The Dangers of Puppy Mills

In light of Puppy Mill Action Week, we wanted to give you some insight into these typically inhumane establishments, and why you should opt to adopt instead. We know there is nothing quite so adorable as seeing a small puppy staring up at you with their large eyes through the pet store window. However, we have to keep in mind that pet stores may get their barking buddies and purring pals from puppy mills, which are traditionally known for breeding puppies for sale in heinous conditions.

Suggested: Pet Adoption: Senior Dog Edition

Cramped cages. Due to the high volume of puppies and kittens bred in puppy mills each year there is not much space left for them to stretch and get the exercise they need and deserve. Oftentimes, there will be numerous puppies or kittens cramped into a small space to make room for more newborn animals before they are sold to buyers or pet stores. These young animals have to be kept in close quarters in order for the breeders to continue breeding more animals, rather than raising the existing animals properly.

Poor food and water conditions. With so many animals to care for there is not always enough food and water to go around. As a result, many dogs and cats come out of puppy mills malnourished. Not only is there limited food for these potential pets, but there may also be bugs and other contaminating agents in their dishes, preventing them from eating and drinking entirely.

No climate control. It’s not enough to provide little to no clean food and water dishes, here is also little regulation of the climate these puppies are subjected to. They often times do not have warm blankets when it’s cold, or proper ventilation when it’s hot, causing illness and even death.  

No veterinary contact. Like humans, animals should visit a medical professional regularly to monitor their health. Especially newborns: there is a number of veterinarian visits that need to take place to ensure your puppies and kittens are healthy. Not only should the newborn animals seek medical attention, but their mothers as well. Also when animals are kept in close quarters, like those of a puppy mill, there will often be incidents where two barking buddies or purring pals do not get along or play too rough and need professional help. However, at these puppy mills veterinarians are often not on the property or on call to ensure the health of these animals.

Little regulation from the government. There is little to no regulation or enforcement of basic sanitary laws. With that in mind, puppy mill owners typically clean up after their animals with a power hose and little regard for the animals.

Behavioral problems. Due to the poor conditions and improper treatment these animals face during the early months or years of their lives, they may be hesitant to enter the home of another human. Between extreme anxiety, aggression, and fear, a puppy mill animal may be difficult to train.

While the desire to love a puppy or kitten is beyond comparison, the conditions they are oftentimes kept in to get to your homes are not always ideal. Participate in Puppy Mill Action Week (May 6th – 12th), and support your local animal shelter in place of a pet store to help put an end to puppy mills.

Read More: Pet Adoption: First Days with Your Senior Dog Edition

More and more pet stores are becoming puppy friendly and helping to put an end to puppy mills. Visit the Humane Society for more info.