2006 Puppy Mill "A WALK FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T"

Puppy Mill-these are words that chill my heart and turn my stomach. Dateline, 20/20, NBC, Good Morning America, and The Today Show have highlighted problems at puppy mills, but some people still don’t know the horrors of a puppy mill or what they can do to end this national disgrace. If you can’t bring yourself to read about puppy mills, at least read the last paragraph! Everyone needs to be aware of what they can do to shut them down.

Puppy mills are found all over the U.S., but are concentrated in high numbers in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. It’s a multi-million dollar industry supporting 5,000 puppy mills found across the country.

A puppy mill is a business that mass-produces dogs for a profit with minimal regard for the quality and welfare of the animals. Thousands of dogs are bred for profit, valued not for their companionship or for improving the breed, but for the cold hard cash they bring.

The adult dogs spend their entire lives in tiny cages in deplorable filthy conditions that promote viruses and disease. These cages are often stacked on top of one another so that the waste from one cage falls into the cage below. Often the dogs go without food or water for days and are likely to be underfed and in poor health. Dogs' lay and sleep in their own excrement on wire bottomed cages that cut into their feet. The most basic grooming care is non existent and their hair grows matted and is often infested with fleas. Skin infections, open wounds, ear and eye infections are common and usually not treated. There have been many reports of dogs rescued from puppy mills with toenails grown around in a full circle because they have never been trimmed. These dogs can barely walk.

Starting at six months of age, the female is bred every heat cycle. She is often weak, malnourished, and dehydrated. The females are kept pregnant constantly but receive little veterinary care due to the costs. Smaller breeds of dogs often require surgery to deliver their pups, but don't get it. This leads to the agonizing death of many females and their puppies. Most females can’t maintain their productivity past their fourth or fifth year and are than a drain on the mill's operation. If she's lucky, she'll be humanely euthanized. More often than not, she will be shot or bludgeoned to death. The puppies produced are frequently of poor quality and ill health. They are often taken from their mothers before they are old enough, in order to be shipped across the country to pet stores. Many die of starvation, dehydration, and/or fatigue on the journey.

During investigations, dogs in outdoor wire cages, living in their own wastes were found shivering from the cold, or with no protection from rain, cold winds, or the blazing sun in the summer. Food was found infested with maggots and drinking water was green with algae. Many animals suffered from starvation and complete lack of water. It is not unusual for a dog to go insane after living year after year in these conditions. Disturbing behavior often caused by confinement includes constant running in circles and self mutilation.

The idea of breeding a dog is to create a good example of that dog, not only physically but mentally. Dogs produced in puppy mills have contributed to deterioration in the quality of many breeds. In a puppy mill, no genetic testing is done which can detect serious hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia dislocating kneecaps, liver and heart diseases, auto-immune disorders, and seizures. Inbreeding is common and can lead to temperament problems, aggressive behavior or exaggerate undesirable inherited personality traits. Most breeders do not properly vaccinate puppies for such fatal diseases as distemper and parvo.

Pennsylvania, now breeds more dogs than any state on the east coast and the concentration of puppy mills in Lancaster County is unparalleled anywhere in the country. In the heart of Amish and Mennonite country, thousands of puppies in are crowded in locked buildings that used to be barns, chicken coops or trailers and have been crudely converted into kennels.

Picture an old, falling apart trailer or barn with 16"x36" wire cage kennels lining the walls and stacked three high. Roofs are often rickety and leaking. There is no heat in the winter and no cooling system when the temperatures soar to 90 degrees. Waste is allowed to collect for days and the floors of many are covered with urine and feces, and contaminated with viruses. There is no ventilation, so the odor of feces and urine is inescapable. The wire-bottom cages are not kept in good repair and are usually rusting with feces hanging from the wire bottoms. Paws are cut and infected by constantly standing on wire. Animals are crowded, sometimes 3 or 4 in a cage, filthy from their own excrement. Some females are very pregnant, some have pups in the cages with them. All are filthy, matted and smelling. Many are ill, but no vet will be called in. It cuts into the profit margin. In the eyes of a puppy miller, they are all disposable. Visitors are not allowed and photographs are prohibited.

Until recently, the ugly truth of puppy mills has been hidden. Only recently the problems of puppies with seizures, parasites, infections, bacteria and behavioral problems has been investigated and linked to the conditions at puppy mills. Even though all 50 states have anti-cruelty laws to prevent neglect and mistreatment of dogs, such laws are seldom enforced in rural areas, where most puppy mills are located.

The Animal Welfare Act should ensure proper care, feeding, housing, and veterinary care for dogs in puppy mills, however due to the shortage of inspectors, the United States Department of Agriculture fails in its responsibility to enforce these laws. Overbreeding dams, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing unwanted animals is common. The recently introduced Puppy Protection Act, if passed, will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforce the Animal Welfare Act by encouraging swift and strong action against repeat violators. It will also address the problem of incessant overbreeding by commercial breeders and require that dogs be adequately socialized, enhancing their well-being and helping to ensure fewer behavioral problems in the future.

So are you wondering where all these thousands of are puppies sold to? To pet stores across the nation.

More often than not, pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills. That’s how they keep all those different breeds of puppies in stock at any given time. Next time you are drawn to a pet store window by a bin of wriggling puppies, remember the origin of these pups and the endless suffering their parents endure. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registration papers that usually come with purebred pet shop puppies often impress buyers and provide a false sense of security. This registration doesn’t guarantee proper breeding conditions, health, quality, or claims to lineage. The AKC registers thousands of puppy mill puppies each year without questioning the horrendous conditions in which these puppies are raised. Pet shop puppies commonly have worms, upper respiratory infections, ear and eye infections, mange, coccidia or giardia. Sick puppies, even those with contagious diseases often share cages with well puppies.

Backyard breeders are often no better than puppy mills. The living conditions are often the same, but they run their business on a smaller scale. Be wary of breeders who refuse to let you see their kennels, or the parents of the pup. If they fail to produce a certificate of vaccination and de-worming be cautious. Are they familiar with a specific puppy's personality? If not, the pup has not been handled and socialized. Can they answer questions about the breed? Will they give you names of other buyers who have purchased their puppies? If not, find a different place to buy your pup. Do not support backyard breeders! If you see a situation that constitutes abuse, please call a humane officer to investigate.

Reputable breeders love and care for their animals as pets, not as gainful property. They diligently maintain records of their litters, vaccinations, vet care and general health of each animal. The genetic soundness of their animals is of the greatest importance to them. They breed for health and temperament, and are concerned with quality, not quantity. The mother will be on the premises and the cages will be clean and sheltered. Puppies require human contact at an early age to make good pets. When you buy a puppy from a good breeder, you can expect it to be well on its' way to socialization and used to being handled and loved. Good breeders will want to know if you’re responsible and if you’ll provide a good home for their puppy.

In addition, there are rescue organizations for just about every breed of dog with purebred dogs for adoption. The animal shelter and humane organizations also often have purebred dogs. Consider adopting a dog from one of them and save a life in the process.

Dogs hold a special place in our hearts. They are our protectors, companions, and best friends.

A puppy mill is a place that sells dogs for profit and it is a living hell for these creatures of God. To the operators, the health of the dog doesn't matter. The only concern is the profit. The only way to close down puppy mills is to stop the demand for their puppies. Buying puppies from pet shops supports puppy mills by increasing the demand. The Humane Society, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and many other animal welfare organizations urge consumers never buy a puppy from a pet store.

Sandy Barnosky

(published with permission- originally posted in Medina Gazette)

About the author: Sandy is a dog lover first and writer second. She writes for the 'good of animals.' Sandy also volunteers at a 'low-cost spayed clinic' and at a local rescue in Ohio.

I don't remember much from the place I was born. It was cramped and dark and we were never played with by humans. I remember Mom and her soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them dying, and I missed them so.

I do remember the day I was taken from Mom. I was so sad and scared, my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have been with Mom still, but she was so sick, and the humans kept saying that they wanted money and were sick of the "mess" that my sister and I made. So we were crated up and taken to a strange place. Just the two of us. We huddled together and were scared, still no human hands came to pet us or to love us.

So many sights and sounds, and smells!! We are in a store where there are many different animals! Some that squawk! Some that meow! Some that peep! My sister and I are jammed into a small cage, I hear other puppies whine. I see humans looking at me, I like the "little humans", they look like they'd be fun, like they would play with me!

All day we are kept in the small cage, sometimes mean people will hit the glass and frighten us, every once in a while we are taken out to be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle, some hurt us, we always hear "AW they are so cute! I want one!" but we never get to go with any.

My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard them say she was sick, and that I should be sold at a "discount price" so that I would quickly leave the store. I softly whined to mourn for her as they took her body out
of the cage in the morning, I wondered where they put her?

Today, a family came and bought me! Oh happy day!! They are a nice family, they really, really wanted me! They had bought a dish and food and the little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her so much! The mom and dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am! I am named Angel. I love to lick my new humans!

The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and sweet. They gently teach me right from wrong, give me good food and lots of "LOVE". I want only to please these wonderful people! I love the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her.

Today I went to the Veterinarian. It was a strange place and I was frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend (the little girl) held me softly and said it would be OK. So I relaxed. The Vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard severe hip dysplacia, and
something about my heart... I heard the vet say something about, back yard breeders and my parents not being tested. I didn't know what any of this meant, just that it hurt me to see my family so sad. But they still loved me, and I still loved them very much!!!

I am now 6 months old. Where most of the other puppies are robust and rowdy, it hurts me terribly just to move. The pain never lets up. It hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard to breathe. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I am supposed to be, but it is so hard. It breaks my heart to see the little girl so sad, and to hear her mom and dad talk about, it might now be the time. Several times I have gone to the Veterinarians place. I just wanted to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play and nuzzle with my family.

Last night was the worst. Pain has been my constant companion now, it hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain. I am taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so sad, and I don't know why.

Have I been bad? I try to be good and loving, what have I done wrong? Oh if only this pain would be gone! If only I could soothe the tears of the little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but have to stop because of the pain.

The Veterinarian's table is so cold. I am so frightened. My humans hug and love me, they cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and sadness. I manage to lick their hands softly. Even the vet doesn't seem so scary today. He is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for my pain. The little girl holds me softly and I thank her, for giving me all her love. I feel a soft pinch in my foreleg.

The pain is beginning to lift. I am beginning to feel a peace descend upon me. I can now softly lick her hand. My vision is becoming dream like now, and I see my Mother, my brothers and sisters, in a far off green place. They tell me there is no pain there only peace and happiness. I tell the family, good-bye in the only way I know how, a soft wag of my tail and nuzzle of my nose. I had hoped to spend many, many happy years with them, but it was not meant to be. The pain ends now and, I know it will be many years until I see my beloved family again. If only things could have been different.

"I am sorry," said the Vet. "Pet shop puppies do not come from ethical breeders. I am so tired of putting so many of these kind of puppies to sleep."

This story may be published or reprinted in the hopes that it will stop
unethical breeders and those who breed only for money and not for the betterment
of the breed.

Copyright 1999 J.Ellis

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.

Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask, "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their
beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said, "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities
facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.

At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream. Or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and
waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.

She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.

She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself --a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.

And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of mytail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a
noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice.

Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home
for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.

Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all to do the same.