Puppy mill
258719
223755275
2008-07-05T17:07:04Z
71.75.226.129
/* History */
{{POV|date=June 2008}}
[[Image:puppy_mill02.JPG|thumb|right|A puppy mill in rural US]]
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'''Puppy mills''' (also known as '''puppy farms''' outside of the [[United States]]) are large-scale [[dog breeding]] facilities that operate under substandard breeding conditions,<ref name="aspca_puppy_mills">{{cite web |url=http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_puppymills |accessdate=2007-12-13 |date=2007 |author=ASPCA |title=Fight Animal Cruelty: Puppy Mills}}</ref><ref name="redeye_20071119">{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CREB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=11D0B2F033A603F0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated4&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Buy or adopt? Where you get your pet is a big decision -- and a big controversy |author=Swartz, Tracy |publisher=Chicago Tribune RedEye Edition |date=2007-11-19}}</ref> causing the development of chronic health problems, [[temperament]] issues, and hereditary defects in puppies that come from the mills.<ref name="aspca_puppy_mills" />
The term can be applied to operations involving other animals irresponsibly bred for profit, e.g. "kitty mills."<ref name="aspca_glossary" /> Animals that have been produced in mills are most commonly sold at [[pet store]]s to unsuspecting consumers.<ref name="kennel_club_uk" />
Irresponsible breeding on a smaller scale is referred to as [[backyard breeding]].<ref name="aspca_glossary">{{cite web |url=http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_crueltyglossary |title=ASPCA: Fight Animal Cruelty: Cruelty Glossary |author=ASPCA |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-12-13}}</ref>
== Differences in breeding conditions ==
Responsible breeders raise their animals with the intent to produce a healthy dog, and to provide a quality pet for responsible owners.<ref name=akc_breed_to_improve>{{cite web |url=http://www.akc.org/breeders/resources/guide_to_breeding_your_dog/step_2.cfm |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-12-13 |title=Step Two - Breed to Improve |author=American Kennel Club}}</ref> Good breeders will take into consideration [[dog breed|breed]]-specific health problems, genetic screening, physical condition, age of the dog and temperament before producing [[litter (animal)|litters]]. A good breeder will carefully nurture the mothers and the puppies they produce. They will constantly check the puppies for health ailments, and ensure they are properly [[socialization|socialized]].<ref name="wkc">{{cite web |url=http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2008/show/news/breeders.html |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-12-13 |title=Buy Dogs from a Breeder |author=Westminster Kennel Club}}</ref> Before placing puppies in their homes, breeders screen potential customers rigorously, and will often provide a [[pedigree (animal)|pedigree]]. A good breeder should provide at least a two year health guarantee with their puppies, and one that does not require the return of a pup. They will provide new owners with all the information necessary for caring for their puppy.<ref name=akc_finding_your_dog>{{cite web |url=http://www.akc.org/future_dog_owner/find_breeder.cfm |title=Finding Your Dog |accessdate=2007-12-13 |author=American Kennel Club}}</ref>
In contrast, dogs bred in puppy mills are usually kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. They usually do not receive adequate food, water or veterinary care. Both breeding dogs and their puppies tend to be housed in extremely cramped conditions, often exposed to the elements. Females are sometimes forced to breed every time they are in heat to increase profits, resulting in gradually decreasing sizes of litters.<ref name="aspca_puppy_mills" /><ref name=boston_animal_control>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofboston.gov/animalcontrol/ready.asp |author=City of Boston |title=Are you ready to adopt a pet? |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-12-13}}</ref> As puppies, mill dogs are [[wean]]ed from their mothers well before the eight to ten weeks recommended.<ref name="aspca_responsible_breeding">{{cite web|url=http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer? pagename=cruelty_puppymills_statement |title=Puppy Mills: Responsible Breeding |author=ASPCA |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref> Dogs in puppy mills are often bred indiscriminately. While puppies produced from puppy mills may come with pedigrees, the pedigree itself is neither an indication of quality nor authenticity — many pedigrees produced by puppy mills are faked.<ref name="kennel_club_uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/208 |title=Where NOT to buy a puppy or a dog |author=The Kennel Club (UK) |date=2006-05-16 |accessdate=2007-12-14}}</ref>
== Effects ==
As a result of poor breeding conditions located in puppy mills, puppies acquired from puppy mills tend to have issues not typically identified with reputable breeders. Puppies raised in a cramped environment shared by many other dogs become poorly socialized to both other dogs and humans. Dogs are then transported over long distances in poor conditions, sometimes resulting in the deaths of many dogs. As the surviving mill dogs grow older, they are more prone to being diagnosed with respiratory ailments and [[pneumonia]], as well as hereditary defects such as [[hip dysplasia]].<ref name="aspca_puppy_mills" /> In addition, mill dogs are more prone to have problems with their temperament. Puppies from mills are usually sold as purebred dogs in an attempt to fetch the higher prices associated with purebreds. However, due to the indiscriminate breeding practices of puppy mills, the dog may or may not actually be a purebred puppy.<ref name="kennel_club_uk" />
The vast majority of puppy mill animals are sold to pet stores by "dealers". Some puppies are sold by dealers masquerading as authentic breeders. Reputable breeders never sell puppies to dealers or pet stores.<ref name="kennel_club_uk" /><ref name="aspca_responsible_breeding" /> Most animal rights groups recommend purchasing purebred puppies directly from responsible breeders. In addition, local animal shelters are a reliable source for puppies that does not directly benefit puppy mill operators. Another recommended source for puppies are breed-specific rescue organizations.<ref name="aspca_puppy_mills" />
== History ==
According to Canis Major publications, puppy mills originated in the post-[[World War II]] era. Midwestern farmers looking for an alternative crop reacted to a growing demand for puppies, resulting in the development of the first commercial puppy business. As the business grew, both small and large retail outlets began to sell puppies through pet departments. At around the same time, the first pet store chains were born.<ref name="canis_major_dilemma" />
Through indifference or ignorance, many puppies were left unsocialized or exposed in existing chicken coops or rabbit hutches. In addition, veterinary care for these puppies was often overlooked because of an inability to pay. As a result, organizations such as the [[Humane Society of the United States]] began to investigate breeding kennels, leading to the passage of the [[Animal Welfare Act]] of [[August 24]], [[1966]].<ref name="canis_major_dilemma" /><ref name="usda">{{cite web |url=http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm |title=Animal Welfare Act |author=United State Department of Agriculture |date=2003-08-21 |accessdate=2007-12-26}}</ref>
According to the Humane Society of the United States, thousands of puppy mills are located around the country.<ref name=hsus_faq>{{cite web |url=http://stoppuppymills.org/frequently_asked_questions.html#6_Where_can_I_find_a_list_of_known_puppy |title=FAQs |author=Humane Society of the United States |date=2007-07-17 |accessdate=2007-12-26}}</ref> The highest concentration of both puppy mills and breeders has been reported to be in the states of [[Pennsylvania]], [[Arkansas]], [[Kansas]] and [[Missouri]].<ref name="time">{{cite news |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AMNP:TMGB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10E4D24055CCA0A0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated4&req_dat=AA98CDC331574F0ABEAFF732B33DC0B2 |title=Curbing the Puppy Trade: Dog lovers are divided over new efforts to ensure that all breeders treat their pooches humanely |date=2005-12-12 |author=Hamilton, Anita |publisher=Time}}</ref>
== Controversy ==
[[Image:puppy_mill_01.JPG|thumb|left|Miniature breeds at a US puppy mill]]
The term "puppy mill" has been widely used by [[animal rights group]]s in protests against smaller breeders who may appear to have substandard breeding conditions. Such breeders, occasionally labeled hobby breeders, are often cited by animal rights groups as puppy mills. Hobby breeders claim that emotional rhetoric, sensationalism, and pictures of dirty kennels are used to justify additional legislation or additional restrictive licensing that travels well beyond the initial goal of removing dogs from truly deplorable conditions.<ref name="canis_major_dilemma">{{cite web |url=http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html |title=Just what is a puppy mill? |accessdate=2007-12-14 |date=2007 |author=Canis Major Publications}}</ref>
Some hobby breeders argue that many attempts to legislate puppy mills would place them out of business. Many hobby breeders argue the laws, which often require extra paperwork and inspections, would be more of a nuisance than help in shutting down puppy mills. Such breeders often cite existing [[lemon law]]s for puppies as sufficient protection for both dogs and prospective buyers.<ref name="time" />
== Media coverage ==
On [[May 29]], [[2008]], [[MSNBC]] aired a report about puppy mills, in which [[Oprah Winfrey]] revealed an industry fraught with problems and apparent cruelty. The broadcast showed puppy mills with small cages, with [[chicken wire]] floors, stacked in rows from floor to ceiling, and stated that many dogs spend their entire lives within these tiny cages. Many of these dogs are sold on the [[internet]] or by [[pet store|pet retailers]] to buyers who are unaware of the dogs' background. The report claimed that customers who object to this treatment of puppies unknowingly allow the industry to thrive. It also pointed out that many of the puppy mill bred dogs suffer long-term health problems.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24880312/</ref>
== Legislative response ==
=== United States, Federal ===
In the [[United States]], some elements of the dog breeding industry are regulated by the [[Animal Welfare Act]] of [[August 24]], [[1966]].<ref name="awa">{{cite web |url=http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm |date=2003-08-21 |accessdate=2008-01-03 |title=Animal Welfare Act and Regulations |author=Animal Welfare Information Center - United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service - National Agricultural Library}}</ref>
=== Australia, Sydney ===
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has responded to the problem of puppy mills in Australia by proposing the <ref>http://www.leadtheway.org.au/aboutthebill.html Animals Regulation of Sale Bill</ref>. It would ban the sale of dogs through pet shops, the internet or newspapers. The aim is to crack down on impulse purchases and shut down unregistered backyard breeders. These breeders should no longer easily profit from the sale of the dogs, and the number of unwanted and abandoned animals could drop.<ref>http://www.leadtheway.org.au/clovermoore.html</ref>
Opposition to the bill comes from the Australian Veterinary Association and the Pet Industry Association. They say that the bill makes no difference to shelter admissions or euthanasia rates.<ref>http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=580080</ref>
Some claim that the bill will only serve to push unregistered breeders further underground.<ref>http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=580080</ref>
In New South Wales alone more than 60,000 animals are put down each year.<ref>http://www.leadtheway.org.au/clovermoore.html</ref> Australia-wide the number is over a quarter of a million.<ref>http://sunday.ninemsn.com.au/sunday/cover_stories/article_2476.asp</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
*http://www.aspca.org/puppymills
*http://www.thekodyfoundation.org
*http://www.petshoppuppies.com/ Pet Shop Puppies -- Request a free USDA inquiry on any puppy you may have purchased from a pet store.
*[http://www.stoppuppymills.org/ Stop Puppy Mills - Humane Society of the United States]
*[http://www.awarenessday.org/ Puppymill Awareness Day]
*[http://www.caps-web.org Companion Animal Protection Society] -- The only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals
*[http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/ Prisoners of Greed]
*[http://www.nopuppymills.com/ No Puppy Mills] -- Dedicated to educating the public about the commercial dog industry in America
*[http://www.kimtownsend.com/csusda.htm Understanding cage size] -- A series of illustrations showing how to measure and calculate the primary enclosure size in commercial kennels.
*[http://www.nppmwatch.com North Penn Puppy Mill Watch] -- Covers PA puppy mill activity and critical pending state-wide legislation
*[http://www.petstoreabuse.com PetStoreAbuse.com] -- Information on the pet trade and commercial breeders.
*[http://www.njcapsa.org NJ Consumers Against Pet Shop Abuse] -- Information about puppy lemon laws and puppy mills.
*[http://www.leadtheway.org.au/aboutthebill.html Clover Moore's Bill] -- Covers the contents of the Bill and how it will stop petshops, newspapers and internet sales of animals
[[Category:Dog breeding]]
[[Category:Dogs as pets]]
[[Category:Domesticated animals]]
[[Category:Animal welfare]]
[[Category:Animal rights]]
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[[zh:繁殖場]]