Inside the Puppy Mills

I would like to point out that purebreds are also available from shelters and rescues. (I'm going to again mention www.petfinder.com since it is one resource I'm aware of that has a good reputation and allows you to search by breed and geography.) There is nothing wrong with most purebreds in shelters and rescues -- many simply came from homes that were either unprepared for a dog, did not realize they would actually have to TRAIN it and that it would not intuitively know how it was expected to behave, were neglectful or abusive, moved to a place where they were not allowed to have dogs rather than making accomodations for the furry member of their family, etc. There are many reasons a dog is turned into a shelter, humane society, or rescue. It is only rarely "the dog's fault." And while young purebreds are available, adopting an older dog or a mixed breed is also a very rewarding experience. They are all equally deserving of homes, and older dogs and mixed breeds have their own benefits. (ie Older dogs may already be trained, have more personality, and may require a bit less activity. And mixed breeds may not suffer from genetic problems that can plague purebreds.)

And in response to the post below -- while I know the accusation was not directed at me, I'd like to say that my advocacy from homeless dogs does not come from me being a "radical" winger of either party. I'm just a moderate person, not originally much of an "animal person," who has had opportunity to work with and learn about homeless and helpless dogs that badly need and really deserve wonderful, loving homes, and I like to take every opportunity I can to encourage caring people to adopt these dogs and spay and neuter dogs they already own. Together, people who care can make a difference in the world.

The comment of "if you buy a purebred dog, it probably came from a puppy mill" is a typical statement from the left wing radicals. I have three purebred dogs at home and not one of them came from a puppy mill. The came from reputable breeders that have all health clearances (eye's, hip's and elbow's) and have a litter once every couple of years.

The breeders who say they are "reputable breeders" should be the most concerned of all. They should be at the forefront to stop "puppy mills" since they seem to know there is a different between what they do and what the "backyard breeder mills" do. Stop complaining that you are compared to puppy mills and help the reputations of breeders who do so much harm to purebred breeding in general. Help stop the puppy mills and then you won't have to defend yourselves. Get involved afterall you don't condone "puppymills" and it hurts your image and reputation. I will never buy a dog again from a breeder or a pet store until puppy mills no longer exist.

Thank you for this article. Sadly, there are far more dogs and cats who deserve good home than there are good homes willing and able to take them in. Each dog bred contributes to this problem, but puppy mills are the worst - not only do they uncaringly breed hundreds of dogs, but they also keep them in the minimum conditions possible to keep them alive. The puppies MAY get better home; their parents will not. They are doomed to this life as long as they can produce and are helpless to protest or protect themselves.

I've had opportunity to volunteer at animal shelters. It's so sad to see dog after dog put to sleep due to overcrowding and lack of homes. I've also fostered dogs for humane societies. It's a wonderful thing to see a dog whose personality has been deadened and nearly destroyed from mistreatment or lack of regular loving interaction (humane societies try, but they often need more volunteers) come back to "life" and learn to trust, love, and play again.

Please adopt from humane societies and rescues and help put these puppy mills out of business. Yes, some of us that work with rescues and humane societies aren't perfect. But please don't let a bad experience with a rescue worker turn you away from providing a loving, happy home to a dog or cat that needs one. There are many options - I'm sure you can find the right rescue for you! Resources such as Petfinder www.petfinder.com can help you out.

And to the breeders who replied - I really respect that fact that many of you truly love your dogs and are NOTHING like these puppy mills. However, I respectfully disgree with your decision to breed your pet and contribute to the dog overpopulation. I urge you to consider the number of dogs just like yours, which you love, that are put to sleep or mistreated or abandoned every year due to lack of homes. Thanks for listening.

Rubberbandgirl, what trailer park did you come from?

Rubberbandgirl, what trailer park did you come from?

People don't seem to understand that the only acceptable definition of breeding for profit, is when you have six people lined up to each take a puppy of a specific breed and they are wlling to wait for that litter to be born and ready to go. BREEDING is different than MILLING. Puppy ads in papers, puppys for sale in pet stores are not puppies that HAVE owners. THos are puppies SEEKING owners. That is what leads to puppy mills.

Thank you so much for posting this story. If we all become educated and work together - it really is possible to put this horrifying industry out of business. I will only adopt from a shelter from now on.

My family has adopted 3 rescued cats, and 3 rescued dogs (not all at the same time!), and it has proven to be a very rewarding experience for all of us. We also make regular donations to the animal rescue societies in our area. It's absolutely horrible how these puppy mill owners get away with such abuse and cruelty to animals. What ever little bit we can do to help prevent this disgusting practice, the better off we are.