The ASPCA Takes a Stand

The pictures are terribly disturbing. Dogs of differing breeds are emaciated, insect ridden and standing in puddles of diarrhea. Some dogs sport sores in their eyes, rotten teeth, parasites and hairless patches.

Photos taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and are being used by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in their campaign to put an end to PUPPY MILLS.

Breeders in most states  are required to obtain a license. One can find a specific breeder through a database using a zip code, license number or breeder name.  

The ASPCA is on a mission to end the cruelty associated with these puppy mills, and in turn, the pet stores where they are sold. A pet store may state that their pups are not from mills, but from USDA -licensed breeders. If a breeder is in compliance with healthy standards, they have nothing to worry about. Not all breeders run puppy mills...unfortunately, far too many are guilty. And, the money continues to flow from this unconscionable source.

The number of pet owners telling of the often sick puppies bought at pet stores are growing. Los Angeles, for example, prohibits the sale of puppy mill dogs. USDA records show that there are thousands of licensed dog breeders in the U.S.A., and that one-third are in the state of Missouri. Pups from puppy mill hell-holes can be shipped thousands of miles and arrive in even worse shape.

The ASPCA and many other animal welfare organizations are showing the public that some breeding dogs are kept in crowded cages, without veterinary care and without adequate water and food. The ensuing pups can have physical illnesses, genetic abnormalities and can be fearful of people.
'Saving' a puppy from these breeders only encourages them to breed more and for the horrors to continue.

Most every breed of dog has a rescue group. These people will obtain unwanted or ill animals and do their best to right any wrong. Once mended, these breed-specific dogs are available for adoption. And, consumers should always begin a search for a pet at the local Welfare Societies that have so many wonderful animals in need of homes.

<The atrocities of dogs living and breeding in puppy mills around the U.S.A. need not continue. Legislators need to hear all of us shout, "Enough!" We need not buy any animals from pet stores and we must not see these amazing creatures as dispensable. >



[ source; Sue Manning, Associated Press]