How To Stop Puppy Mills

How To Stop Puppy Mills
The only absolute way of stopping puppy mills is for the public to stop buying their puppies. It's the simple concept of supply and demand. If people would stop buying these puppies, the mill owners would go out of business. It is not as easy as it sounds though. It is an industry that is very secretive and deceptive. They will do everything, including lie, to keep you from knowing that they are puppy mills. The notes below will help to ensure that you do not spend your money on a puppy and inadvertently support puppy mills. If you buy from a puppy mill, you are putting your stamp of approval on this horrific practice.

10 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Puppy

1. NEVER buy from a pet store. 99% of all puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. They will never admit that, but the evidence is overwhelming. Don’t give in and “rescue” the puppy; you would only be voting “Yes” to the mass production of puppies.

2. NEVER buy from a website. They are very deceptive by portraying pretty puppies, but not showing the dark, ugly existence of the breeding parents.

3. NEVER buy a puppy from someone who wants to meet you at a halfway location.

4. NEVER buy a puppy unless you have seen the parents and the housing area of the dogs. (ALL of the housing areas). Mill owners usually do not want to show these areas to possible customers for the reasons like “it is our policy” or for “heath reasons.” Don’t believe that. What specific disease could you carry into their kennels that would not also be a risk when they bring the puppies out to see you? If there is anything that makes you uncomfortable, walk away.

5. Reputable breeders will ask you to fill out an application or require other proof that you are good pet owners. No responsible breeder would sell their dogs to just anybody – or sell them through pet stores.

6. Do not buy from the Amish community. All of the Amish breeders that we are aware of keep their dogs in hutches or stacked wire cages. At least 90% of the puppy mills in Indiana are run by the Amish. Dozens of these are unlicensed, with no oversight. Many who are registered with the USDA, have multiple violations on their inspections.

7. Beware of those who sell multiple breeds and “designer” dogs.

8. Some puppy mills are now hiding behind the disguise of calling themselves “rescues.” If you think you are adopting from a rescue, do a background check on them also.

9. Don’t buy impulsively! RESEARCH the breed you want. Each has different gentic issues that you need to watch out for. Make sure the breeder has done the necessary health screening and breeds only healthy dogs.

10. Keep in mind. AKC does not necessarily mean good quality. ‘USDA Inspected” does not mean good quality.

ADOPTION - THE BEST OPTION

The best way to ensure that you are not supporting a puppy mill is to get your dog or puppy from a shelter or rescue. There are so many advantages for the consumer: If you get an adult, you will know the dogs’ temperament and he/she will be past the chewing, destructive puppy phase. Most rescues and shelters can tell you if there will be behavioral problems or other issues. 4-6 million dogs and cats are euthanized in America each year. You will be saving a life. You will be doing the right thing. Each year taxpayers spend $2 billion to round up, house, euthanize and dispose of shelter animals. All the while puppy mills (puppy farms, puppy factories) are churning out well over a million puppies per year.

2010 Defend The Dogs!