The dangers of puppy mills
Very few people would deny that puppies are wonderful and adorable animals. Making the move to get your very own puppy is nothing short of exciting. However, it is important to understand that not all puppies come from a healthy breeding environment. For the sake of future puppies and the betterment of the dog as a species, it is best to get your new puppy from a respectable source and not a puppy mill.
Puppy mills are currently a worldwide phenomenon. A puppy mill is an establishment that breeds large numbers of puppies without regard to the health, well-being, or betterment of the dogs. Most puppy mills breed purebred dogs, though some breed popular hybrids as well. Often times, the parents are over-bred, or even inbred, in order to produce a large number of litters. They are usually kept in unclean and overcrowded conditions, without access to a quality diet or proper veterinary care. When the puppies are born, they experience similar conditions. They very often have serious health complications and even personality dysfunctions due to the poor health of their parents, the unsanitary living environment, and the lack of positive experience.
Though many people think they are avoiding puppy mills by going to a pet store, they are often mistaken. Many pet stores around the world get their puppies from the puppy mills. It is usually best to by pass a pet store all together and instead seek out a reputable breeder or animal shelter. While all puppies deserve a wonderful and loving home, spending money at puppy mills and mill supported pet stores only increases the demand for more puppy mills.
Unfortunately, when puppies at the puppy mills and many pet stores become too sick or too old to sell, they are usually euthanasisd. If you suspect that there is a puppy mill in your area, or that your local pet store receives its puppies from a mill, take the time to report them to animal welfare professionals in your area. It is the unfortunate responsibility of dog owners to work to fight puppy mills at the local level.
