In recent years, puppy mills have become a growing problem, causing immense suffering for the animals and posing serious dangers to unsuspecting pet owners.
Written By: Cove Johnson Rabidoux
Over 2 million puppies are produced by licensed puppy mills yearly, which is an incredibly high number considering there are still an estimated 7000 unlicensed puppy mills in the United States alone. Puppy mills are extensive commercial facilities that inhumanely breed dogs and place profit above the animal's welfare. Puppy mills cause significant damage to a dog's life, and currently, sixteen states are without laws or regulations.
The dogs in puppy mills are often kept in small, filthy cages that deny them any exercise or room to roam around and play. As a result, puppies born into puppy mills typically aren't very mobile or healthy. Dogs in puppy mills are also denied basic veterinary care and socialization. Additionally, they are often fed low-quality foods and kept in conditions that can cause extreme physical and emotional suffering. Female dogs as young as 6 months are forced to breed repeatedly with a minuscule amount of veterinary care. Once they can no longer reproduce, they are usually terminated. As well, most puppies born in mills are taken away from their mothers too soon and subsequently suffer from medical problems. Apart from being harmful to a dog's life, puppy mills also pose a risk to the general public. The lack of oversight and regulation of these facilities means that the puppies they produce can carry diseases that can potentially spread to other animals and people. The puppies also often come with genetic and behavior problems as a result of the inbreeding and lack of care they have received.
Puppy mills are a serious problem that causes extreme suffering for the animals and poses serious dangers to unsuspecting pet owners. To help combat the problem of puppy mills, it is essential to know where your puppies are coming from. If you purchase a pet from a puppy mill, you are only benefiting the puppy mill and encouraging its cruel and detrimental behavior. You should also avoid buying puppies in pet stores before you research the breeders and their backgrounds. It is without a doubt that almost all pet store puppies come from puppy mills, but you can help save a dog by raising awareness regarding this issue. When thinking of getting a dog, you should always first look at adopting from a rescue organization. Rescue organizations are the best way to ensure you are not supporting the puppy mill industry since they are committed to the safety of animals. By taking these steps, it is possible to reduce the suffering caused by these facilities and make sure that every pet finds a loving home.
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