DOG AND CATS UNDER SIEGE
Puppy mills also known as puppy farms are large scale or extensive for-profit facilities that operate below humane standard. In many facilities the animals are considered nothing more than money producing commodities. Sadly, the animals' well- being and care are often ignored. The word Jmill' in the designation puppy mill was likely derived from the fast-paced, fast-selling inhumanity of the operations.
Puppy mills began to appear following the Second World War.
Reacting to crop failures in the American Midwest, and a noticeably increased demand for puppies, farmers found an additional source of revenue. Initially, puppies were housed in chicken coops and rabbit hutches. Many of the farmers did not know how to properly care for the puppies and dogs in their care. Soon thereafter, a puppy selling enterprise developed, and to this day has been irreversible.
Ironically, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) encouraged the development of this enterprise by calling public attention to the fact that it was (in their opinion) a profitable business venture. The USDA is now eating its own words.
Today, The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is the agency within the USDA responsible for regulating puppy mills under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
By USDA estimates, in America there are up to 3000 federally licensed commercial breeding facilities (the number of un-licensed facilities outweighs the aforementioned statistic). Missouri and Pennsylvania are America's most rampant puppy mill states. Other notorious states include Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. In Canada the Province of Quebec is their counterpart. Quebec's inadequate legislation, lack of proper enforcement and inadequate funding aggravate the problem.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimate that there are nearly 10 thousand puppy mill operators in the U.S. The HSUS further estimates that more than 2 million puppies are sold every year in the U.S. Unfortunately, the number of puppies that don't make the grade is likely certainly higher. Their fate is often atrocious, to say the least.
The bulk of puppies and dogs that are sold end up in pet stores or under the ownership of people who don't know the facts about puppy mills, don't want to know, or simply don't care. Puppy mill operators want to make a profit, customers want a good deal. It's a cold-blooded business.
Many puppies destined to be sold are unceremoniously transported by pickup trucks, trucks, or airplane, for hundreds of miles or more without adequate food, water, ventilation, rest, or veterinary medical care. Many of the puppies die. Commonly, the puppy is between 6 and 8 weeks old. Worse yet, in countless cases, the mother of the puppies must witness them being snatched away from her. She's likely imprisoned inside a cage, or chained to an inanimate object, and breeding twice a year for several years, I can't imagine the mental anguish these mothers feel.
Unfortunately, puppy mill operations often result in horrible suffering and anguish for the victims (puppies and dogs). Homes of the victims may be tiny cages or makeshift structures, cramped and filthy containing fecal matter, urine, vomit, blood, puss, untreated open sores and other injuries, maggots, insects, parasites, worms; inadequate shelter from the elements (extreme cold, heat, humidity, wind), over-crowding, no place to run or hide from the constant sounds and from aggressive dogs, inadequate and unsanitary food and water, rusty and/or splintery barbed wire, little or no veterinary medical care, little or no love or empathy.
Puppy mill owners, often being out of sight and out of mind from society as a whole, can reprimand or punish the dogs in their care in any way, shape, or form.
Many puppies are taken from their mothers too early. This is very stressful for the puppies and for their mothers; the word "bitch' is commonly used to refer to their mothers. It is derogatory. I would prefer to use the word "mother'. It's more sympathetic, empathetic, and less derogatory.
It's not uncommon for puppy mill dogs to never feel freedom, be petted, stroked, or feels loved.
Mothers are nothing short of breeding machines, literally forced to produce their first litters when they go into their first heat; thereafter following the same action with each subsequent heat. Having 2 litters per year is common. Sadly, mothers are used in this fashion until they're no longer able to be productive, at around 5 or 6 years of age. Thereafter, anything can happen. Considering this business, mercy and compassion are the exception not the rule.
Excessive, unnatural breeding, compounded with common in- breeding result in genetic and health problems for many of the imprisoned animals. The overall filthy and unsanitary conditions only aggravate matters. Oftentimes, dogs are crammed into cages, which are placed in stacks, thereby resulting in fecal matter and urine from above to drop onto the lower-decked animals.
If these cages are not properly cleaned on a regular basis fecal matter and urine will accumulate. Furthermore, vomit and natural saliva, drool, and discharges of blood and puss can also drop to lower decks. Matted hair and flea infestations are common. A dog's natural instinct to keep its area clean and to bury its droppings is literally abolished. Dogs with pre- existing allergies or severe itching suffer even more.
In puppy mills age does not signify beauty. On the contrary, it may result in a death sentence or being tossed away. Most prospective buyers don't want an old dog. Youth or puppy-hood is almost always sought after.
In many of these pathetic facilities, the only humans these dogs see are cold and uncaring. The memories of this languished, horrible life can't be forgotten by the dogs. Play is something not even imagined. Many of the dogs that are eventually sold may cower in fear of humans or lash out in fear, or be overly aggressive.
Below is a list of problems caused by puppy mill life:
• Rotten, decayed teeth (what is a dog without its teeth?).
• Jaw-related problems. In severe cases the jaw actually begins to dissolve.
• Ulcerated eyes.
• Severe stimulus overload. Too much barking noises, yelping, screaming, pouting; little or no time for real rest or sleep.
• Filthy and/or matted hair.
• A persistent horrendous stench.
• Injuries caused by fighting.
• Injuries caused by scraping against rusty wire mesh or cage bars.
• Severe injury caused by a leg or paw getting caught in the wire mesh floors, or bars of cages. The dog's natural instinct is to try to pull back its paw or limb. In severe cases the dog may lose a paw or a leg, thereby making it un-sellable; hence, it will likely be destroyed (often- times in a brutal manner). The puppy mill owner may actually blame the dog for its own suffering and demise.
• Frost or heat burns during summer or winter.
• Problems related to eating cheap quality, bulk food, and water that in severe cases may contain algae in it.
• Stereotyped actions (actions that become repetitive, compulsion-like: going around in circles hours-on-end, persistent barking at an inanimate object).
• Serious socialization problems.
• Unnatural eating habits.
• Temperament problems. Frustrated owners may lash out at the dog by punishing it, throwing it away, or dumping it in an animal shelter, thereby further aggravating the unwanted dog and cat overpopulation problem.
• Many dogs end up dying slow agonizing deaths, no one around to shed a single tear for them.
• Puppies born deformed or seriously ill may be left to die, or be killed.
But why should cold-blooded puppy mill operators and pet store owners in the U.S. really care. Read the text below:
“In a stunning setback in their efforts to increase enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), USDA has suddenly reversed course and decided to, once again, tolerate substandard conditions at puppy mills. Dr. Chester Gipson, USDA's chief of enforcement for the AWA, recently told animal advocates that the USDA needs Ito enable breeders to sell their dogs to pet stores' and citing violations is an impediment to such sales." (Posted in Action Alert News, October 4, 2014; United Against Puppy
Mills: PA Dog Law Board Member Hired by USDA; the original source of the information came from The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation).
Furthermore, the USDA appears to be aiding substandard breeders, recently instructing their inspectors not to cite lesser violations because it would make it more difficult for breeders to sell their puppies.
"At a recent meeting of dog breeders, USDA officials told breeders that, "if at any time a violation has the potential of affecting your business, please call our office immediately and let us know," emphasizing that USDA stands ready to enable breeders to market their dogs to pet stores." (ibid)
Worse yet, the USDA has recently hired Julian Prager, a long-time puppy mill proponent and lobbyist. Mr. Prager is a long-time opponent of regulating puppy mills. The USDA has clearly shown that not only does it not care about the pain, agony, suffering, and deaths of many puppy mill puppies and dogs, but is ready and willing to support this horrible enterprise. Something's quite wrong here.
Injuries sustained in puppy mill life are quite painful, often life-long, and expensive, to say the least. Many rescue organizations are under-funded, employees are over-worked and underpaid, and there aren't enough people willing to volunteer. It costs several hundred dollars to rescue a typical dog, or considerably more depending on the injuries and amount of work needed. Unfortunately, dogs that are deemed too sickly to be helped must be put to sleep. The sadness and despair of this wicked industry is wide-encompassing, indeed, even reaching landfills. If you live in an area that has a high number of puppy mills and/or backyard breeders don't be surprised if you see dead dogs in a nearby landfill. These dogs, although sentient beings that have feelings, were literally dumped into a giant garbage heap. Every-so-often, you may see one of these dead dogs in a dumpster.
"Legally, if an individual treated their pet the way dogs in puppy mills are treated, they could be charged with cruelty or neglect. But these mills are viewed as Jagriculture' and too often, the agencies responsible for overseeing them treat them like they are raising corn, not pets," said Stephanie Shain, director of the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign for the HSUS . (By Mary-Jo Dionne; Modern Dog Magazine: Puppy Hell: The Horrors of Puppy Mills).
Most pet stores purchase their puppies from puppy mills. As a whole, they almost always deny the truth when asked from whom they purchased their animals from. Millions of dogs and cats are put to sleep in American animal shelters every single year. Pet stores are aggravating the problem.
Puppies can be sold online, in the For Sale section of newspapers, magazines or notice boards.
According to Boxworld.com a Backyard Breeder is "The average pet owner that breeds their dogs." Many backyard breeders are unlicensed, and certainly not declaring any or much of their income on their annual income tax forms. It's common for puppy mill owners and backyard breeders to refer to themselves as dog breeders, and their establishments are kennels, surrounding themselves with an aura of Jlegitimacy'. They're lying to themselves and to potential customers. The typical backyard breeder is irresponsible, unqualified, and greedy.
Unscrupulous breeders are notorious for having false papers regarding pedigree and personal bios of the dogs in their care. Purebreds are more expensive and sought after than mixed breeds. Therefore, selling a so-called purebred will rake in more money. It may not be until the dog grows out of the puppy stage that the physical manifestations of the under-handed sales become visible.
"Puppy mill operators count on people to be so overwhelmed by the cuteness that they just can't leave the little bundle behind. But people must understand when they take the puppy home they've opened up a space for the next one to fill … Put bluntly: There is one really easy way to stop puppy mills. And that is not to buy the puppies," says Stephanie Shain, director of the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign for the HSUS. (By Mary-Jo Dionne; Modern Dog Magazine: Puppy Hell: The Horrors of Puppy Mills).
With millions of canines being put to sleep in over-crowded animal shelters, it's insensitive for people to purchase dogs from pet stores, puppy mills, or under-handed dealers.
Especially if the dog being sold is not spayed or neutered. Mixed-breed, and cross-bred dogs tend to be the healthier than pure breeds.
An actual pure-bred dog purchased from an under-handed dealer may be the product of incest (mother-son, father- daughter, brother-sister or artificial insemination). Furthermore, many purebred purchases are done on impulse.
Buyers typically have little or no knowledge about the breed in question, and they don't think in advance; it takes much time and effort, love, and money to take care of a dog or any other animal. Bringing it into your care, then tossing it away is quite a shock to the poor animal. Perhaps the animal feels that he or she is a family member. Then what? More pain and anguish for the dog? Furthermore, think about where this dog will end up. Some of them are sold off to animal labs. Therein, they may be experimented on, often-times in a merciless way.
If you plan to purchase a dog from a pet store, ask yourself, where did this dog come from, and what industry will my purchase help to maintain?
Whenever Hollywood makes a "purebred dog movie', sales for that particular breed will rise thereafter. Unfortunately, the purchases are usually based on the physical appearance and behaviour of the dog that buyers have seen in the particular movie. All collies do not behave like Lassie, the same goes for Rin-Tin-Tin (German shepherd), Frasier's Eddie (Jack Russell Terrier), and Beethoven (St. Bernard), 101 Dalmatians and so on.
Below are some helpful tips to find a reputable dog breeder:
• Get a referral from a trusted person/s, good friends, relatives, or local breeding clubs. The contacted persons should speak highly and confidently of the breeder. Many kennel club websites have listings of reputable breeders for each breed, or you may contact them directly in person, or by phone. Most will respond.
• The breeder must be willing and able to present a legitimate, legal pedigree for any dog. A pedigree is a line of descent, lineage, ancestry; a genealogical and breeding chart.
• Reputable breeders will answer your questions in a straightforward and polite manner. Related work experience, relevant education, and whatever you deem important.
• The breeder loves and cares about every single dog and puppy in his/her care. When talking to the breeder, this characteristic should manifest itself.
• Potential buyers are interviewed and carefully screened.
The facility is clean, every puppy and dog should appear healthy. You must visit the facility at least once before deciding to purchase any dog or puppy. I recommend that you make at least a few surprise visits beforehand. An honest reputable breeder will not mind, some will even encourage you to come back soon.
• Wholesome food and clean water is the rule.
• Dogs should not cower away or lash out at passersby, onlookers, or the breeder.
• The dogs should be properly socialized and shown love.
• Opportunities for exercise and play should be available.
• The breeder cares about the particular breed/s of dogs that are bred in the facility.
• Improving or protecting the breed is important.
• Only good, healthy dogs are bred. This applies to potential litters too.
• No mother is over-bred. Breeding is planned. Patience is involved. No 2 dogs are ever bred together in haste.
• Money is never the single or primary motive for breeding.
In fact, little money, if ever is made.
• Honest breeders will have legitimate papers for every dog or puppy sold.
• Breeding is done on a limited basis. The facility cannot be over-crowded.
• Responsible breeders will breed if there is a demand for the puppies and there are prospective homes for them. Breeding puppies just for the sake of having large stocks is not done.
• The breeder understands that bringing puppies into this world entails a strong financial and work commitment.
• Ask about money back guarantee in case of genetic abnormalities that are later discovered; seeing it in writing is important. Always remember, most reputable breeders don't make much money in their enterprise.
Unchecked inbreeding of dogs can increase the likelihood of health problems including hip dysplasia (the ball part of the hip frequently slips out of the socket), patellar luxation (the kneecap slips out of place), blood clotting problems, immune system problems, diabetes, breathing difficulties (flat-faced dog breeds), hearing problems or total deafness, common ear infections, eye diseases, digestive problems, stomach or intestinal problems, bloating, cardiac arrest.
A positive aspect of purebred puppy dogs is general the predictability of physical traits. Your purebred puppy, so long as it is healthy and living in a good home will probably look like the typical adult of its breed. Although purebreds do have certain behavioural traits, upbringing, environment, life experiences, and health of the dog are important factors. Regarding health and behavioural characteristics, there is never a 100 percent guarantee for any dog. Cross-breed and mixed breed dogs also get sick. A complete physical exam and a legitimate pedigree chart are vital. Be prepared, do your homework, and raise your companion animal in a healthy and loving environment.
Humans have been breeding dogs for thousands of years, for the purpose of acquiring certain characteristics, attributes, and features. However, since the 19th century dog shows began to play a pivotal role in breed characteristics and physical attributes resulting in stringent standards, and unfortunately, genetic and physiological problems in purebreds. Money and 'showing off' a dog became a more common theme for people who wanted to enter their purebred dog in Kennel Club Shows. Male show dogs that win championships have genes and desirable attributes that are most sought after. The dog may be bred often, resulting in popular sire syndrome. Unfortunately, any genetic disorders within the breed may be passed on quite easily. But on a positive side, assuming that the dog is raised in a normal and loving environment behavioural and physical traits of specific breeds are more predictable than those of mixed-breed dogs, especially a dog that is of unknown breed- types. A German shepherd puppy will not grow up to look like a Pug, Bulldog, or a Beagle, and so forth.
According to James Serpell, Professor of Ethics and Animal Welfare and Director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine, "Historically, a breeder's primary concern was to produce dogs that look like the breed standard ... Even if they did recognize health problems, breeders were too driven to produce what was perceived to be the most perfect breed." (By Claire Maldarelli and Scienceline, February 21, 2014; Scientific American.com: Although Purebred Dogs can be best in Show, are They Worst in Health?)
Broadly speaking there are 3 dog breeding methods:
• Out-crossing: The breeding of pedigrees wherein the first 6 generations have no common ancestors whatsoever.
• Line-breeding: A method of in-breeding with the intent of maintaining the offspring closely related to a superior ancestor.
• Inbreeding: This is incest. Pairs are always very closely related, father and daughter, mother and son, and siblings. In this kind of breeding the breeder will get the traits that he or she desires from the dogs, but there's a very strong risk of genetic and physical abnormalities.
Below are a few examples of possible inherited health risks pertaining to purebred dogs in particular ones that are purchased from a non-reputable breeder. BUYER CARE AND BEWARE!
• Dachshunds and Basset Hounds have long vertebrae and short legs increasing the likelihood of long-term back, knee, and joint pain and problems.
• Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Boxers have smothered faces.
Pugs and Bulldogs have noticeable breathing problems. It's common for Bulldog mothers to give birth by Caesarean section because the puppies' heads are too large and the mother's hips aren't large enough to accommodate them.
Pugs' have large exposed eyes making them prone to eye problems.
• Shar Pei dogs are susceptible to an assortment of skin infections because of their unnaturally, excessive wrinkled skin.
• German shepherd dogs are susceptible to hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint disease caused by an abnormal formation of the hip joint. This can be a very painful problem.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Brussels griffon are prone to Syringomyelia. The affected dog's skull is not large enough to properly encase the brain. Unfortunately, this problem has become extensive.
• Rottweiler dogs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, the prevalence of bone cancer is on the rise in this breed.
In April of 2011, Richmond, British Columbia instituted the first legal ban on puppies being sold in pet stores. On September 21, 2011 Toronto, Ontario banned the sale of puppies and kittens that were being bred explicitly for the pet store industry.
As of December 2011, one of Montreal's boroughs, Rosemont- La Petite Patrie passed a bylaw prohibiting the sales of animals in pet stores.
Although this is good news, it literally pales in comparison with the terrible news; animals suffering incredibly, many of them without respite or any chance of living a real life. Even in a more positive scenario, things still look very dim.
"There are little slaps on the wrist here and there, but nothing serious ... The USDA bends over backwards to help these folks; if they're out of line with the regulations, they'll give them years to improve," said Mary LaHay, President of Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. (By Josiah M. Hesse, September 15, 2014; Vice.com: I Worked for a Puppy Mill)
If a pet store owner or other seller of puppies or dogs states that their animals are purchased from USDA licensed breeders, it really doesn't mean much, at least not in the context of humane treatment of animals. The standard required for puppy mill dogs is dismal to say the least. Under the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), Jenforced' by the USDA, the dogs housed in breeding facilities can be kept in cages 6 inches longer in every direction. Worse yet, they can be stacked on top of each other (allowing for filth to drop and stick onto the lower levels and the animals therein) for their entire lives. This has got to be a worse fate than doing hard time in a maximum security prison. Sorry, there's more. In the vast majority of cases the USDA doesn't even bother to take legal action against violators. Even when the USDA does go after an AWA violator, most of the time it has no teeth or claws; no bite.
We can do our part in helping to put puppy mills out of business:
• Never purchase a dog or cat from a pet store or filthy puppy mill.
• Save an animal. Go to your local animal shelter and purch