According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a puppy mill is a ìlarge-scale commercial dog breeding operation that places profit over the well-being of its dogs ó who are often severely neglected ó and acts without regard to responsible breeding practices.Some puppy mill puppies are sold to pet shops ó usually through a broker, or middleman ó and marketed as young as 8 weeks of age.î Puppy mill dogs can also be found through newspaper and online ads and at swap meets and flea markets.Many of the certifications and records of lineage of the puppies have been falsified. In other words, many of the puppies might not be full breeds ó or healthy puppies.Puppy mills usually house dogs in cages in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. The ASPCA reports that it is not ìunusual for cages to be stacked up in columns Ö exposed to the elements, or crammed inside filthy structures.îFemales are bred numerous times, without any regard for recovery time between litters. Often, when the ìbreedersî are physically worn out, they are killed, as are the ìunsaleableî puppies.The ASPCA reports there are normally anywhere between 2,000 and 3,000 USDA-licensed breeders (puppy mills ó this doesnít include responsible breeders) in the United States; however, many are not licensed and operate illegally. The ASPCA estimates that about 10,000 puppy mills could be operating in the U.S.The bottom line: Adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group; or, for specific breeds, check with the American Kennel Association. Beware of pet stores and ìbackyardî breeders; and report suspicious breeding facilities.
