Puppy Mill dogs in cramped quarters

Those who know me best know that I love watching the Animal Planet show Animal Cops. The show follows animal control officers in several major US Cities including Detroit, Houston, Miami and Philadelphia.

Animals Cops Philadelphia: Puppy Mills Exposed focuses on disgraceful “breeders” in rural Pennsylvania, many of which are completely legal despite the appalling conditions. In Pennsylvania, dog breeders are supervised only by the lenient Department of Dog Law, a division of the State Department of Agriculture. Agents of the Department of Dog Law are little more than building inspectors, and notes on previous inspections indicated agents clearly saw sick dogs in need of medical attention. This lax system of breeder inspection makes Pennsylvania a popular destination for puppy mill owners.

Avoid Buying from a Puppy Mill:

* The number 1 way to make sure you’re getting a dog that’s not from a puppy mill is to get a mixed breed dog. In years past, specialized dog breeds like Bloodhounds or Labradors were bred to fulfill specific jobs like fishing or hunting. If you’re looking for a general family dog, you’ll likely find that mutts can be wonderful, healthy and smart lifelong companions.
* Never purchase a puppy from a pet store. Breed rescue groups, shelters and reputable breeders have just as wide a selection of dogs. Although it can be tempting to “rescue” pet store puppies from their seemingly depressing situation, purchasing puppies from pet stores only perpetuates the cycle of profit that puppy mill operators rely on.
* Avoid “designer” hybrid breeds like Puggles, Labradoodles or Goldendoodles. Puppies from these breeds are generally extremely expensive and can cost as much as $1500, making them ideal breeds for Puppy Mill owners.
* Rescue a dog from a local shelter- or if you insist on a purebred dog, from a breed rescue. Avoid buying puppies form flea markets, newspaper ads, Craig List ads (unless it’s posted by a shelter) or the internet.
* If you choose to purchase from a breeder, ask to visit the property and inspect the conditions yourself. Be hesitant to purchase from any breeder who does not allow you to inspect their facility.
* Avoid breeders who offer to ship dogs across the country. Long travel can be extremely traumatic to young puppies, and often times dogs are shipped in cramped, hot quarters that are uncomfortable. A breeder who offers to ship a puppy should set off a red flag that he has little concern for the welfare of the dogs he’s selling. With millions of homeless dogs in America, there are most always other options.
* The internet is quickly becoming the favored media of Puppy Mill breeders. Puppy mill owners who sell over the internet are only subject to the laws of the State they reside in, so many will reside in states with lenient dog breeding laws and sell over the internet. Sites offering to ship puppies next day should be an immediate red flag that such sites are looking to sell in large quantities quickly rather than ensuring their dogs get quality homes. These sites also cater to impulse buys, who are more likely to abandon dogs at a shelter.
* Avoid over-popular breeds like Springer Spaniels, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Yorkies and even Labradors. These breeds can cost up to $1300 or more for a puppy, and as Puppy Mills are a money-based business they tend to sell breeds that can get the highest asking price.

Tags: Animal Cops, Animal Planet, Breeders, Puppy Mill, Puppy Mills, Suffering Dogs, Suffering Puppies