I have seen first hand the horrible living conditions of dogs in a puppy mill. Irresponsible dog breeders who put profits ahead of the health and safety of their animals are not compassionate nor worthy of owning dogs. I saw puppies that had been born with no eyes and deformed limbs because of inappropriate use of flea spray on their pregnant mothers. Puppies were packed in small muddy pens. There was no water and what little food I saw on the ground was moldy. Pregnant dogs were caged inside small wire crates piled on top of each other. These dogs lived outside, trapped in cages regardless of what the weather was like. Some of the cages contained a mother and her pups. It’s hard to imagine how lobbyists can advocate for mill owners who don’t have the compassion to provide the basic necessities of life for their dogs. But, the issue of puppy mills is complex and not all puppy mill lobbyists support the industry. Some lobbyists are fighting for change while others pressure law makers to continue “business as usual.” Unfortunately, the people fighting for the pets are losing the battle.
Puppy mills (commercial dog breeding) are a multi-billion dollar industry and the people who lobby for the industry tell lies and spread rumors and misinformation as they attack animal rights groups that oppose puppy mills. On the other end of the spectrum, however, are extreme animal rights groups that advocate for an end to all dog and cat breeding and believe no one should be allowed to own a pet. Their radical ideas and activism has created an opening for puppy mill lobbyists to manufacture arguments they hope will gain public support for their side. Lost in the confusion of accusations and big money are the animals.
Here’s where it gets more complicated. Animal rights groups that are labeled extreme may have gotten their infamous label from industry lobbyists trying to discredit them. Which leaves pet lovers and legitimate animal rights supporters caught in the middle as the two sides continue to try to out maneuver each other. And caught in the middle of all the bickering and political posturing; millions of puppies and kittens that endure life in unsanitary, unhealthy, cruel and abusive mills. Pet shops and online websites continue to sell sick pets to the public and politicians continue to ignore what the majority of voters want and back the puppy mill industry because it is big business. The losers in this fight are the animals and the consumers.
Earlier this year, the Missouri state senate reversed a statewide referendum passed by the voters. The politicians said the people didn’t understand the issue of puppy mills and overturned the wishes of the voters. The North Carolina General Assembly caved in to the N.C. Pork Council when lobbyists from that industry objected to a proposed puppy mill bill because the animal rights group supporting the bill is considered by them to be an extremists group. The commercial dog breeding industry has the backing of politicians and is supported by pharmaceutical/cosmetic research labs, the AKC, exotic pet dealers, zoos, hunting clubs, class B dog dealers and any other group that profits from selling dogs.
As the fight between puppy mill lobbyists and animal rights groups continue with name calling and accusations; the real issue of dogs and cats raised in puppy and kitten mills are pushed to the side. Mill owners guard their property aggressively with guns and motion detectors to keep unwanted observers from inspecting their facilities. All the while saying they have nothing to hide. If that’s the case, why do they refuse to allow people to document the living conditions of dogs at their “kennels?” Puppy mill owners are not responsible breeders. Most mill owners violate the Animal Welfare Act and repeatedly get away with abuse and cruelty because the government agency (USDA) in charge of overseeing the industry does a poor job of enforcing a weak law.
As consumers and pet lovers, we do have a choice and can make a difference by refusing to buy puppies or kittens from pet shops. Responsible breeders do not sell their animals to a pet shop. Most pet stores sell dogs and cats that were bred and raised in puppy and kitten mills. The dirty little secret pet shops hope you don’t uncover is the difference between licensed breeders and the assumption the USDA inspects all dog kennels. Groups that support puppy mills are quick to point out the Animal Welfare Act, but in reality, the AWA does nothing to protect animals. In fact breeders and pet shop owners are counting on an uneducated public that will continue to buy pet shop puppies and kittens. Puppy mill lobbyists working for the commercial dog breeding industry will do whatever it takes to keep the public confused about puppy mills, dog breeders, animal rights groups and the law. Dogs and cats will continue to die from malnutrition, abuse and neglect. Big money buys political power and morals and responsibility will usually be cast aside for huge profits.
Legal Animal Cruelty: Animal Welfare Act of 1966
Legal Animal Cruelty: Using Animals in Research Labs
Legal Animal Cruelty: Animal Testing and the Products We Buy