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.
