What is a puppy mill? Different people have different definitions. The generally agreed upon definition describes a puppy mill as a place were dogs are bred in large numbers with most of the emphasis on profit rather than an effort to improve the breed. According to wikipedia:
A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm,[1] is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care.
There is a bill on the Missouri ballot that would redefine how puppies are raised. Why Missouri? It is estimated that 1 in every 3 puppies sold in the United States comes from Missouri. Many people in Missouri want to put a stop to puppy mills. The following changes will take place if these voters have their way:
require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles; prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets; and create a misdemeanor crime of “puppy mill cruelty” for any violations.
89% of voters support this initiative. A few farmers are balking because they feel that other far animals might be next, according to Southeast Missourian:
While few people would support the cruelty that allegedly exists in some of Missouri’s large-scale dog breeding facilities, the statewide initiative on November’s ballot designed to stop the abuse has created strong opposition.
Known as the “Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act,” Proposition B would limit the number of breeding dogs to 50 per breeder, require yearly veterinary care, periods of rest between a dog’s breeding cycles and improve living conditions. It would also create a misdemeanor crime for violating the requirements.
Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau president Dale Steffens has been vocal in his opposition to the measure. He said he is concerned the measure’s largest backer, the Humane Society of the United States, is a radical organization that wants to eliminate livestock farming, hunting and fishing.
“Our biggest concern is that if this Proposition B passes in the state of Missouri, who’s going to be on the agenda next? Who are they going after next? Are they going after cattle? Are they going after hogs?” he said.
I expect those with puppy mills probably don’t want this law to pass. They want to continue their inhumane practices for profit. The Humane Society fully supports this initiative.
According to Riverfront Times:
The initiative, if approved, would cost Missouri $654,768 — and, perhaps, our title as Puppy Mill Capital of the Country. Hard to get too worked about that one.
Most of the animal societies and vets suggest that potential dog owners get their pets from shelters or from reputable dog breeders to put these Simon Lagrees of the dog world out of business. Granted, it is difficult to tell if the breeder is reputable without going on to the property. Many of the special societies, by breed, will rank the breeders. For instance, if you like border terriers, the Border Terrier Club of America would probably direct you to someone reputable.
Even if you rescue a dog from a shelter, not all is happily ever after. Animals that have been bred in those conditions often have congenital defects and undetected disease. I have been burned. The money I spent is nothing compared to the emotional upheaval of losing a pet, which to me is like a member of the family.
Has anyone here been burned, and if yes, how so? What can we do to stamp out puppy mills? They aren’t just in Missouri. When I got my pups, there were definitely some in Virginia.
There are several classes of people who I just call “Target Practice”. People who run puppy mills are one of those groups. That’s all they are good for, that’s how they should be used. I like to think that there is a special extra-hot place in hell for animal abusers, and if elected, I will decriminalize the expedited transport of puppy-mill proprietors to this special place. Those god-forsaken animal abuse commercials on TV now make me want to cut my wrists (not really, but you get the idea).
I can’t watch those commercials. I change the channel.
I agree with you, Slowpoke and I nominate you as the avenger!
My daughter has, over the past ten or so years, acquired five dogs (not all at once and all as pups) from breeding operations and from informal breeders who just happened to have a litter. She has been burned three of the five times. The first dog (informal- mixed breed) literally went nuts and attacked their second dog and my daughter. On the firm advice of the vet, that dog was put down. The second, (also informal) was a Border Collie, now my age in dog years, who turned out to be one of the most loving and intelligent dogs I have ever been around. The third ( professional breeder, a Bijon Frise) became Grandpa’s special friend and frequent “luncheon companion” and received a 4-H Fair ribbon as “The Best Tail Wagger in Loudoun County.” He got sick about a year ago (cancer), and we had to take him on a final trip to the animal hospital. He was passing away as I sat beside him. He recovered from a coma for just a few seconds and wagged that tail just one more time when I called his name. Broke an old geezer’s heart.
The last two (both informal, one a mixed breed and the other one of those cockapoodles or whatever, were and are certifiable. One she gave back. The other is still with her, but so darned nuts that, if you have a plate of food, he is liable to leap into your lap and knock you, the food, and himself right off the chair. They have tried everything. Nothing works.
Getting a dog these days seems to be a bit Forrest Gumpyish: You open a dog pen and you never know what you’ll get.
Not sure you can beat a border collie. Those are such intelligent dogs. I would not get another one though. They are born to work. I live in the burbs. Mine needed to be on a farm or something. I have heard a Bijon Frise is a fabulous dog also. In fact, I looked at the Bijon as a replacement dog. Then I looked at my backyard in winter…and thought about a white coat and thought …no. And your tail wagging story did nearly break my heart.
How old is the psychotic dog your daughter now has? Would the dog whisperer help?
First, lets not broad brush all breeders as evil. Second, I highly recommend rescue systems. There is the local pound over by the County dump, but there are also a number of breed specific rescue folks who can help you with a specific breed – they are on the internet. I just took in a rescue a couple of weeks ago. Rescues are generally a little older, are often house/crate trained and are particularly loving. Each has a history that you need to know and in most cases they need some special care and handling, but the rewards are great.
Mutts are the best!
@PWC Taxpayer
Of course all breeders are not evil. But I think there’s a distinct difference between a breeder and a puppy mill. BTW, I tried breeding my female cat once. I must have done it wrong, because she scratched the you-know-what out of me.
@Slowpoke Rodriguez
No doubt, catty sex is very rough stuff. Best to not get involved.
Cats have a way of making body parts look like raw hamburger.
Agreed, Slow. No one is saying all breeders are evil. I would always go through a small at home breeder for a dog. I would not get a dog from anyone unless I had been on the property and met the parents of the dogs if I were getting a puppy.
After this last puppy, I would have to rethink ever getting a puppy again. This fool has killed my love of puppies. He is going on 2 years old.
I have found that getting a rescue animal can be as expensive as going to a high end breeder when all is said and done.
TP, what kind of dog did you get?
Does anyone else find some of the rescue people to be pain in the ass snobs?
Rescue greyhounds are the way to go! They are the sweetest, most gentle (and laziest!) creatures you can imagine, fabulous with children and also happen to be wheelchair height. Take one into a nursing home to visit and it will rest its snout on a senior’s lap, give out a big, contented sigh, and it will be love at first sight!
And that’s my public service announcement for today.
Do you ever keep them or do you just do rescue?
I’ve had two of my own. I had to have my last old girl put down recently. I don’t have the heart just yet to take on another animal right now, but definitely sometime in the future.
There is very little that breaks the heart like having to put down an old friend. I am sorry for your loss. When its a person we do funeral things and people gather around. When it is a pet, people say sorry and that’s it. It is a very lonely sad time.
@Emma
Exactly the same as our situation. We lost one of our dogs several months ago to a stroke. Today we have a 10 year old and now a new 3 year old. Both are Weimers and both are rescues. It takes a while to get over the loss, but worth it to enjoy the company of the pair.