Quantcast
 
 
 
Top Story
Sit Back, Relax, Get Ready to Rumble
My Journey to the Top
 
 
Latest News
Congress divided on energy plan
 
 
expand
PETS

Inside the Puppy Mills

An investigator's view of the pet-breeding industry.

By Jamie Reno | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 13, 2007 | Updated: 4:03  p.m. ET Dec 13, 2007

« Return to Article

 
Discuss
 
Member Comments
  • Posted By: Nutter1313 @ 04/18/2008 1:43:39 PM

    Comment: To JJlandry6a. First off, how do you know that they didn't call the authorities. Secondly, are you even certain that these conditions are against the law within these states. I know that down south and in the midwest, the animal laws are a lot more lax. Finally, appealing to the public via press conferences and the media is probably the only way other then some real laws that any difference is going to be made. Without stronger laws, the supply is never going to stop unless the demand stops. So attempting to inform the public is probably the only way to make a comprehensive difference. Closing down one puppy mill isn't going to amount to squat in terms of the big picture; another puppy mill will just rise in its place. I still find it hard to believe that people don't know that dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills. When you buy a new car, you go online and do research first. Do people not behave the same way when buying a new dog?

  • Posted By: jjlandry6a @ 04/15/2008 10:00:18 PM

    Comment: And of course, like most of the media whore charities, they don't call the DA or the Sheriff to rescue the animals immediatly, they call a press conference in DC, LA or NY to make more money and get more press. While the puppies still suffer and die. Then they release a video, and the puppies still suffer and die. Then, they go give interviews to barely read magazines to make more money and increase their Everest like ego...and the puppies still suffer and die. How can you sleep at night, cowards?

  • Posted By: CanShe122330 @ 03/31/2008 4:56:59 PM

    Comment: This comment in reference to the post I wrote a few months ago about the experience I had with a suspected puppy farm. The name mentioned in the letter should not have been posted whasoever, meaning they are not the puppy mill operators and have reputable businesses of hobby breeding rather than a puppy farm for profit. Laura Morphis DVM, Joyce Morphis, Sharon Tidwell I am so sorry for listing your names in the same letter which could be looked at as implying you were puppy mill breeders. This was a misunderstanding and I apologize whole heartedly. God Bless.

  • Posted By: DogLoverx9 @ 03/30/2008 11:06:49 PM

    Comment: To whom it may concer about the puppy mills.
    My friend/client posted a letter back in Dec. 07 about which I am not clear as to what all the concern toward telling the truth is about. But I promised I would write this to clear the air so no feeling are hurt let along the dog breeding businesses that would absolutely parish. We all know that it is a crime to have a puppy mill and cmsy2341 wrote a letter about her experience dealing with a vet in Oklahoma. She was a customer twice over buying 2 GSD and was quite happy with her find. Everything went smoothly with no loopholes and became real friends with the vet's mother and mother-in-law, who were the breeders of the dogs cmsy2341 had bought. Not mentioning any names to dig this deeper, or defame anyone over my letter, Cmsy2341 ha mentioned names which she is soley sorry for doing so. I just wanted the viewing audience to know she did not point any fingers at the breeders of the German Shepherd Dogs. it was mainly meant to mean the chihuahua she had bought that was advertised as a purebred and DNA test showed it was not. Name dropping on this site should be kept to a minimum for the simple reason of getting messages twisted and names revealed that should not of been acknowledged. For you viewers out there this was a misunderstanding about the comment from Luv my dogs posted 3/27/08. cmsy2341 was not referring to you on your breeding practices, it was mainly about the puppy mill that the vet offered to sell the dogs in good faith for a lady in Eufaula Ok. The lady was just a friend of a friend at church and the vet was doing her a favor for income. Let this be a lesson to anyone that discusses anything about anyone, do not name drop as it can cause a lot of trouble, I work with law enforcement and know first hand of the problems it can cause not to mention hurt feelings. So again Luv my dogs, cmsy2341 is so sorry for offending you and who all that was mentioned and who all were involved. She could not write this comment for the simple reason of someone reporting her, and you know who that was, this is why I am here to clear the air. In my estimation logic tells me that a licensed Vet should not be so trusting of who they help out in the near future for this reason. Cmsy2341 got a dog that was passed off as a purebred and that is a crime. These forums are for the sole purpose of information of citizens experiences and opinions not for the punishment that it can entail on slanderous misdeeds. I hope this has cleared up the misunderstanding with the 3 people mentioned, I am here to keep the peace. Thank you for reading and exercising your right to your own opinion.

  • Posted By: Luv my dogs @ 03/27/2008 4:41:22 AM

    Comment: The ??? after friendly and customers were my typo mistakes. Sure picked cruddy places to make errors. Sorry....thought I had proofed it.

  • Posted By: Luv my dogs @ 03/27/2008 4:39:07 AM

    Comment: The question marks after friendly and customers were my stupid typo mistakes. Sure picked crudy places to make errors. Sorry....thought I had proof read it.

  • Posted By: Luv my dogs @ 03/27/2008 4:33:05 AM

    Comment: Comment:I agree that puppy mills are wrong, should be illegal, and the people involved
    should be punished.My concern is that one dissatisfied customer may decide to make false complaints against respectable breeders whose sole goal is to raise quality, happy, and healthy puppies.No one should have the power to post a blatant lie that causes the integrity of responsible breeders to be questioned.My name is Sharon Tidwell of Checotah, OK. I have raised German Shepherds off and on for 42+ yrs.Currently; I have two GS dogs being used for breeding purposes.Candace Shepard-Younce posted a bald-faced lie (see cmsy2341@12/17/2007) when she stated I run a puppy mill and I can prove it. On 8/29/2007 6:12 pm AKC Executive Field Agent Timothy Smith met with me for the purpose of auditing my record keeping practices, dogs, and facilities.Agent Smith's AKC Compliance Report reads as follows: "Met with Sharon K Tidwell and toured her facility. This facility consists of a pole building on dirt with plastic doghouses.The food is kept in metal hoppers and the water is in plastic buckets.There is plenty of shading for the dogs in each if the pens. All of the dogs are very sociable and very friendly???.Sharon K Tidwell sells most of her dogs by face to face, and mostly by word of mouth and repeat buyers. (One family has purchased 4 puppies.)This customer specializes in the German Shepherds breeds. At this time, this kennel meets the AKC Care and Conditions Policies." My daughter, Laura L. Morphis, DVM is a respected, intelligent, and caring veterinarian that has rescued and cared for dogs, cats and other animals at her own expense.In fact, Dr. Morphis presented Oklahoma Representative Ed Cannaday with a comprehensive alternative plan to the Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance Protection Act Section 689.51 and Section 689.52.Joyce Morphis is a loves her dogs and would never be involved with a loathsome puppy mill.Laura, Joyce and I have numerous satisfied customers??? references, which we will gladly share. All the dogs we raise, regardless of the breed, are healthy and sociable.Our AKC breeds meet the highest standards of quality. One of the GS pups is being certified as a Drug Enforcement Officer.And, at least 2 are in Search and Rescue training. We are reputable breeders that love our dogs and treat them with the utmost love and kindness.On January 17 Sara, our oldest retired dam, lost her battle to cancer at the tender age of eleven.She received Hospice care, was allowed to die with dignity, and was buried in her favorite part of the pasture.We still mourn her passing.Please consider the accusations you read about people and take the time to verify the facts before you judge.Some innocent people, like us, are being hurt.If we are forced to quit raising these excellent breeds of quality dogs, police/law/military agencies and individuals/families who are looking for the perfect puppy will be the ones that suffer the loss.

  • Posted By: Ohio Realtor @ 02/18/2008 12:17:42 AM

    Comment: My Story on why to never buy from puppy mills...

    www.youshouldown.com/2008/01/dont-buy-new-puppy.asp

  • Posted By: kim4dogs @ 02/15/2008 10:22:09 AM

    Comment: THANK YOU THANK YOU for this article. We need to shed light on what is happening - most people have no idea. I rescue dogs in northern IN, right in the middle of Amish puppy mill territory, so we see the worst of what happens in the dogs we take in. Yet, most people in the communities around here have no clue what is going on inside these barns!! no clue! My only question - why can't this article be printed in your magazine that is sold on shelves?? More people need to know!

  • Posted By: kim4dogs @ 02/15/2008 10:19:39 AM

    Comment: Thank you SO MUCH for covering this story!! Exposure needs to take place - people have no idea what is going on. I work with a rescue in northern IN, right smack dab in the middle of Amish puppy mill country. And yet people who live here don't have a clue what is going on. Thank you so much for your article!! My only questions is: Why can't it be printed in the magazine that is sold on shelves????

  • Posted By: Sharico66 @ 02/14/2008 3:04:39 PM

    Comment: Unfortunately Americans are so rapped up in instant gratification that this spills into getting a pet. NEVER EVER BUY a mammal (dog, cat, etc) from a pet store. These pets are like having a furry kid. THEY ARE NOT DISPOSABLE ITEMS. I work with breed specific dog rescue. In 2007 we placed 33 dogs. Over the years, of the dogs that we had access to their registration papers, could be traced to one breeder in Kansas. This breeder is known for supplying most of the Colorado front range pet stores. If you want a dog or a cat, PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST. GET THE ANIMAL FROM A SHELTER OR RESCUE GROUP or a RESPONSIBLE BREEDER.. A responsible breeder with always take your animal back if it isn't working out. They will also do the approriate health testing on the parents to try and prevent a litter with inherited health issues.PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM SOMEONE THAT ADVERTISES THEIR PUPPIES AND KITTENS IN THE NEWSPAPER. THESE PEOPLE AREN'T RESPONSIBLE. You don't breed a litter unless you have the committed buyers lined up for all of the litter. Just because it's "registered purebred" doesn't mean it's a healthy animal or doesn't have inherited temperment problems for the parents.

  • Posted By: PuppyLubber @ 02/13/2008 10:55:22 AM

    Comment: There should be Major Laws against this sort of thing because it is just like murder but no one C's it that way because they think they are just animals WRONG they are not just animals they are living breathing things so why would you do that to them I mean would you kill your own son or daughter no so why do it to someone elses

  • Posted By: PuppyLubber @ 02/13/2008 10:51:13 AM

    Comment: There Should Be laws against this kind of thing

  • Posted By: PuppyLubber @ 02/13/2008 10:49:22 AM

    Comment: I'm sorry But that is so wrong because these puppy got a chance at life and now these people are going to ruin it by not treating and caring for them in the right way They didn't do anything to deserve some thing like that to happen to them

  • Posted By: Elfen_arya @ 02/12/2008 8:48:15 AM

    Comment: It is immensely cruel for people to treat puppies that way. Each puppy has feelings and a life of its' own and I don't think they deserve to be treated like some stuffed animal or a rolled up carpet. I have multiple animals myself and if any ONE of them ever got into trouble like this, I would press charges, even if most of the animals were not mine. I do not think that the people who run businesses like this realize that they are ruining many lives by doing this, and harming so many that it may come as second nature to them. It's horrible to see creatures treated this way.... When I watch Animal Cops on Animal Planet I am appalled at the situations they find animals in. I am sure that if they ever went to one of these puppy mills they would be just as appalled. I love creatures such as these, and if I saw something like this I could not stand it. I would have to take action right away against the puppy mills owners. I would be.. ROYALL TICKED OFF!!

  • Posted By: bridgeta @ 02/11/2008 8:42:11 PM

    Comment: actually, we don't have animal abuse laws at all. i saw a man stab a puppy to death one time, he got 2 months and a fine, animal abuse is considered a moistener, the most ppl get 4 animal abuse is 2 years, and this mostly b/c of other charges.....hopefully one day we will get stronger animal rights, then maybe places like, testing labs, fur farms, factory farms and things like circuses and bull fighting can be stopped.....i hope one day animals will get the justice they deserve....

  • Posted By: TiffanyP @ 01/28/2008 4:43:40 PM

    Comment: There is a pet store here in Las Vegas that I go into occasionally to look at the puppies. Everytime I go in I am disgusted by what I see. I worked for animal control for a while and you can look at animals and know that something is wrong with them. Most the puppies there having really running eyes and noses and are coughing all over the place. It's obvious they have upper respitory infections and the people working there just turn a blind eye to it. It breaks my heart to see them in that condition and know that those people see it and just dont care. As for the animal shelter out here it's ridiculous what you have to pay and go through to get a pet. Most of the dogs cost over 400 dollars. That is outrageous when you can buy a pure bred registered dog for a little more depending on breed. And I completely agree with Cheyennes comments they are very accurate and truthfull.

  • Posted By: Cheyenne @ 01/22/2008 2:40:53 PM

    Comment: I am active in rescue. The only way to keep sane and be able to continue to rescue dogs is to realize that we can't save them all. If everyone looking for a dog would rescue just one. If you believe that rescuing one dog won't change the world, you are right, but you can change the world for that one dog. Saving dogs one life at a time is what rescue is all about. Please consider giving a home to a homeless, unwanted dog.

  • Posted By: TigerLily2 @ 01/22/2008 9:53:55 AM

    Comment: I had a bad experience going through a web site for a puppy. Even though she bred championship dogs, this puppy was sickly. The puppy was older (four months). It was obvious she had never been on grass (probably kept in a cage all her life). My vet told me to take her back and get a refund. She was avoiding me (easy to do since she was in another city). I started calling other show breeders and asking them questions about her. I talked to the breed's club. I made a stink. The women finally agreed to refund most of my money. I reported her to organizations and to the humane society.

  • Posted By: TigerLily2 @ 01/22/2008 9:45:32 AM

    Comment: I had a bad experience by going through a web site and being fooled by a breeder of championship dogs. The dog I received was slightly older, maybe four months old. She had health problems. My vet said to report her and then get my money back. It was obvious this puppy had never been on grass or socialized. I called the breed club. I spoke with other show breeders and questioned them about her. They were careful not to say much, but the stink I caused, made the woman refund most of my money. Sadly, I gave the dog back and then reported her. It was a horrible experience.

  • Posted By: deedee985 @ 01/21/2008 9:32:49 PM

    Comment: Shot down the puppy mills!!! Put the owners in jail!! We have laws against animal cruelty!!
    When is all the suffering and abuse for greed going to stop???

  • Posted By: narvick @ 01/21/2008 9:31:18 PM

    Comment: Shot down the puppy mills!!! Put the owners in jail!! We have laws against animal cruelty!!
    When is all the suffering and abuse for greed going to stop???

  • Posted By: mike1964 @ 01/09/2008 7:28:02 PM

    Comment: If someone were truly concerned about dogs it seems to me he would find an adoptable dog or puppy at a shelter or through a rescue group. I've been visiting shelters and rescue groups for about ten years now and there has never been a lack of adoptable dogs. I have seen all types of dogs-big, small, puppies and older dogs, hairy and short-haired, in a multitude of shapes and colors as well. I submit that based upon my experience, nobody should have difficulty finding a dog through a shelter or rescue group. That is, unless you want the status of owning a purebreed. Or perhaps you are unable to find that perfect "accessory". Getting a new dog is a serious committment-not one for the vain or selfish!

  • Posted By: fredfrank @ 12/30/2007 12:09:44 AM

    Comment: uppityoldlady, I believe articles and headline news such as this are to SHOCK people and to make them do their research. If they had articles praising good kennel owners, these uneducated puppy buyers would assume all kennel owners were humane--but this is not true. People aren't going to budge unless things like this are shoved in their faces. I know the article makes people like you guilty by association, because it's biased, but it sheds light on to an otherwise, hidden problem.

  • Posted By: uppityoldlady @ 12/29/2007 6:12:38 PM

    Comment: I was a kennel operator in the mid west for many years. Quite frankly no one wants to hear about the
    responsible breeders. When a network tv crew was coming in to film at a bad place there were 3 kennel owners, myself included who invited them to film our facility to show both sides. They declined. It did not create sensational headlines to visit a clean humane operation. yes, there are careless, inumane breeders but there are also people who take pride in the operation. Think about it. These dogs are your livelihood. Like any oher animal operation the better care you take the more valuable the off spring and the more money you make.

    • Posted By: Cheyenne @ 01/22/2008 14:48:42

      Comment: And what, if anything, are you doing to put pressure on the puppy mill kennels to clean up their act and start treating dogs as the loving companion animals they are meant to be instead of a money making commodity?

  • Posted By: uppityoldlady @ 12/29/2007 6:10:15 PM

    Comment: I was a kennel operator in the mid west for many years. Quite frankly no one wants to hear about the
    responsible breeders. When a network tv crew was coming in to film at a bad place there were 3 kennel owners, myself included who invited them to film our facility to show both sides. They declined. It did not create sensational headlines to visit a clean humane operation. yes, there are careless, inumane breeders but there are also people who take pride in the operation. Think about it. These dogs are your livelihood. Like any oher animal operation the better care you take the more valuable the off spring and the more money you make.

  • Posted By: AZsnowflake @ 12/26/2007 5:47:15 PM

    Comment: We bought a Shitzu about 6 years ago that was advertised in the paper. we got her sight-unseen. she had b een mauled by a bigger dog apparently and still had scabs to prove it. She had no idea what real dog food was. She had no papers and was at least 10 pounds under weight. We had gotten her with the hopes of breeding her once and then having her spayed. Our Vet. said she had a really bad infection so could never have babies again. We all are convinced she was used in a type of puppy mill. We love her totally. We have her over feeling threatened by men in particular and little kids. We were really in shock when the people dropped her off. They really did not want us coming to their place of business. we should have reported the phone number to some kind of authorities....

  • Posted By: vstanol @ 12/26/2007 3:07:02 PM

    Comment: I was shocked to see that puppymills are so widespread. Fortunately, there are some big-hearted people left to uncover this atrocity. I encourage people to visit where your prospective puppy was raised, by a reputable, AKC-approved breeder. Not all websites are for puppymills. I encourage people to visit my house wherein I raise my poodles. Of course, you have to disinfect your shoes and hands first. I have a non-dog-related job that pays my bills. I'm just trying to promote this perfect breed and most of my website, poodlepassion . com, is devoted to understanding and care of this breed. Also, if you don't meet my standards, you don't get one of my puppies, and I DON'T sell to pet stores.

  • Posted By: vstanol @ 12/26/2007 3:04:58 PM

    Comment: I was shocked to see that puppymills are so widespread. Fortunately, there are some big-hearted people left to uncover this atrocity. I encourage people to visit where your prospective puppy was raised, by a reputable, AKC-approved breeder. Not all websites are for puppymills. I encourage people to visit my house wherein I raise my poodles. Of course, you have to disinfect your shoes and hands first. I have a non-dog-related job that pays my bills. I'm just trying to promote this perfect breed and most of my website, poodlepassion . com, is devoted to understanding and care of this breed. Also, if you don't meet my standards, you don't get one of my puppies.

  • Posted By: Mwalimu @ 12/20/2007 12:46:18 AM

    Comment: Why spend so much for a pedigreed puppy? There are all sorts of animal shelters filled with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens who desperately need good homes. Get your pet there

  • Posted By: NOVA Animal Lover @ 12/18/2007 12:08:07 PM

    Comment: Under what authority do "Investigators" from HSUS operate? What are their qualifications for their job? How are their "undercover investigations" not warrantless searches? They behave as if they have enforcement authority, and are often quoted as if they are a government agency or somehow "official," but they are simply a private organization with a huge budget. They have created and defined the term, "puppy mill," but I have never seen that defined as a legal term, so they can call whatever they want to a "puppy mill." They have done that to licensed commercial breeders before, who had no legal violations, and have threatened them with arrest unless the breeders turned over their dogs--as if the HSUS has any such authority (they do not). In addition, the photo of the Boston terrier with mange is apparently not from the breeder who is the subject of the article, but the placement of the photo would make readers think that this breeder's dogs look like that. I do not consider this article responsible journalism.

    • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/18/2007 23:12:12

      Comment: The actions of the HSUS in these cases are obviously, at best, theft under false pretenses. Under RICO their entire organization can be abolished and all of their assets taken. It would be about time, too.

      • Posted By: pupfriend @ 12/20/2007 01:53:19

        Comment: Nova animal lover: A puppy mill is an establishment that breeds dogs, and sells the puppies in litter lots.
        Around 45 or 50 years ago there was a business called EXcaliber International. A guy named Walt Wehr ran it. He put ada all across the U.S. in newspapers, offering to buy "all of your puppies, sight unseen". He boughtentire litters of pups at a flat rate. Paid for shipping, vaccinations, and health certificates. (there could be one issued for the whole litter). He sold them to pet stores all over the U.S. at about a 300% profit. Then the pet stores sold them to unsuspecting customers at about a 500% profit. He wasn't the only puppy broker, but he was one of the largest.
        Hobby breeders were outraged. They got together, and decided to "blackball" any person who sold entire litters to anyone for a flat fee, whether a puppy broker, or a pet store. The BREEDERS labeled them "puppy millers", and refused to do any kind of business with them. They were shunned at any dog sporting event, and no dog club would allow them to join. NO ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST ORGANIZATION, OR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY COINED THE NAME. It doesn't have anything to do with conditions of the facility, or number of dogs housed there. Only that the pups were sold in litter lots to a broker, or pet store. AND it didn't matter if it was one litter, or 100. If you did it once, your place was labeled as a puppy mill. Redeeming yourself took much time, and effort, in the hobby breeding circle. They were a tight knit group then.
        It caused a lot of breeders to stop the practice, but the "back yard breeders", (breeders who bred pets with profit at the forefront, and no concern about quality) kept furnishing him with pups. The novice buyer, and the ethical hobby breeder, whoput so much time, money, and effort into improving their breed, only to see examples of that breed go south at the hands of unscrupulous puppy millers, were the victims. But even more so, the puppies.
        That IS the true definition of a puppy mill. I know, 'cause I was there. When I bought my first registered puppy in 1966 I had to sigh a contract stipulating that when I bred my female, I would never sell the puppies in litter lots, or to a pet store, or puppy broker. HSUS, and PeTa weren't even around then, and the ASPCA wasn't as gung ho about dog's rights as they are now. I don't think the phrase, "animal RIGHTS" was even a term. That came later with the Activists. Groups, we definitely need to protest. I hope this helps those of you who were asking (What exactly IS a puppy mill?) It's NOT a legal term in any way.

  • Posted By: nadjalyn @ 12/17/2007 10:50:17 PM

    Comment: my x-mas wish is for all puppy mills to be shut down as quickly as possible, but in order for this to take place we must STOP PURCHASING INNOCENT ABUSED AND TORTURE ANIMALS [ KNOW AS PET [ from this puppy mill organization, it would be a dream come true if this puppy mills came to an end once and for all.

  • Posted By: larinajs @ 12/17/2007 9:33:21 PM

    Comment: I've read a lot of the posts here. I think the only way to get a pet is from a shelter or rescue group. If we stop buying them from pet stores and any type of breeder we can shut this system down. It's up to us as consumers. If we don't buy, then there is no demand and they will shut down.

    • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/18/2007 23:12:58

      Comment: If the local pet store hadn't priced itself out of the market I would make a point of buying from them just to spite that idea.

  • Posted By: larinajs @ 12/17/2007 9:33:05 PM

    Comment: I've read a lot of the posts here. I think the only way to get a pet is from a shelter or rescue group. If we stop buying them from pet stores and any type of breeder we can shut this system down. It's up to us as consumers. If we don't buy, then there is no demand and they will shut down.

    • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/18/2007 11:03:58

      Comment: There are not enough dogs in shelters or rescue groups to meet the demand for puppies. We need breeders. What we need are reputable, responsible breeders who screen homes, take back the pups they breed for their whole lives, health test, and breed a limited number of litters.

      About 3-4 million dogs enter shelters each year. A scootch more than half of those are either reclaimed, transferred to rescue, or adopted. About 7 million or so new homes are available for dogs each year. There are about twice as many home available as there are dogs in shelters.

      Hurting reputable breeders does not help dogs. Owners will still want dogs - and if they can't get one from a good breeder, they'll go to a shady one.

      We need to encourage people to look to shelters and rescue first, and to insist on a reputable breeder if they buy a pup.

      • Posted By: Cheyenne @ 01/22/2008 14:58:57

        Comment: You need to recheck your figures, Sally Girl. There are at any given time about 10 million companion animals without homes in the U.S. About 4 million of those will be euthanized annually, their only crime being unwanted victims in a throwaway society. To say that there aren't enough dogs in shelters and rescues for every one who wants a dog is a stupid and uneducated comment.

    • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/18/2007 11:03:54

      Comment: There are not enough dogs in shelters or rescue groups to meet the demand for puppies. We need breeders. What we need are reputable, responsible breeders who screen homes, take back the pups they breed for their whole lives, health test, and breed a limited number of litters.

      About 3-4 million dogs enter shelters each year. A scootch more than half of those are either reclaimed, transferred to rescue, or adopted. About 7 million or so new homes are available for dogs each year. There are about twice as many home available as there are dogs in shelters.

      Hurting reputable breeders does not help dogs. Owners will still want dogs - and if they can't get one from a good breeder, they'll go to a shady one.

      We need to encourage people to look to shelters and rescue first, and to insist on a reputable breeder if they buy a pup.

      • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/18/2007 11:23:19

        Comment: One other comment - a certain percentage of the dogs in shelters are not adoptable, but adoption rates, with the right programs, can go as high as 92%. A great approach is documented in the book "Redemption", by Nathan Winograd, about how shelters can out-compete puppy mills.

        When shelter dogs are effectively promoted, pet stores find that they can't compete.

  • Posted By: atkaman @ 12/17/2007 8:36:19 PM

    Comment: Dog lovers clean up this system. Animal rights groups around the country lets get rid of the puppy mills. These folks are not fit to be in business. I wonder how they would feel living under the conditions these animals live under. Its nothing but greed and corruption. It's ashame we just look the other way. Wake up America it''s time to clean house.

    • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/18/2007 23:13:49

      Comment: The HSUS needs to be cleaned up. It is nothing but greed and corruption.

  • Posted By: DMVL @ 12/17/2007 8:02:53 PM

    Comment: "Papers" on their own are worthless. If you are going to spend hundreds of dollars on a dog, you ought to be researching the breed and visiting breeders before you get one. A good breeder is one who wants to get to know you, invites you over to help socialize the puppies, makes you sign a contract that says if you can no longer care for the dog, the dog will go back to her. The breeder wants to know you so you go home with the right puppy for you. Puppies need to be socialized early so that they are comfortable around humans. The contract makes sure the dog always has a good home.

  • Posted By: bennett6252 @ 12/17/2007 7:32:10 PM

    Comment: "Papers" are worthless. They mean nothing. The AKC gives papers to puppy mill puppies.

    And dogs wiith horrible genetic defects some from "show dog breeders" and have "pedigrees" or "papers."

    • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/19/2007 11:10:23

      Comment: In fairness, the AKC does inspect breeders and does has a DNA testing program. Because of that, the puppy mills started their own registries - that don't inspect or DNA test. The AKC isn't perfect, but it's a million times better than these for profit "registries."

      As far as pups with defects, show breeders are actually MORE likely to health test the parents, and when they do so, they tend to produce pups that are healthier than average. There are extensive programs to insure that purebred dogs are healthy, if the breeders choose to use them. Most show breeders, and most serious working and performance breeders, do. Most commercial and casual breeders do not.

      Check out the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and their CHIC program (all aspects of health, not just orthopedics) at www.offa.org , or the AKC Canine Health Foundation at www.akcchf.org - there is an amazing amount of effort on health being put forth by responsible breeders that helps ALL dogs, not just purebreds.

  • Posted By: boxermom03 @ 12/17/2007 7:24:16 PM

    Comment: Thanks for bringing this story to the forefront at a time when families are looking for a cute, quick gift that will be found in a shelter or pound 2 or 3 months from now when the newness has worn off and the responsibility of being a pet owner has sunk in. While mant good animals can be found in shelters, it's wrong to blankly state to people to get their pet from a shelter and forget what's offered at pet stores or online. The wise future pet owner should prepare for their addition - size when full grown, temperment, food consumption and how much grooming it will require. Additionally, check the animal's blood lines if seeking a "papered" pet. And, lastly, look at the home from which the animal has come:
    clean, room to stretch and play, etc. Ask to see one or both parents, which should be on-site or easily acessible. Then make your decision.

  • Posted By: boxermom03 @ 12/17/2007 7:10:16 PM

    Comment: Thanks for opening the eyes of those that aren't smart enough to check the background from which their puppy came. It's wrong to blankly state that people should get dogs from shelters instead of pet stores and online. People purchasing puppies should actually check the puppy's papers and or bloodline. The wise pet owner should be offered the opportunity to visit the site from which the puppy was housed and raised it first 6 - 8 weeksand see one or both of the puppy's parents on site

  • Posted By: bennett6252 @ 12/17/2007 6:56:42 PM

    Comment: Info on the Petland stores (they sell puppies from puppy mills) at http://www.petstorecruelty.org/boycottpetland.htm

    Very com plete info on puppy mills and what to do at http://stoppuppymills.org/

  • Posted By: bennett6252 @ 12/17/2007 6:46:44 PM

    Comment: As you can see by some of these posts, there are VETERINARIANS and VET STUDENTS in the puppy and kitten mill business.

    Unethical and immoral. And quite possibly illegal.

    They need to be reported.

  • Posted By: bennett6252 @ 12/17/2007 6:43:04 PM

    Comment: The poster Concerned Citizen represents the hobby or "reputable" breeders that help support the puppy mills.They aren't as "reputable" as they claim!

    They spread smear about humane groups, because humane groups have exposed the truth about the ugliness of the dog breeder world.

    The AKC (that these hobby breeders are a part of) is IN the puppy mill business. The AKC makes 80 percent of its income registering puppy mill dogs. That is what pays for the "hobby" breeders' dog shows, breed club activities, purebred dog promotion, AKC salaries, etc

    So the AKC gets naive "hobby" breeders to oppose legislation and laws to crack down on puppy mills. The AKC needs the money, and the hobby breeders profit personally from puppy mill money!

    These breeders also lie about humane groups, and spread nonsense about "ending breeding" - anything to help suppress the truth about the mills and keep them in operation and unregulated.

    Not to mention, hobby breeders ARE making money, are NOT paying taxes, and don't want to be licensed or follow rules!

    The dog breeding world is an ugly, sordid one based on fraud, lies, and abuse.

    • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/18/2007 11:13:02

      Comment: Bennett, reputable brders do not help support puppy mills. They criticize puppy mills as much, or more, than humane groups. They pay for advertising to combat mills via their breed clubs.

      Yes, they criticize humane groups when they deserve criticism - as we all should. The reputable breeder world is not ugly.

      The AKC does NOT make 80% of its income from puppy mill dogs. About 80% of AKC breeders register one or two litters in a lifetime. About 7-10% are hobby breeders. Commercial breeders make up the remainder.

      Most commercial breeders now are NOT registering AKC, because AKC does inspections and DNA testing. The puppy mills have started their own registries that do not do inspections or verify parentage of puppies.

      Dog shows are paid for by the dog clubs. Breed club activities are paid for by the breed clubs via dues. AKC does not pay for dog shows or for breed club activities.

      Hobby breeders do not make a profit. They do pay taxes when owed. They usually do not owe taxes on activities that operate at a loss. Reputable breeders do a good job, usually at a loss, because they love dogs. It costs a lot to breed dogs well and to be responsible.

      Obviously you dont know much about the reputable breeding world, but it would be good not to spread misinformation.

  • Posted By: bennett6252 @ 12/17/2007 6:23:53 PM

    Comment: cmsy, you can research your puppy's origins at http://www.petshoppuppies.org/

    File a report http://stoppuppymills.org/forms/tell_us_your_story.html

  • Posted By: Mooey558 @ 12/17/2007 5:31:28 PM

    Comment: I agree that "animal" mills should be shut down. The animals that are being bred should be kept in clean areas, loved and socialized just like our pets. I recently bought a pure-breed puppy, but not before I did some research on the breeder that I had contacted and as one of the other people posting - i walked around their property and saw that the dogs were not kept outside, except when they were whelping and then there was a vet tech on the property to help and make sure that everything went ok. The breeder was also a veterinary student and took care of the puppies and the parents exceptionally well. As for adopting from rescues, I totally agree with that as well. I have 3 cats that are rescued, and two dogs that are now well into their senior years -one is 18 and the other is 11. They are very well taken care of now, but they came to me with a lot of issues having been abused and starved by so-called "normal" loving people. You don't have to own an "animal" mill to think that animals are propery to be treated any way you like and then disposed of whenever they don't fit into your life or your idea of what a pet should be. Treating animals with respect as well as people is a good idea.

  • Posted By: reneem07 @ 12/17/2007 5:10:00 PM

    Comment: Not only do the puppy mills need to be shut down, so do the kitty mills. I purchased a Seal Point Hemi from a supposedly "reputable breeder." I found her online and she appeared to be very sincere in her knowledge and love for cats. I was horrified when I arrived at her home, (3 hours from my house) she had at least 6 litters of kittens, the place reeked of urine and the cats were terrified of humans. She had them in small cages, and some were free to roam. I had already put down a (very large) deposit and was commited to purchasing the kitten, I got her home on December 1 and she was sick for two solid weeks, my trips to the vet did not seem to be helping and she was not diagnoised with any disease. However, she was not old enough to leave her mother and I found out later via e-mail from this breeder that she was not fully weaned. The stress of being yanked away from her mother and no socialization took a toll on her. I am glad to say that she is doing much better now. I have learned my very hard lesson about these mills. Both my dogs were rescue dogs, one found on the side of the road, ( I've had him for 14 years!) . Cats By Francy in Lafayette La was the name of the kitty mill.

  • Posted By: cmsy2341 @ 12/17/2007 4:30:06 PM

    Comment: How can we obtain and investigate some of these breeders that run puppy mills? To get information about some of these puppy mills is one thing but why not list the address of operations so the public can beware of buying a dog from them. Exploit them to the public , the investigators can't do their jobs 24/7, I personally would like to know where these mills are located. In fact I bought a chihuahua from Oklahoma and she runs and hides whenever she hears a loud noice or people visiting my home. It took a huge amount of trust for her to come near me. And was told by the seller (Veternarian) that she came from a lady she knows from church that breeds dogs, and is the only means of income. That tells me that this dog was bred at a puppy mill in Eufaula Oklahoma, the address where my dog was sent from. The vet lives in Checotah, and Wewoka where she does her practice. Dropping names: Laura Morphis DVM; Joyce Morphis; Sharon Tidwell all of Oklahoma. So the public beware. If anyone knows of more puppy mills in that state or have bought a dog from there I would like to talk to you, as well as the HSUS. I support the Humane Society and ASPCA, MWASPCA (MidWest ).
    Cshepardyounce@hotmail.com

    • Posted By: Luv my dogs @ 03/27/2008 04:45:30

      Comment: Comment: Comment:I agree that puppy mills are wrong, should be illegal, and the people involved
      should be punished.My concern is that one dissatisfied customer may decide to make false complaints against respectable breeders whose sole goal is to raise quality, happy, and healthy puppies.No one should have the power to post a blatant lie that causes the integrity of responsible breeders to be questioned.My name is Sharon Tidwell of Checotah, OK. I have raised German Shepherds off and on for 42+ yrs.Currently; I have two GS dogs being used for breeding purposes.Candace Shepard-Younce posted a bald-faced lie (see cmsy2341@12/17/2007) when she stated I run a puppy mill and I can prove it. On 8/29/2007 6:12 pm AKC Executive Field Agent Timothy Smith met with me for the purpose of auditing my record keeping practices, dogs, and facilities.Agent Smith's AKC Compliance Report reads as follows: "Met with Sharon K Tidwell and toured her facility. This facility consists of a pole building on dirt with plastic doghouses.The food is kept in metal hoppers and the water is in plastic buckets.There is plenty of shading for the dogs in each if the pens. All of the dogs are very sociable and very friendly.Sharon K Tidwell sells most of her dogs by face to face, and mostly by word of mouth and repeat buyers. (One family has purchased 4 puppies.)This customer specializes in the German Shepherds breeds. At this time, this kennel meets the AKC Care and Conditions Policies." My daughter, Laura L. Morphis, DVM is a respected, intelligent, and caring veterinarian that has rescued and cared for dogs, cats and other animals at her own expense.In fact, Dr. Morphis presented Oklahoma Representative Ed Cannaday with a comprehensive alternative plan to the Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance Protection Act Section 689.51 and Section 689.52.Joyce Morphis is a loves her dogs and would never be involved with a loathsome puppy mill.Laura, Joyce and I have numerous satisfied customers references, which we will gladly share. All the dogs we raise, regardless of the breed, are healthy and sociable.Our AKC breeds meet the highest standards of quality. One of the GS pups is being certified as a Drug Enforcement Officer.And, at least 2 are in Search and Rescue training. We are reputable breeders that love our dogs and treat them with the utmost love and kindness.On January 17 Sara, our oldest retired dam, lost her battle to cancer at the tender age of eleven.She received Hospice care, was allowed to die with dignity, and was buried in her favorite part of the pasture.We still mourn her passing.Please consider the accusations you read about people and take the time to verify the facts before you judge.Some innocent people, like us, are being hurt.If we are forced to quit raising these excellent breeds of quality dogs, police/law/military agencies and individuals/families who are looking for the perfect puppy will be the ones that suffer the loss.
      Enter Your Comment

    • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/18/2007 23:23:44

      Comment: I wouldn't give the HSUS the time of day.

  • Posted By: newsjunqie @ 12/17/2007 1:28:56 PM

    Comment: Puppies aren't the only "mill" animal. Parrot breeders are also guilty, particularly where it's just a business. I saw firsthand that Birds Unlimited, a large bird store in Metairie, LA, is guilty of being a mill. The backroom conditions were ugly and they hide the pathetically deformed birds under counters hoping they'll also sell them to tender-hearted people. What the purchasers don't know is that the birds are deformed because the fledglings were in small cages when they were hatched and their mothers had to lay on them, so the young birds chests and legs couldn't develop normally. The pet business is a big one, and purchasers need to make informed decisions about who they get their animals from. If these people continue to make a profit, they can and will stay in business. I would love to see all of these businesses closed.

  • Posted By: Concerened Citizen @ 12/17/2007 1:11:09 PM

    Comment: Sure there are bad breeders out there, but one thing the Humane Society and PETA (not mentioned in this artlce, but they are in MANY other artices just like this one) repeatedly try to do is make the problem sound bigger and worse then it really is. They aren't trying to shut down the "bad" breeders... they are trying to shut down ALL breeders, even the good ones. Why is it that these people complain about the poor health of puppy-mill (and pet store dogs), but tell you to adopt from their shelters (for a fee) when nearly all their dogs came from those places a few homes ago! You are not getting a better/healthier dog if you adopt (always for a price) from a shelter. If you want a healthy dog go to a small hobby breeder who health tests and see the kennel where they were born and raised. That is the ONLY way to get a healthy well adjusted dog.

    • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/18/2007 11:15:41

      Comment: Actually, HSUS has a guide to finding a good breeder on their web site. Some of the employees oppose all breeders, but I dont think the official policy is that draconian. I believe Wayne Pacelle (president of HSUS) even said there was a need for good breeders on his blog.

      It's Peta that opposes all deliberate breeding of animals.

  • Posted By: lutesouth @ 12/17/2007 11:50:53 AM

    Comment: It scares me that you think getting a dog from a shelter is the solution. Many of these dogs are owner surrender animals with severe health and behavioral issues. The increased restrictions against breeding family pets, along with dollar penalties on non-altered animals has driven the demand for purebred puppies into an underground type situaiton. Puppy mills are BAD, but government regulations are worse.

    • Posted By: Cheyenne @ 01/22/2008 15:17:14

      Comment: On the contrary, most of the dogs in shelters will make fine, loyal companion animals if given a chance. Sometimes owners have to move and can't take the pet along. Sometimes owners die. And sometimes these poor dogs are just victims of our throw away society whose owners have grown tired of them. People think that when they take their pet to a shelter that the shelter will find the dog a good home. If they only knew that most likely their special friend will end up being euthanized because people think just like you do that there is something wrong with the dog. More than likely the problem was the owner not the dog.

  • Posted By: Cssndra @ 12/17/2007 10:27:43 AM

    Comment: I bought my Golden from a breeder here in Georgia after doing a good bit of research. I walked the property - and it was no puppy mill. It was a working farm, and the owner bred two types of dogs and did NOT breed them every time the dogs were in season.

    I now have a wonderful, year old darling dog. I picked her up at six weeks and being the runt of the litter was a bit small, but she has now come into her own. Her littermates were all in excellent health, and I was provided with the papers of the parents, the grand parents, and all the vetrinary records of neo natal and then puppy care.

    I found this to be a fantastic experience, and would do it again.

    That being said, I had previously purchased a kitten from a pet store...something I will never do again. Evidently, the kitten had been raised in a filthy environment, which led to her having contracted some sort of parasite that ate her brain. I had her four days before she started having convulsions and died in my arms.

    Bad People - No Biscuits!

  • Posted By: kombucha @ 12/17/2007 8:19:36 AM

    Comment: You'd think some high-end L.A. pet store could actually afford their animals from breeders who have better quality and probably purebred animals. Well, then again I'm not that surprised.

  • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/17/2007 7:05:58 AM

    Comment: pk

    • Posted By: SallyLuv @ 12/17/2007 07:12:10

      Comment: My apologies - I hit post by accident. I wanted to comment - there are good breeders out there. If you are looking for a good dog breeder, look for someone who (1) requires that you visit their home, and lets you see where their dogs are raised, (2) does not let you take a puppy home the same day you meet them, (3) asks you to fill out an application or asks extensive questions, including asking for references, (4) provides a :"safety net" for the pups they breed by insisting on taking back any puppy that does not work out, regardless of age or health status - if you get divorced, if you get sick, the dog should always be able to go back to a good breeder to be rehomed, (5) is active with their dogs in some sort of performance activity, work, or competition, (6) does health testing appropriate for their breed, (7) breeds a limited number of litters per year and a very limited (1-3) number of breeds.

      There are breed clubs that specify all of the above in a written code of ethics, and there are good breeders out there that abide by them.

      People who do all these things are working to preserve a breed of dog, not to make money. If puppy buyers were as careful about WHERE they got their dog, and who they support with their dollars, as they are about where they get their car, there would be no puppy mills.

      Look at rescue and shelters first - and check out Petfinder - but if you really want a purebred puppy, take the time and energy to find a good breeder. YOU, the puppy buyer, can eliminate puppy mills by BEING CAREFUL. No buyers, no mills.

  • Posted By: DeborahL @ 12/17/2007 3:58:53 AM

    Comment: We took down a puppy mill in Obion County Tennessee back in July, 07. It was your average, disgusting, mill with sick dogs and urine scalded bellies on puppies. One mother dogs body was trying to expel her uterus because of being bred so many times, (her puppies were about 6 weeks of age, ) Magets in the kennels with newborn pups and mother, *** splattered on the walls of the puppy house, etc....I don't need to go on, you've seen them. Now try and get the Judicial System, Attorney General Tommy Thomas to enforce the law on Animal Cruelty in that county. Nope, won't happen. He's friends with the puppy millers "Vet", and the general allowed the dogs/puppies to go back to the mill saying Dr. Page said they were all healthy and living in a clean environment. BS!! The General didn't even show not one picture of the dogs to the Judge. The Judge thought there were only 10 dogs involved, and then I informed him there were actually 1117 more that warrants weren't even signed on by the Sheriff of that County, Jerry Vastbinder. It's the "good ole boy" system there and these puppies and dogs are still suffering from it. I pray everyday that someone larger than us, like the Media, the HSUS , Nancy Grace, someone would get involved and help us force the General to enforce the laws of this state like he was elected to do. He has no boss except the people who voted for him and they don't even know what he's NOT doing. It's such a sad situation for those neglected and abused animals to have to live in because of a uncompassionate jerk like Tommy Thomas!

    • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/17/2007 23:15:30

      Comment: Deborah, I think that it is just as likely that the animals were living in a clean environment and that someone was lying about the conditions that they found them in. You know, you don't look good when you verbally abuse the AG for not giving you what you wanted. I think that I will believe the vet and the AG before I believe you.

      • Posted By: MMcA @ 01/13/2008 09:55:10

        Comment: Deborah's sounds like an eyewitness account to me, so what you mean is, she's lying? And of course we all know that sheriffs, attorney generals, and veterinarians are always trustworthy and would never form a kind of "good ole boy" conspiracy to get another "good ole boy" off the hook, so that would be paranoia?

        You know, you don't look good when you abuse logic and common sense.

  • Posted By: Yodadawg @ 12/17/2007 2:35:11 AM

    Comment: I have a rescue-dog, Harley, a Chinese Crested who came to my home about 3 mo. ago. He is approx. 7 yrs. old, and has been living in a crate for most of his life. When I met him, Harly did'nt know how to walk with his legs straight. His legs were curled up under him, and he had no muscle-mass to hold his weight for long periods. He is so timid, and frightened of his own shadow, literally. He is recovering from a skin infection, and his left eye has been lacerated across the cornea. He was hit by an auto during the rescue effort, but has no broken bones, thankfully. Every day I can see a small improvement in his social skills with my other 2 dogs, but with people he is very fearful. He wouldn't hurt a flea, and when I saw him in the shelter, it was love at first sight. With daily attention, he has gained 3 lbs, and has recovered some vision in his left eye. His skin infection is improved markedly, since his nutritional status improves. He now walks upright, with some confidence, wags his tail, and licked my hand this evening. This experience for me has been an eye opener. No life should be treated so indifferently, or tortured so inhumanely, as animals such as my Harley. Such a waste of life this is! I hope other people will read these comments and try to make a life more meaningful, as I've tried to do for this dog. We can all help to give these tortured lives a time of happiness in their last days. They deserve more than they have been given so far in their lifetime. Please contact a shelter in your area to see if you can give some happiness to these tortured ones. Through no fault of their own, they have been in a hell we can not even imagine.

  • Posted By: rarelypost @ 12/17/2007 2:34:03 AM

    Comment: There is an important lesson to be learned from all of this... Check out the place you are considering getting a pet from first! It truly doesn't matter whether you are thinking of going to a breeder, petstore, or shelter, it is our job as the people considering getting pets to check out where they come from and how they have been raised. I hear horrible things about breeders, but I have seen many wonderful, caring, responsible breeders. The key to breeders is to check them out first! (AKC has some wonderful tips on finding a good breeder, what to watch for, when to walk away, etc). I hear daily about how everyone should go to a shelter as their dogs are well cared for. Obviously there are pros and cons to that as well, however that's another story. I have personally seen 2 local shelters (Humane Societies) that had horrible conditions, unclean kennels, no outside time at all for dogs, starving animals, and neglected pets. Animals that came in healthy left emaciated, sick, and terrified. Yes, 1 of those 2 shelters was shut down, and the other one has improved, but it's still not the great place i hear described by so many. The point... Check each place out First! Don't just trust the name on the building or the type of place, it is our responsibility to "investigate" where we get our pets from, Before we give the place our business.

    • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/17/2007 23:37:44

      Comment: Thank you, Rarely. Who watches the watchers?

  • Posted By: Mwhitey @ 12/17/2007 2:25:21 AM

    Comment: Somebody please post sources for petitions that will implement jail-time for cruelty. Like children, they cannot speak for themselves, and must be represented. They are at the mercy of our intelligence. Let's use it. I have children and pets. My children love our pets also, as they understand their ability to love back.. unconditionally. By the way- M. Vick deserves his sentence. If you have nothing else to do w/spare time but watch animals kill themselves.. (as in ***-fighting, etc.) You have a mental disorder that needs serious evaluation.

    • Posted By: joeschmoew @ 12/17/2007 02:51:59

      Comment: Thank you for your concern for animals. You can go to www.peta.org, www.hsus.org, or www.idausa.org (among others). All of these sites have many advocacy links and petitions to send in order ot get active protecting all animals. You may not agree with everything PETA and the Humane Society says, but most of what they do is in defense of animals and for a good cause.

      • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/17/2007 23:30:26

        Comment: Joe, whatever we can do in defense of animals we can do without animal rights activists. They don't care about the animals, they care about dollars, control, and the opportunity to make endless money fighting black markets that they created themselves.

        • Posted By: MMcA @ 01/13/2008 09:50:53

          Comment: This kind of BS is what gives lying hypocrites a bad name. PETA "CREATED" puppy mills? Just how close to out of your mind are you?

          Hard as it may be to imagine, there are people who do humanitarian things because they care about fundamental Christian values like goodness and mercy. You may not be the sort who would save a child's life for free, but don't assume the rest of the world is dipped in your particular flavor of sheep.

  • Posted By: sickpupsmom @ 12/17/2007 2:24:02 AM

    Comment: I bought a puppy from Petland. I regret doing it. I didn't know where she came from. They told me they only buy from reputable breeders. Ignorance is bliss I guess. My eyes have opened. I was stupid enough to believe them. She is super smart, super sweet little girl but she is VERY sick. The vets are stuped, cannot firgure what is wrong. with her. When I bought her she had coccidia, an umbilical hernia and 2 days after I brought her home she started coughing. Funny thing is Petland showed my papers saying she had no problems until after I paid and signed for her. Then "oh, look what I found in the back, they must have been set to the side when we gave her a bath." These papers were from the vet saying that she had coccidia and the hernia. So knowing ly Petland sold me an unbreedable and sick dog. I never would breed her but still how devious could they be? So now we are still trying to figure what is causing the cough. after 4 months and 7 different antibiotics nothing has worked. THe specialist thinks it mey be some parasitic infection. She said those typically never go away. Great! I paid all this money for a sick dog. Petland refuses to pay anymore vet bills. We have already hit the max with their contracted vet. Doing detective work I got the "breeders" phone number, called and was told that they have "38 stock dogs" and that the kennel next door to them has 12 different breeds with minimum of 6 adult females of each. She also has respiratory infections running rampid through that kennel. Here's the kicker..... The USDA approves these "breeders". All 4712 of them. There are 4712 puppy mills in the United States all licensed by the USDA. HHHMMMMMMM.
    PS dies anyone have an idea of what I can do to make my baby better?

  • Posted By: sickpupsmom @ 12/17/2007 2:23:24 AM

    Comment: I bought a puppy from Petland. I regret doing it. I didn't know where she came from. They told me they only buy from reputable breeders. Ignorance is bliss I guess. My eyes have opened. I was stupid enough to believe them. She is super smart, super sweet little girl but she is VERY sick. The vets are stuped, cannot firgure what is wrong. with her. When I bought her she had coccidia, an umbilical hernia and 2 days after I brought her home she started coughing. Funny thing is Petland showed my papers saying she had no problems until after I paid and signed for her. Then "oh, look what I found in the back, they must have been set to the side when we gave her a bath." These papers were from the vet saying that she had coccidia and the hernia. So knowing ly Petland sold me an unbreedable and sick dog. I never would breed her but still how devious could they be? So now we are still trying to figure what is causing the cough. after 4 months and 7 different antibiotics nothing has worked. THe specialist thinks it mey be some parasitic infection. She said those typically never go away. Great! I paid all this money for a sick dog. Petland refuses to pay anymore vet bills. We have already hit the max with their contracted vet. Doing detective work I got the "breeders" phone number, called and was told that they have "38 stock dogs" and that the kennel next door to them has 12 different breeds with minimum of 6 adult females of each. She also has respiratory infections running rampid through that kennel. Here's the kicker..... The USDA approves these "breeders". All 4712 of them. There are 4712 puppy mills in the United States all licensed by the USDA. HHHMMMMMMM.
    PS dies anyone have an idea of what I can do to make my baby better?

  • Posted By: rarelypost @ 12/17/2007 2:21:15 AM

    Comment: There appears to be a very important lesson to be learned from all this... each of us should do our part to check out each place we might be considering buying or adopting a pet from. Don't buy the first cute pet you see, check the breeder, store, or yes even shelter out first. I hear many bad things about breeders, but there are many very responsible, very loving breeders. On the other hand I hear wonderful things about shelters, however have seen first hand 2 local shelters (one has since been shut down) that had unclean, starving, and neglected pets. It is extremely important that each person check out the source, no matter what that source may be BEFORE getting their next pet.

  • Posted By: Yodadawg @ 12/17/2007 2:09:31 AM

    Comment: I have a rescue dog named Harley, about 3 mo. ago, from a shelter. He was found in a house with 72 other animals, 62 of them dogs. Most of them, including Harley, lived in crates all the time, and the owner had run out of money for food for them. Harley is a chinese Crested, and couldn't stand or walk properly when I brought him home. He had a skin infection, a lacerated cornea, and had beed hit by an auto during the rescue effort. He is so timid, still, but is coming around socially, a little every day. He has given me a new look into the tortured lives these helpless animals have lived , in puppy mills and dog peddlers. What a tragic waste of lives, and of life itself. The people who do these things to animals have no pride, and no shame for their actions. Maybe in the next world they will be the victims, instead...THAT would be justice!

  • Posted By: jnj26032003 @ 12/17/2007 1:24:52 AM

    Comment: I adopted a dog from a puppy mill and he was so sick all the time. When we brought him home he was on medication for a so called "cough" that never went away. He always had infections in his ears and some sort of cold/flu that required medicine. We also believe that he was removed from his litter too early because he never properly socialized with other dogs/people. When he was a year old he started having seizures. We loved this dog so much and were glad that we were the ones who adopted him because the thought of our sick baby being with a family who had less patience made us sick. We had to put our sick little baby down when he was only 3 1/2 because he was in so much pain all the time (he cried all day). It has almost been a year and it still infuriates me because I feel like none of this ever should have happened. I just wonder how many other Jakes there are that aren't being cared for. PUPPY MILLS NEED TO BE STOPPED!!!!!!

  • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/17/2007 1:17:00 AM

    Comment: The HSUS is NOT the humane society. It is a political action organization that harasses legitimate businesses. Newsweek has obviously not researched the HSUS at all, to allow such an article to be published. Just look up the connections between the HSUS and PeTA, and John Goodwin, who spent time in jail for terrorist activities. Then they have the gall to sneak around someone's place, win their trust to break it, just for their co-called investigation. The HSUS has absolutely no right to investigate anyone and it is not trustworthy.

    • Posted By: Mooey558 @ 12/17/2007 17:36:13

      Comment: I agree with the other person who posted. You must be a puppy mill owner or someone who thinks that animals are property. I worked for another animal welfare organization and HSUS is nothing like PETA. They actively go out and do investigations and help many shelters, organizations and people willing to help pets have better lives away from the people that are mistreating them. They are a good organization that works very hard. They are not perfect, but who is. They do their best and they are continuing to try and get the best information out there to help people and their pets or possible pets.

      • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/17/2007 23:56:02

        Comment: Animals ARE property.

    • Posted By: reneem07 @ 12/17/2007 16:45:45

      Comment: You must be a puppy mill owner.

      • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/18/2007 00:12:25

        Comment: In other words, when the law says such and such and the judge, the AG, the veterinary office, and the local sheriff agree that the owner has obeyed the law, then the owner is innocent and the charges were probably unfounded in the first place. Deborah, I presume, is just one of many people who want to use the law against breeders. They obviously forget that the law offers protection for legitimate businessmen or women who actually conduct their business in a legal manner. I think that Deborah's problem may be that she wanted the law to do something special just for her.

      • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/18/2007 00:09:33

        Comment: Because I don't believe that it's an evil conspiracy when the law won't do things my way?

  • Posted By: TomKirby @ 12/17/2007 1:13:30 AM

    Comment: You know, you have an "undercover investigator" who wanders through a place, takes pictures and all, who then releases those pictures weeks to months later after there is time to have remade the whole movie. We've all seen Hollywood show things like dogs flying through space, so faking up someone's setup is a snap. The Weavers won't get to confront this "witness" against them and they will be tried in the press.


    • Posted By: TxJenny @ 12/17/2007 02:04:23

      Comment: You're an idiot! Even one animal living in those kinds of circumstances is too many. No business should profit off of suffering. It should be stopped.