Oscar's Blog

In addition to providing dog shampoo, Organic Oscar and our allied pet parents care about the society we live in. Today, we want to discuss an important subject, so tomorrow our pets and us may live in a better world. Do you know what puppy mills are? When you visit a puppy store, do you wonder where the puppies come from? What most people do not know, or choose to ignore, is that many dogs come from puppy mills, or “breeding factories�. In puppy mills, dogs are treated like objects, used for money and abandoned or killed once they are deemed no longer “useful.� By educating others and ourselves about this cruelty, we can help put a stop to puppy mills.

What are puppy mills? As of now, there is no single definition of puppy mills.  The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) defines a puppy mill as “a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs.” Puppy mills are overcrowded, unsanitary and the animals live a life without proper socialization, veterinarian care, exercise or love.  Because of the terrible conditions and inbreeding, many breeder dogs and their offspring become sick.  Puppy mills are able to survive because they sell puppies “in bulk” to pet stores who then sell the dogs to consumers for a high price. As long as people continue to buy dogs from irresponsible pet stores, puppy mills will continue to exist. Puppy mills also sell to individual brokers, who then sell the puppies out of their own homes or on the Internet.

There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the United States.

How do I know if I’m buying from a puppy mill? Because puppy mills are difficult to regulate, it is crucial to be educated and ask questions.  Many puppy mills claim the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates them. Unfortunately, there are many loopholes in the system. USDA only requires the minimum care for dogs: food, water, and shelter. Many states do not require breeders to be licensed or inspected. Responsible breeders will allow potential owners to view their home and the mother of the puppies.  Puppies less than 8 weeks old should not be taken away from their mother; selling a younger puppy is illegal and can lead to emotional and physical problems for the animal. If you are purchasing a dog from a pet store, they should be knowledgeable about the breeders they buy from and should be able to provide any information about the breeder. If they refuse to disclose this information, be aware!

I want to save a dog from a puppy mill! Initially, it may seem difficult not to purchase a dog that came from a puppy mill. After all, they need to be rescued too! However, as much as every dog deserves a wonderful home, buying a dog from a puppy mill is a form of support. It only helps their business, continues the cycle, and puts more dogs in danger.  Rather, check your local shelters or rescue groups: millions of dogs need loving homes!

Not all breeders and pet stores are bad… There are caring businesses, but it is your responsibility to make sure that you are supporting one that is legitimate and cruel-free. Do your homework and you can take your loving, healthy dog home with a clear conscious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand answers. Responsible breeders and pet stores want the best for their dogs and will have nothing to hide.

Tips from ASPCA for safe, responsible puppy buying:

• Check references, including others who have purchased pets from the same breeder and the veterinarian the breeder works with.
• Be sure to deal directly with a breeder, not a broker.
• Always visit. Reputable breeders and rescue groups will be more than happy to offer you a tour. Breeding areas should be clean and sanitary. Ask to see where the dogs eat, sleep and get exercise.
• If you are told that there will be no refunds for a sick puppy, you are most probably dealing with a puppy mill. A reputable breeder or rescue group will always take the puppy back, regardless of the reason.
• Always pick your puppy up at the kennel. Do not have the puppy shipped or meet at a random location.

To help regulate laws on puppy mills, please read and sign one or all of these petitions:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/Help-abolish-puppy-mills/

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/15/tell-obama-to-protect-animals-in-2012/

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/110/872/451/

To learn more about puppy mills, please visit:  http://www.humanesociety.org and http://www.aspca.org/