Oct. 15, 2009 - By: Admin

Puppy mills are large scale breeding operations where puppies are mass-produced for profit in substandard conditions. Some of the worst animal cruelty is found at puppy mills, yet they are a multimillion dollar business in Canada. The biggest supporters of puppy mills are pet stores like Petland, however puppy mill puppies are also sold via the internet, at flea markets and advertised in local newspapers.

Inside a Puppy Mill

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At puppy mills the dogs are subjected to:

- inadequate lighting, ventilation or heat.

- small, cramped cages where the dogs may not even be able to turn around or stand fully. Some dogs have even been found in dark closets or crates which have been permanently nailed shut.

- cages are often stacked on top of each other, allowing excrement and urine to flow down on top of the dogs and puppies below.

- malnutrition, in many cases, the dogs are fed the minimum needed to keep them alive and producing. As a result, malnutrition related diseases are common.

- minimal or non-existent veterinary care. Many dogs are not vaccinated properly or wormed to rid them of internal parasites, making contagion common in these crowded facilities.

- breeding females spend their entire lives in small, filthy cages without exercise, love or human contact. They are bred continually until their tired, worn bodies finally give out and they can no longer produce enough puppies. This usually occurs at four to six years of age. At this point, they are no longer profitable and are simply killed or left to die, as are unsold male dogs.

- over-breeding and inbreeding. Most puppies have, or will develop, genetic defects and/or other health problems. They often have behavioural and temperment problems as well, resulting from a complete lack of socialization with humans or other dogs.