pet stores
The majority of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. A puppy
mill is a factory farm type facility that is only interested in producing as
many puppies as possible for profit, without considering the health or well being of the
puppies or the puppies' parents. Breeding dogs are often kept in cages their
entire lives, churning out litter after litter, and are not given the care
needed in order to maintain physical and mental health.
Please do your research before purchasing a
puppy. Read our checklist on Choosing
the Right Puppy and Finding a Good Breeder for more questions you should ask when interviewing breeders
and selecting your new puppy.
about puppy mill puppies
Most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills -- factory-like facilities, churning out purebred puppies in large numbers. Puppy mills
look to make a profit; commonly disregard the dog's physical and emotional health; and do not adhere to sound breeding practices. The result is
often sick or dying puppies who suffer from genetic, mental and physical health problems that are not always immediately apparent to the consumer.
Thousands of "breeder" dogs live a miserable existence in horrific conditions without hope of ever being part of a family.
the puppy mill – pet store connection
Most pet stores are adamant that they do not support puppy mills and that the dogs they sell are strictly from "reputable breeders."
However, many people who purchase their puppy from a pet store can end up with a sick or dying animal. With some research, they will learn their
puppy was indeed from a puppy mill. For those who were lucky enough to purchase a healthy dog, it is important to keep in mind that purchasing
that dog makes room for more puppy mill dogs raised in horrendous conditions. Every puppy mill dog purchased ensures that the industry continues
to thrive.
Reprinted by permission of
The Humane Society of the United States.
