Puppy Mills Make Breeders Look Bad

Due to exposure in the national media, many states are now investigating ways to regulate or even eliminate businesses known as “puppy mills”. “Puppy mill” is often used to describe any large scale breeding operation. As you may have seen in the news, these dogs have been found to be living in squalid conditions and are often bred continuously.

The lack of  a legal definition, as well as the difficulty in enforcing existing laws means that many of these commercial breeders continue to operate despite kennel inspection programs and regulations. A lack of inspectors and time to inspect all the commercial facilities is often to blame, in addition to the Puppy Mills themselves. Although laws concerning regulation of kennels and breeders are popular, the obstacles to enforcing those laws are challenging. Of major concern is how to pay for the personnel and resources needed for the inspections.

As  a veterinarians, I am concerned about the health and the welfare of the animals. Commercial breeding  of dogs  for profit  is not a healthy practice and the many pets suffer from the result of very poor sanitation and living conditions. In addition, bad practices of these commercial breeders often give breeders in general a bad rap. This is unfortunate, as there are reputable breeders out there that work very hard to better the health and temperament of the breeds they have, and most will quickly point our that breeding should not be done for profit.

Anyone searching for a family pet should question the source they get puppies and kittens from and make efforts to only obtain their pets from reputable sources which include: reputable breeders, local shelters and breed specific rescues. In your search for a new pet, consider talking with your veterinarian as they will be able to help match you with the right breed of pet and could have local and reputable resources to help you find your new friend.

Photo of an Arkansas puppy mill bust from humanesocietyoftheunitedstates‘ photostream.

–Dr. Hamilton
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Dr. Hamilton is an oncology resident at Michigan State’s Animal Cancer Care Clinic and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.



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