large breeding facilities that treat breeding dogs as "factories" in the area.

 

 

Puppymills exist in every part of the country and effects hundreds of thousands of pooches each year. "puppymills are breeding operations that typically house dogs in shockingly poor conditions". "They churn out puppies who are sold through the internet, newspapers ads, at pet shops or through the mill itself. Because a puppy mill is a business, the facility is designed purely for profit, with little thought given to comfort. The dogs at these facilities are overbred, receive little or no veterinary care, are over crowded into cages, have poor quality food and shelter, and lack socializationwith humans". Many of the puppies born at puppy mills each yearhave behavior and/or health problems. The parents of these puppies are called "breeding stock" dogs who are caged and continually bred for years without human companionship and with little hope of ever becoming part of a family. When thaey are no longer needed, breeding animals are commonly killed, abandoned, or sold to another mill at auction,

 

 

"If people knew how these dogs are treated, then they would stop buying animals from mass breeders and from pet shops". "If the demand would drop, so would the number of inhumane breeders". In addition there are many things dog lovers can do to help stop puppy mills in their tracks:

 

look to add a pooch to your family? Adopt from your local shelter insted of buying a dog. If you want a specific breed that isn't available at the shelter, contact a breed rescue group in your area or find a responsible breeder.

 

Most people have never heard of a puppymill. Help spread the word by informing your friends, neighbors, and co-works.

 

If you or someone you know buys a puppy and the dog becomes sick, it may be possible to obtain a refund. Check with the person or store where the puppy was purchased.