What Is a Puppy Mill?
A puppy mill is a “factory farm” for dogs. Even though more and more Americans are taking a stand against them, the U.S. still has thousands of licensed and unlicensed puppy mills.
Many people don’t realize that when they buy a dog from a pet store, that dog most likely came from a puppy mill. In puppy mills, dogs live in tiny, crowded cages, which are often the minimum legal size allowed (only six inches larger than the dog on all sides), and female dogs are bred as frequently as possible to produce as many puppies as possible for the pet trade.
Life in a puppy mill is no life for our best friends. Together, we can take a stand against puppy mills and make them a thing of the past.
Why puppy mills still exist
Puppy mills have been inhumanely breeding and selling dogs for decades. Although the federal government regulates most breeders who sell puppies online and to pet stores, the minimal standards imposed on breeders don’t promote ethical breeding or ensure healthy puppies; they only require the bare minimum of care. For example, it’s legal for licensed breeders to own 1,000 or more dogs, to deprive them of socialization and exercise, and to confine them to wire cages for their entire lives without ever being taken out for walks or standing on solid ground.
Where are puppy mill dogs sold?
Pet stores: Nearly all pet stores that sell purposely-bred puppies are supplied by mills. More and more communities are banning the sale of mill-bred pets in stores, but many Americans are still unaware of the connection between pet stores and puppy mills.
Websites: Just like pet stores, most websites that sell dogs are selling mill-bred pets, and most of these sites market the puppies as well-bred and lovingly raised. No matter how convincing a website is, though, never buy a pet online.
Classified ads: For decades, the newspaper classifieds have been the first place that puppy buyers go to look for a new pet. Commercial breeders have adapted to this market easily by placing classified ads on popular online platforms. Please beware of any ads that list several breeds for sale. And if the breeder won’t let you see where the dogs and puppies live, please don’t buy the puppy.
Best Friends’ puppy mill initiatives
Through Best Friends’ puppy mill initiatives, we are working to convince pet stores to offer homeless pets for adoption instead of selling mill-bred pets, educate consumers about puppy mills, and create and lobby for humane legislation. Together, we’re making an impact and saving lives. Join us and help bring about a time when every dog can feel safe, happy and loved.
How to fight puppy mills
Although we’ve made incredible progress, amazing dogs of all types are still losing their lives in U.S. shelters every day, simply because they don’t have safe places to call home. And one of the easiest ways you can help Save Them All is by choosing to adopt instead of purchase a pet.
When you adopt, you’re not only refusing to support puppy mills, you’re saving a life and giving an animal in need the second chance he or she deserves. If you’re looking for a particular breed of dog, no worries. Shelters and rescue groups have dogs of all breeds, ages, colors and sizes.
Here are a few other ways you can fight puppy mills:
- Spread the word: Tell your friends, family and other people about puppy mills, and encourage them to adopt their next furry friend.
- Donate to Best Friends Animal Society.
- Learn more about the puppy mill problem and get the tools and resources you need to help fight puppy mills.
Together, we can Save Them All.