Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
All Critters
Pet Guardian Responsibilities
And Animal Well-Being
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
All donations are tax deductible
Copyright © 1997 - 2010
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Where does your local pet store get the animals they offer for sale? Learn about the Pet Mills: how they operate, what their priority is, what their priority is NOT and how we can put an end to supporting the existence of mills and the suffering of domesticated animals... |
MILL PRODUCTS |
Pet Mills: An American Disgrace
We CAN Put Them Out of Business!
NOTE: While this web page refers to puppies and puppy mills, please keep in mind that ferrets, kittens, birds, guinea pigs, and many other animals we have as pets can be bred irresponsibly and sold to the public with only ONE consideration in mind: PROFIT.
"A puppy mill is a breeding facility that mass-produces purebred puppies, which are typically sold at eight weeks of age to brokers and retail operations across the U.S. Puppy mills have long concerned The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The documented problems of puppy mills include: overbreeding dams, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages, and the killing unwanted animals. To the unwitting consumer, this situation frequently means buying a puppy facing
an array of immediate veterinary problems or harboring genetically borne diseases that do not appear until years later. Sadly, some dogs are forced to live in puppy mills for their entire lives. They are kept there for one reason only: to produce more puppies. Repeatedly bred, most of these 'brood bitches' are killed once their reproductive capacity wanes."
~ The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Visit HSUS' sister site, Stop Puppy Mills.
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"There is a solution to the puppy-mill problem: Don't buy your puppy from a pet store. This step is supported by the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, CAPS, and most state and local humane organizations.
‘Without pet-store sales, dog breeding would not be a lucrative business, and most mills would be forced out of existence.’ says the ASPCA's George Watford." ~ Excerpt from Reader's Digest Scandal of America's Puppy Mills, March 1999 Issue |
It's a powerful urge that tempts us to emancipate these animals by purchasing "that doggie in the window." Please realize that doing so sentences many others to the same cruel existence in the mills, where profit is clearly the primary motivation, not the betterment of a breed.
- 5/13/99 Note: Doris Day Animal League filed suit in Federal District court against the USDA charging that agency with "failing to halt cruel and inhumane practices in 'puppy mills' throughout the United States." The DDAL Executive Director is Holly Hazard at 202-546-1761 if anyone wants to call. Although this may be a lengthy process, combined with the recent Dateline stories and continued protests, there is hope.
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The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) estimate that ninety percent of puppies sold at pet shops come from puppy mills.
How many times have we seen puppies for sale at flea markets and trade days? Most likely, these animals are from
pet mills, or from "backyard breeders" wanting to make a few dollars at your and the animal's expense. Pet mills and backyard breeders are on the Web and in newsgroups, as well. Educating ourselves is our only option against financially supporting the existence of the whole pet mill system.
If you want a specific breed:
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 Check shelters and rescues ... locally and on the WEB! Your local humane society or shelter is the perfect Check First! resource as they host many that are at a dangerous crossroad in their lives. If you feel you need a certain breed, you may be surprised to learn that of the animals that pass through these facilities annually, approximately 30% are 'pure breds'. Almost all breeds have rescue organizations. These animals are cared for in volunteer foster homes where they are loved, socialized and handled by caring, devoted individuals.
- Find a reputable breeder ... and there ARE those breeders whose sole objective is the protection and betterment of their breed. They 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 greatest importance to them. They breed for health and temperament, and are concerned with quality, NOT QUANTITY.
- How do you know if it's a reputable breeder or a pet mill??? Here are a few alarm bells:
- Are they unconcerned about the home environment you are offering the pet?
- Do they sell X-bred animals at inflated prices?
- Do they refuse to let you see their kennels or members of the breeding group?
- Do they refuse you contact with others they've placed a pet with?
- Are they unfamiliar with a specific animal's personality?
- Do they have numerous "fashionable" breeds and constant supply of litters?
- Do they fail to produce a current certificate of vaccination? de-worming?
- Do they refuse you "after-sale" support?
- Do they sell to pet stores, use brokers or auctions?
- If the answer is YES to ANY of these, find another breeder. Do your homework. Ask questions. Get reliable references. Find a high-principled, dedicated breeder.
Do you have a complaint about a pet shop? REPORT IT HERE. The information you will need is explained in detail.
Do you think you've found a pet mill? READ several things you can do to get these animals to a rescue or shelter and out of the hands of a pet mill. Visit your local pet stores. Pretend to be a prospective buyer. LEARN how to gather and report online the information that may put another pet mill out of business. |
Please CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OPTION:
 "Unlike buying, adoption usually focuses on matching the adopter's lifestyle and habits with the animal's needs and characteristics. When an animal is sold, profit comes first. Most pet stores will sell an animal to almost anyone. A young puppy may be sold to someone who may not have the time to take care of her. The profit motive only puts the animal's interests in jeopardy." ~ HSUS - Humane Society of the United States.
Additional Resources:
Your donation goes to the expenses for our feral cat colony and foster cats and dogs' food, upkeep, and medical care. 100% of all donations go to the animals because there are no salaries or administrative fees. Thank you for your support!
Visit our message board for serious information gathering and decimination regarding animal health, advocacy, and rescue - cats, dogs, wildlife, and so much more. You will have to register, but it's FREE. We hope you will join us.
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