If you have ever heard of the injustices against dogs that take place inside puppy mills then you know that supporting such facilities is a horrible thought. The facts about puppy mills are tried and true. Puppy mills are strictly dog breeding operations for profit. The dogs used for breeding are mistreated, abused and often sick and do not receive proper care. These animals never have the opportunity to run and play. Instead, they are confined to small cages where they will live out their lives reproducing until they are no longer able, and in which case they are put down. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the documented problems stemming from puppy mills include, “over breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals.” Often, the puppies that come from these mills are sick, and commonly genetically deformed due to incessant inbreeding.
So, how can you help the fight against puppy mills? The Humane Society lists five tips to avoid buying puppies that come from puppy mills:
1. Consider adoption-Adopting a dog instead of buying one is the surest way to strike a blow against puppy mills. To find the perfect match, you'll want to choose the right one for you and your lifestyle. Animal shelters have dozens of dogs, many of them purebreds, just waiting for homes. There are also breed specific rescue groups for every breed of dog, including "designer" or "hybrids" like Labradoodles and Puggles. Mixed-breed dogs also make wonderful pets.
2. Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises-Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions, but don't take their word for it. Never buy a puppy without seeing where they and their parents are raised and housed with your own eyes.
3. Don't be fooled by common claims made by pet stores when pushing their puppies-Despite what they may tell you, pet stores do sell puppy mill puppies.
4. Don't be swayed by a great website or ad-Many puppy millers pose as small family breeders online and in newspaper and magazine ads.
5. Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy mill puppy by buying him-Even though your intentions may be good, don't buy a puppy with the idea that you are "rescuing" him or her. Your "rescue" opens up space for another poor puppy mill puppy and puts money into the pockets of the puppy mill. Pet stores won't leave their cages empty and websites won't leave their pages blank. The money you spend on your puppy goes right back to the puppy mill operator and ensures they can continue breeding and treating dogs inhumanely. If you see someone keeping puppies in poor conditions, alert your local animal control authorities instead of buying.
Atlanta Petz Magazine, http://www.atlantapetz.com, is committed to promoting pet health information, http://www.atlantapetz.com/
