Puppy Mills....Profits Over Lives
What is a puppy mill?
A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated on the emphasis of profits above the welfare and living conditions of dogs.
What is wrong with puppy mill dogs?
Dogs and puppies from puppy mills often have congenital and hereditary health problems and behavioral problems.
What kind of health problems?
Everything from genetic problems such as limb deformities, deafness, eye issues, epilepsy to canine disease like parvovirus, distemper, giardia, kennel cough to parasites like severe tick, flea, ear mite, mange infestations. Often these health problems occur due to improper breeding practices i.e. inbreeding and breeding already sick or genetically flawed dogs. Dirty and unsanitary conditions also are a cause for these health issues.
What kind of behavioral problems?
Fearful behavior, shyness, aggression, anxiety issues due to lack of socialization from removing puppies to early from their mother before 8 weeks of age.
How are animals treated in a puppy mill?
Stacked in cages, kept in small enclosed spaces and bred constantly till females can no longer breed and maybe some food and water if they are lucky. No toys, no exercise, no treats and no grooming. I'm sorry to say this but basically kept like livestock =(
How you can stop this?
Adopt, don't shop. Do not buy at pet shops that sell puppies. Do not buy dogs that people are "selling" on Craigslist. Do not buy from a suspected puppy mill period.
Report if you buy a sick puppy from a suspected puppy mill or see inhumane conditions.
Warn and share with others of suspected puppy mill operations.
How can you tell if your puppy is from a suspected puppy mill or "backyard breeder"?
No purchase criteria, which basically means no extensive selective interviews and no proof of a health certificate/paper work from a registered veterinarian. They will just take your money, give you the dog with no guarantees for the puppy's welfare or health.
Advertising. Puppy mills place lots of ads online, in newspapers etc. Reputable breeders don't need to advertise because they often find their adopting families through referrals. Some online postings will go as far as saying "adopt" instead of buy just to gain your trust.
Reluctant for home inspection. Puppy mills in general will not let you see the puppy's living conditions and would rather you meet them in a parking lot.
Puppy Mill FAQ
Please always consider adopting a shelter dog/puppy before buying!
No comments:
Post a Comment