Buying puppy mill pets promotes animal cruelty

How much is that doggy in the window? You may just be surprised to find out how those puppies in the pet shop window got there.

Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities where puppies are mass-produced for profit, most often in overcrowded, poorly ventilated and unsanitary conditions. The goal of a puppy mill is to produce as many puppies as possible with minimal cost to the operator.

Puppy mills often produce a number of different breeds simultaneously with little or no attention given to genetic defects or disorders, which are then passed on from generation to generation. The puppies receive minimal veterinary care if any at all, are fed poor quality food and often suffer maladjustment problems due to lack of early handling and socialization.

The majority of the breeding females spend their entire lives in small, filthy cages without exercise, love or human contact. They have only one purpose - produce an inventory of puppies.

Cages are often stacked on top of each other, allowing excrement to flow down on top of the dogs and puppies below. These females are usually bred every heat cycle until their worn tired bodies finally give out and they can no longer produce enough puppies. When breeding females are no longer profitable, they are simply disposed of.

Puppy mill operators do not want members of the public to see the conditions the dogs are kept in, so will typically sell through brokers who make the transporting arrangements to the pet shops. Usually before the age of eight weeks, the puppies are made to endure long journeys to final destinations in overcrowded, dark and dirty trucks, sometimes with no food or water.

Many people are unaware of the connection between the puppies they see (and buy) in pet shops and the inhumane practices of puppy mills. The CBC recently aired a story about puppy mills in Quebec where an estimated 1,500 to 1,800 unregulated puppy mills are producing as many as 400,000 dogs a year. The puppies are shipped to wholesalers and pet shops across Canada and the United States. Ontario is no stranger to puppy mills.

Last week the Ontario SPCA removed 180 dogs from a puppy mill in Vaughan. A couple have been charged with 'wilfully causing unnecessary suffering to animals'. They will appear in court Oct. 23 in Newmarket.

(The Ontario SPCA is requesting monetary donations to help provide medical attention and care for the dogs. The dogs will not be available for adoption until sometime next week. For more information on how to help please call 1-888-668-7722.)

It is estimated that approximately 400 puppy mills are operating in Ontario.

In October of last year, the Ontario SPCA rescued 107 dogs and puppies, primarily Chihuahuas, from a mill in the Barrie area.

It comes as no surprise that much of the research information I have read for this article indicates a high rate of health and temperament problems in puppy mill dogs.

What can you do to help eliminate commercial breeding mills?

Refuse to purchase puppies from pet shops that sell puppies from mills. Many people believe they are rescuing a puppy when they make such a purchase. Unfortunately these pet shops classify puppies as inventory or stock and no sooner will be out the door than another puppy mill animal will replace the one you just bought.

Pet shops that sell milled puppies must not be confused with pet supply stores that support local humane societies and shelters by setting up satellite adoption centres.

Recently there have been several reputable companies that have decided to take a stand against puppy mills and refuse to buy puppies from brokers. Kudos to those companies. I personally make a point of purchasing my supplies and food from them.

If you are unsure about a dog or puppy's origin ask to speak with a manager and ask them to specify which animal organization they are supporting. If you are still not convinced, call the shelter for verification.

Adopt from your local shelter or humane society. There are so many loving pets waiting for a second chance.

Never adopt a puppy (or any pet) on impulse. You are making a 10- to 15-year commitment and such a decision should be well thought out and researched.

Adopt a rescue dog. There is a rescue club for just about every breed of dog. Purebred rescue groups work co-operatively with humane societies, shelters and veterinarians finding homes for displaced purebred dogs.

For contact information, call your local shelter or e-mail lhh4dogs@rogers.com

If you are considering purchasing a purebred puppy from a breeder and have questions or concerns call the Canadian Kennel Club at 416-675-5511.