How to Identify and Avoid Puppy Mills
Fighting Back Against Dreadful Puppy Breeding Facilities
Aug 17, 2008
When adopting a puppy, don’t be duped into buying one that comes from a puppy mill. Puppy mills are large-scale breeding facilities where dogs are caged, continually, without proper care, producing massive litters that usually need expensive, as well as extensive medical care after they’re adopted.
Both the parents and the puppies lack socialization and as a result, they suffer from emotional abuse. Owners can spend a considerable amount of time and money on medical costs, as the dogs suffer from lack of socialization, causing anxiety problems. Often frustrated owners are forced to surrender their newly adopted puppy because they can’t afford the medical bills and time required in solving their dog’s social problems.
History of Puppy Mills
Puppy mills were birthed after World War II in an effort to help struggling farmers recover financially because of failed crops. Unfortunately, these farmers weren’t as knowledgeable as they needed to be in breeding dogs and as a result, dogs and puppies were confined in inadequate cages, with deplorable living quarters.
Be Cautious of Internet Ads
This is not to say that all puppies sold online are puppy mill dogs. Sometimes a reputable breeder will use the internet to sell remaining older puppies to make room for an upcoming litter. However, unfortunately, many others use the internet to sell puppies produced in puppy mills.
Beware if the Breeder Wants to Bring Pups to You
Always visit the breeding facilities. If a breeder insists on bringing his pups to you or meeting you somewhere, chances are he’s hiding something.
How to Fight Puppy Mills
- Don’t patronize – This sounds harsh. Woudn’t you want to rescue an innocent puppy? However, by buying from a puppy mill you not only benefit the breeder, but you also make space for more puppies to be born in appalling conditions.
- Spread the word – Caution others about the horrors of puppy mills. This can be done by word of mouth, as well as writing letters to your local newspaper.
- Adopt from shelters – Most shelters have a variety of dogs available, from newborn puppies to older dogs. Although the majority of dogs are usually mixed breeds, many owners contend that they’re heartier than purebreds. Not only will you be getting a puppy (or dog) who’s received love, attention, and medical care from staff members and volunteers who genuinely love animals, but you’ll also be giving a home to an abandoned pet, besides saving money. Most shelters require only a fee of $100 or less, which includes updated shots and medical care. Your new dog also comes to you either spayed or neutered, saving you from having to pay for a future operation.
- Visit a breeder –Visit a reputable breeder that’s close enough for you to drive to their premises. Never buy a dog (even from a breeder) online to have shipped to you. You always want to first check out where the puppies have spent the first few weeks of their lives and meet the parents. If you’re spending big bucks for a purebred you want to make sure the both the mother and father have received proper care. Also, if you’re concerned about getting a hyperactive puppy, look for this trait in the parents, as it will probably be passed on to your new puppy.
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