Puppy Mill Statistics and Facts
Each year, puppy mills sell millions of dogs. Often people have no idea that their pets are from puppy mills, nor are they aware of what happens in a puppy mill. To be frank, this is a terrible condition for an animal to be born and raised, much less sold to an unsuspecting pet lover.
Let's take a look at what goes on in a puppy mill, some facts about them and some alarming statistics. You might be surprised to find out where the cute little doggies in the window come from and the ruthless way in which they have been brought into the world.
What are Puppy Mills
A puppy mill is a business in which people raise various breeds of dogs, usually in small cages made of wood and wire. Often the puppy mill owner will breed a popular type of dog without concern that the parents were healthy or from good bloodlines. Knowing if the animal will be healthy is therefore uncertain, which is not helped by the conditions it is raised under.Most puppy mill owners do not give the animals proper, if any, vet care.
The female dogs are usually bred each time they go into heat, and when they can no longer produce young, they are often destroyed. Puppy mills are located across America and even in other countries. They will send crates of animals to pet shops to be sold, even though the animal may be sick.
Since many times the animals are kept in cages, they don't receive any exercise. They may be thin with matted fur, and underfed. This can lead to health issues which may spread quickly to the other animals.
The conditions of puppy mills are often deplorable. The animals may not be properly cooled or kept warm, the kennels are typically cramped and not hygienic or regularly cleaned. Some animals that come from puppy mills may have behavioral disorders and may not socialize with people or other animals well.
Fast Facts About Puppy Mills
--It's estimated that almost 98% of dogs sold in pet shops are from puppy mills
--The main goal of the puppy mill is to make money
--Owners of puppy mills kill overstock puppies
--An average puppy mill has 60-70 or more animals
--Bloodlines and therefore breed are uncertain with these animals
--Puppy mills sell their animals as young as possible, sometimes six weeks or younger
--Federal licenses prohibit the sale of dogs younger than eight weeks old
--Often puppy mills advertise with slick Websites and professional-looking ads
--The largest concentrations of puppy mills are located in the Midwest
--Larger puppy mill breeders may have hundreds of dogs on their property
How to Tell
A puppy mill will not offer to take back a dog bought from them, if the animal and new owner don't work out. A reputable dog breeder would rather take back the animal and see that it is placed in a good home, than force someone to keep it. Also, a reputable breeder is aware of a puppy's parents, may still have the animals and let you meet them so you can get an idea of how your puppy will look and act once it's older.
A real dog lover who breeds dogs takes care of the health of the animal. They are aware of the typical problems and genetic issues facing a breed, as well as what makes them special. They can recommend a good type of food for the dog, as well as a vet that you can take the animal to.
A veterinarian or local dog club can help you find a reputable breeder. Also, well-known and respected animal associations such as the American Kennel Club should be able to recommend a breeder that can supply animals with papers.
Puppy Lemon Law
Due to the prevalence of puppy mills and problems that have arise from the practice, certain states have begun working on laws known as Puppy Lemon Laws. Pennsylvania is one state that has such a law. According to the law, someone who has bought a puppy that turns out to be sick must be either refunded for the price of the dog or reimbursed for the medical expenses the person has incurred from having the puppy. There are certain time period restrictions, such as how long the new owner has had the dog, and the time after a vet proclaimed the animal sick.
It's recommended that you keep the animal and recoup the vet expenses, as the mill owner might resell the dog to another unwitting buyer or destroy the animal. Animal societies fight this kind of abuse that's brought on through puppy mills. If you are able to, you may want to adopt a dog from either a shelter or rescue organization.
