation to your local humane society.
