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Pet store puppies and puppies sold by brokers do not come from reputable breeders. They are almost always born in puppy mills, to dogs that live their lives on wire, kept in small cages. The bottoms of the cages are often left open wire so feces and urine fall through. Cages are stacked on top of one another so the dogs beneath are filthy from the dogs above. The dogs' feet are distorted from never walking on a solid surface. Rescued dogs have been known to have difficulty walking because of their years in a wire cage. It typically takes over a year, if ever, for the urine stains to be cleared from their fur.
Puppy mills, also known as "commercial breeders" or "high volume breeders," exist solely for the purpose of profit. To increase profit, they cut costs by spending as little as possible on food, shelter, and medical care including no health screenings for hereditary problems. There is no socialization. The dogs live in cages in order to put as many animals into a space as possible. There is often inadequate exercise, inadequate human contact, and poor ventilation and lighting.
The second way a commercial breeder increases their profit is through increased production. A female dog in a puppy mill is typically bred every season, producing two litters a year. When these dogs are rescued and spayed, veterinarians have said the uterus is like jelly and falls apart in their hands. Some dogs have scars that indicate the owners performed home C-sections on these dogs to save a little money. No one knows if proper anesthetic is used for these surgeries.
Puppy mill dogs are often registered with AKC. Just because the puppy from the pet store has AKC papers does NOT mean it's a quality-bred dog or that caring owners bred it. Do not assume AKC papers or any other "papers" mean you have purchased a quality dog. Do your homework and remember, a good breeder wants to know who is buying their puppy. They would never leave their puppies in a store where they didn't get to meet the new owners first. If the person selling the dog didn't breed it, don't buy it!
First, boycott all pet stores that sell dogs or cats. Don't buy ANYTHING from a pet store that sells these animals and make it a point to tell them that you are boycotting them until they change their practices.
Secondly, tell your friends and family about puppy mills and ask them to boycott the stores as well.
Encourage your favorite pet store to sponsor rescue groups and animal shelters in their store for pet adoptions. It's good for the animals and good for store business. Tell the store you support businesses that support animals, and boycott those that support the puppy mill industry.
Adopt animals from animal shelters or rescue groups instead of buying your dog or cat in a pet store.
Support your local humane society and other rescue groups.
How much is that doggie in the window? The ultimate cost is too much for you, the puppy and its parents. Please remember this - and don't support puppy mills.
Web sites for more information about puppy mills:
Copyright 2003 Lu Wyland
You may request a master copy of this information for publication in brochure
format and the other materials on choosing a responsible breeder and determining if you
are looking at a puppy mill by contacting the owner of this site for the mailing address
and sending one dollar to cover postage.
Breeding
Information
http://www.nopuppymills.com/akc.html
Wisconsin Pet
Facilities Bill
They're All Keepers
Morrow County PuppyMill
Member of Havanese Rescue Inc.
WI Dog Rescue