As difficult and emotional as the subject of puppy mills is, an edition of Dogs, Dogs, Dogs devoted to the acquiring, appropriate care and upbringing of puppies would unfortunately, be incomplete without the painful reminder that an estimated 400 puppy mills currently operate in Ontario 

Despite the mass media attention regarding puppy mills, the launching of the Honey Needs You campaign (signed by over 240,000 Ontario residents) and the in-depth reports about the conditions and treatment of dogs in mills of late, the puppy mill industry continues to prosper.  How, after all we have learned and know about these abhorrent operations and ultimately object to, can this be happening?  How can we, as a society shut these puppy millers down once and for all?  Although recent amendments to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Act have made some strides toward tougher sentencing for animal abusers and a higher standard of care for companion animals until puppy milling is outlawed, the answer lies squarely with the consumer.  We, as purchasers make choices, and tragically we have chosen to support the milling business by continuing to purchase puppies from pet stores and retailers that are supplied by the puppy mill industry.  It boils down to supply and demand and puppies are the product.

In the face of recent explicit photographs published in newspapers province-wide and actual film footage shown on national television depicting neglected puppy mill dogs covered in feces, urine and filth, malnourished and emaciated somehow, somewhere and with some people, the message is lost.  How can these abused, suffering creatures possibly be connected to the fluffy, adorable and irresistible puppies one sees in the pet stores?  It's what one doesn't see that allows the puppy mill industry to continue to pump out puppies in the masses, with one unmistakable, unwavering motivator money.

Puppy milling is a multi-million dollar business in Canada, and while the majority of us could not fathom exploiting animals for profit there are those that do and will continue to cash in via these innocent victims until laws change and their market dries up.

A puppy miller's goal is to produce as many puppies as possible with nominal overhead expenses.  The puppies receive minimal veterinary care if any at all, are fed poor quality food and are often kept in make-shift cages and sheds and have even been found housed in old scrap cars.  They often suffer maladjustment problems due to lack of early handling and socialization.  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 one generation to the next.

The majority of the breeding females spend their entire lives in small filthy cages without exercise, affection or human interaction. They have only one purpose; to produce their 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 to make them profitable. 

Not only do puppy millers sell their puppies to pet stores and brokers, newspaper advertisements, flea markets and the internet also serve as a means to move their product. Although some puppy mill operators will sell directly to the public most do not want prospective buyers to see the horrific conditions the dogs are kept in, so are more likely to sell through brokers who make the transporting arrangements to the pet stores.  Most often before the age of eight weeks, the puppies are made to endure long trips to final destinations in overcrowded, dark and dirty trucks, sometimes with no food or water available.  Often, many of the puppies do not survive the journey.

Prior to 1994, a large majority of puppies in Canadian pet shops came from the United States.  The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) along with other animal welfare organizations sought import regulations for puppies coming into Canada.  In 1995, Agriculture Canada introduced legislation requiring puppies be at least 8 weeks of age, microchipped, vaccinated and veterinarian health checked.  This regulation has reduced the number of puppies imported from the US; however, it has resulted in a significant increase in the number of puppy mills in Canada.

Over the past 20 months the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) has followed hundreds of leads from the public regarding puppy mill operations.  Their investigations have resulted in the removal of over 1,000 dogs and puppies from 90 puppy mills across the province. 

Although the Ontario SPCA's notable investigation efforts and successful puppy mill shut downs have been paramount in the fight against puppy mills,  the cycle will tragically continue until we, as consumers, take a firm stand and stop the suffering by refusing to purchase puppies from the mill industry.  It is a well-documented fact that even after being shut down puppy millers will relocate, acquire new stock and begin the puppy assembly line again.  One such miller in Ontario has done exactly this four times!

Believe me; I know how hard it is to see those puppies in the pet store windows knowing full well you or someone you know could offer them a wonderful life, a life full of love, companionship and care, but if we are ever going to end the cruel and abusive practice of puppy mills the buck has to literally stop somewhere and it has to start with the consumer.  As hard as it is, be strong and either don't go and look at the puppies or if you do, close your eyes if only for a moment and make the connection.  Envision that adorable puppy's mother and/or father isolated in a dirty, dark barn confined to a small filthy cage left hungry, lonely and afraid. How can you possibly perpetuate the problem?

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 you will no sooner be out the door than another puppy mill puppy will replace the one you just bought.  If there is a demand, puppy mills will supply!

·        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 puppies 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 far too many wonderful dogs without homes waiting for a second chance.

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

·        Adopt a rescue dog. There is a rescue group for just about every breed of dog and there are all breed rescues for mixed breeds as well.  Reputable dog rescue groups work cooperatively with humane societies, shelters and veterinarians finding homes for displaced purebred and mixed breed dogs. 

·        Be suspicious of classified newspaper advertisements that offer many different breeds of puppies for sale, you will most likely be dealing with a puppy miller or broker.

·        Be equally wary of internet web sites that boast a variety of different puppies for sale for again, you may be connecting with a puppy mill operation.

·        Report all suspect puppy mills to your local humane society or to the provincial Ontario SPCA at 1-888-668-7722

·        If and when the time is right for you to open your heart and home to embrace dog guardianship, be an adopter who is well-read, researched and ready to fully investigate the background of your potential new canine family member.  A good friend of mine acquired a puppy several years ago and later discovered she had unknowingly purchased from a puppy mill broker.  I will never forget her words; I asked all the wrong questions and got all the right answers!  With this in mind, if you are in doubt or are suspicious about a puppy's heritage contact a reputable dog rescue organization, your local humane society or the provincial Ontario SPCA.