4/30/19 Lindsey V.A.

English 10 Block 4

The Poor Pups

Picture this, a little girl, finally getting to get that puppy she’s been asking for. It took her

ages to finally convince her parents to get one. That she was old enough to take care of it and

could take care of it. At first she wanted a husky, but her parents didn't want all of the fur

hanging around if she didn’t brush him once. They all have a bunch of this comprises for the

dog. They also have to be careful of all the puppy mills on this journey. Puppy mills are the

inhumane way of mass breeding puppies. The internet sales, flea markets, face to face sales and

most of the pet stores all over use puppy mills to get dogs. However, before the happy illusion of

the pet stores, comes the harsh reality of the mills. They often ignore the needs of the pups and

their mothers, all for the profit. The poor pups usually come out unsocialized, sick,

underdeveloped and so many more things that could hurt the pups. These dogs are not included

in the animal rights that are there now, even though they are getting treated very horribly. They

are also not getting the veterinary care that they need, and the mills are usually have poor

sanitation, so there are diseases that could kill the poor pups, then they’re gonna have to mass

breed more, so on, so forth. These puppies and their mothers and fathers should not have to

endure this. They should be with a living family that can give them all the love and care they

need. Some of the pups may never even know the joy of going home with a family after being

adopted. The mothers of the pups have to go through a life full of cramped cages and no personal

attention. On a even worse note, when the mothers and fathers can no longer breed, they are

either abandoned in the streets to fend for themselves (where they’re probably better off), or they

get killed, without ever knowing the love of a human, one of their pups, or having to be able to
take care of their pups.The humane society makes a list of all of the puppy mills in the country,

they call it the “horrible hundred”. There are also over 10,000 active puppy mills on the United

States. There are over 150,000 puppies and dogs getting mistreated everyday in the mills, all for

just the profit (humanesociety). They have to be stopped.

Puppy mills originated in post WWII era, when midwestern farmers were looking for

another source of income. There was also a growing demand for puppies during this time. As the

industry for the puppies grew, there came the very first pet store chains and the start of a horrible

idea; That of mass producing puppies. Back when the puppy mills first started, the dogs were put

in “small, wired cages, similar to rabbit hutches and chicken coops” (Wikipedia). The farmers

were usually very poor, so the right veterinary care for these animals were not always there.

That’s where groups like the humane society and the ASPCA came into investigate the puppy

mills.

The Humane Society is a “nonprofit animal welfare and animal right advocacy group”

(Nolen). They were founded in 1954 by former members of the American Humane Society. The

organization that was made in 1877 to promote the humane treatment for children and animals,

then the need to create a whole new group happened when animals that were getting abused

became a priority. The founders planned on advocating for the animals on a national level,

beyond just the city and states. People needed to become aware of what other people could be

doing to their animals. The activities they do to stop the abuse “include lobbying and drafting of

model legislation, conducting undercover investigations, educating and training animal-control

and animal-care professionals, and mounting public-awareness campaigns on a variety of issues,

including animal fighting and cruelty, factory farming, the fur trade, sports hunting, puppy mills,

the use of chimpanzees in scientific and medical research, horse slaughter, pet care and adoption,
the protection of animals in the wild, and the relation between religious values and animal

welfare” (Nolen).

Every year millions of puppies are born in puppy mills. And over 6 million pets die each

year, from being at kill shelters or their owners just left them on the street corner. Some of them

are lucky enough to be adopted into other loving homes. But there are a lot more pets out there

that need help. Pets weren’t domesticated to live alone, without a loving and caring family to

guide them through life. There just aren’t enough kind people to do that in the world.

“Approximately 2 to 3 million cats and dogs—many of them healthy, young, and adoptable—

must be euthanized in animal shelters every year. No one hates that ugly reality more than the

people who hold the syringe, but the alternative—warehousing them in “no-kill” shelters that

confine animals to cages for weeks, months, or years on end—leaves animals to suffer a far

worse fate” (PETA). Many of the animals stuck in the no kill shelters, go insane from loneliness

and confinement. Many more unwanted animals are abandoned and forced to suffer and

probably die on the streets or grow old and feeble in lonely backyards without companionship,

exercise, or sometimes, even the most basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and veterinary

care.

Why are there so many unwanted animals? There are three main reasons. Many people

don’t spay or neuter their animals, and a lot of puppies or kittens can come from one mother dog.

People still buy their animals from breeders or pet stores, therefore, unintentionally helping the

puppy mills, instead of adopting homeless animals or rescues. And people acquire companion

animals without considering the lifetime commitment that caring for them requires. Eventually,

people turn their backs on their loyal companions when they become “inconvenient” or “too

much work”.”(PETA). The companion overpopulation crisis can be overwhelming. But we can
start with a “no birth nation”. We must all prevent more baby animals by spaying and neutering

our pets.

To help the homeless pets, at least in the United States, we need more than adoption,

spaying and neutering, and other life saving programs. It requires transparency and cooperation

from animal shelters all across the United States. “Shelter transparency laws will require shelters

to report their numbers. Right now, only about 20 percent of the states in the country require

animal shelters to report data. Shelters should also report consistent and accurate statistics,

including the following:

The number of dogs and cats taken in by shelters (subcategorized by species, age, and the

circumstances surrounding their arrival)

Pet adoption statistics

Animal euthanasia statistics

The number of animals surrendered by their people

Natural death statistics

How many are killed each year

The number of community cats returned to their outdoor homes after being spayed or

neutered

The number reclaimed by their people”

(Bestfriends).

Shelter transparency help save the cats, not just the dogs. Those laws give insight into animal

shelter facts and how the shelters on the area are performing. They can also tell people how to

help. The shelters are not being negatively impacted by having to repeat their numbers at all.

Most shelters are not recording the information, or are inconsistent in doing it. “Reporting data
isn’t difficult, and these laws provide guidance to animal shelters regarding all the information

that needs to be gathered, maintained and reported.” (PETA).

It is pretty clear whether or not a puppy is from a puppy mill. The puppy’s can suffer from

many painful illnesses and can be life shortening veterinary problems due to overcrowded,

unsanitary conditions and lack of oversight and veterinary care (humanesociety). Puppy mills

usually use stacked, wire cages to hold more puppies than it should. And puppies aren’t house-

trained yet, so the puppies are constantly around the smell and sight of urine and feces from the

other dogs. Dogs and especially puppies, are just like humans, they can get a lot of the same

illnesses that humans can. Horrible conditions from the start do not help the puppies immune

systems to grow. Just a little bit of love, food and water, and care can go a long way.” When 80

dogs were rescued in July 21, 2011 from a puppy mill in Hertford, N.C., a veterinarian with the

local intake SPCA reported that almost 50% of the dogs were afflicted with parasites, 23%

suffered from ear infections, 15% suffered from various eye disorders including KCS, a very

painful dry-eye condition, and all the animals older than 18 months showed evidence of

moderate to severe periodontal disease. One of the dogs had such severe dental disease that she

required 32 dental extractions, while others had periodontal disease so severe that it led to bone

resorption of the mandible (eroded jaw bone). Six dogs suffered from pyoderma (skin disease)

secondary to urine-soaked, matted fur (humanesociety). “When more than 100 dogs were

removed from a puppy mill in Stuarts Draft, Va., in August 2009, findings from 200-page state

veterinarian report indicated that out of 80 dogs examined, more than 60% of them suffered from

a disorder serious enough to require emergency veterinary care, more than 80% suffered from

parasites, almost 40% were underweight, more than 35% suffered from dehydration, and more

than 40% suffered from eye disorders such as conjunctivitis, ocular infections or KCS. Many of
the severely underweight or ill dogs were also pregnant, affecting the survivability of their

offspring” (humanesociety).

Puppy mills are not the only that are irresponsible in taking care of animals. There are

also “backyard breeders”. It is used to describe cruel people who are selectively breeding

animals, with little experience or knowledge as to how to take care of the animals, or how to

breed them. “Typically, they breed dogs without taking the time to make good genetic matches,

or to have dogs registered with the appropriate kennel club/breed club” (Stregowski). However,

they are usually not unethical as the puppy mill breeders. But the backyard breeders can pretty

much be called the opposite of a responsible pet owner. Some of the backyard breeders are just

looking for profit with the “purebred” animals they have. They make them breed together

without the knowledge of their family history, their health, and behavioral ways (Stregowski).

They also charge less money for the puppies that were bred carelessly, but still more money than

should be spent. These poor puppies may seem cheap, but in the long run, you could stack up

more and more veterinary bills, because of the lack of caring for the puppies genetic health

issues. “In many cases, these breeders will not take back the puppies if something goes wrong.

Never trust a breeder who won't guarantee the puppies” (Stregowski). There have been cases

where a family bred it’s two dogs together. They said “just this once” and “it’ll be fun”, but these

methods are not afe. People should not be doing that, it causes the same issues that the backyard

breeders are making. The foolish mistake of not caring. The methods could result in unhealthy

and/or unwanted puppies. However, these people are not usually aware of what their doing, and

do not know if their actions are unethical. If they try to charge people money for the puppies

though, that is unethical (Stregowski). Be aware: even if you get a free puppy from this situation,
you may or may not end up with an unhealthy dog down the road. It’s is best to spay/neuter your

dogs on these situations. (Stregowski)

All over the country, puppy mill runners are constantly abusing all of their dogs by

making them constantly breed together and neglecting all of their needs. The HSUS annual

Horrible Hundred reports, based on federal and state inspections of commercial animal breeders,

provide a window into some of the nation’s most retrograde puppy mills. The 2017 report shines

a light on cruelty of the worst kind: the puppy miller in Missouri who twisted the tails off of

puppies instead of getting a veterinarian to dock them; the operator in Kansas with more than

600 dogs living in filthy conditions, some with only barrels for shelter; the Missouri facility

crowded with matted and neglected dogs, including one with maggots eating away at his skin

(animalsheltering). Five years in a row, Missouri has dominated the “horrible hundred” report

from the humane society. They have had 19 problem dealers. Kansas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

are running up with 12. 55% of the breeders are chronic offenders who have previously appeared

on the “horrible hundred” list. Most of the breeders sell the dogs to pet stores or online. At least

nine dealers were on the site puppyfind.com. “The importance of such information became all

the more apparent earlier this year. Two weeks after the Trump administration assumed power,

the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) removed inspection records concerning large-scale

dog-breeding operations from its website, along with other information about federally regulated

animal enterprises. The reason given was purported “privacy” concerns raised by some of these

industries. We’ve been fighting to reverse this move for months. More than 200 lawmakers in

Congress have called for the USDA to restore the data to its website. The only reason we were

able to compile this year’s Horrible Hundred report is due to the tenacity of our puppy mills

research team (animalsheltering).

 Inspectors for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), under the

USDA, are charged with inspecting and regulating thousands of puppy mills, as well as research

facilities, zoos, and circuses each year. Understaffed and with authority limited to an inadequate

Animal Welfare Act, kennels are inconsistently inspected and anti-cruelty laws are rarely

enforced in the rural areas where most puppy mills are located. Even when licensed breeders are

found to be in violation of AWA, puppy mill operators are allowed to remain open while they

remedy them. Repeat offenders often refuse to allow Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

workers to enter and inspect their facilities; these kennels sometimes remain licensed in spite of

this noncompliance.

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) falls far short of what most individuals would consider

minimum standards of care, and this is acknowledged in the USDA’s own materials.

“Individuals who operate facilities in these categories must provide their animals with adequate

care and treatment in the areas of housing, handling, sanitation, nutrition, water, veterinary care,

and protection from extreme weather and temperatures. Although Federal requirements establish

acceptable standards, they are not ideal. Regulated businesses are encouraged to exceed the

specified minimum standards.”

*Source, APHIS AWA Factsheet”

(Icanimal)

“How much is that doggie in the window?” The song was surprisingly accurate. People

love to drool all over a new puppy. But when price sensitivity comes into play, people are

willing to pay less for a low quality dog. Golden Retriever puppies from a backyard breeder or

pet store will cost around $500. However, that comes with all the veterinary bills that will come
after you adopt the puppy because of the backyard breeders ignorance of the mothers and fathers

needs. But there was also the $3,000 puppy from a top quality breeder. “Here’s the truth in one

sentence: The initial purchase price of a dog is a drop in the bucket compared to the other

expenses of dog ownership. Let’s do the math. A $900 dog from a puppy mill costs 21 cents a

day over the puppy’s 12-year life span. A $2,000 dog from a quality breeder costs 45 cents a day.

The difference is less than a quarter a day. And what does that 24 cents buy for your dog? A

small handful of supermarket kibble” (Forbes).

“A quality breeder does two important things. He (or she) has the potential parents checked for heart

problems, eye problems, and hip problems, and if the dogs don’t get these clearances, they’re not bred.

They also breed for temperament, and can tell you if a dog from any given litter is likely to be a drivey

hunting dog or laid-back, lick-your-face couch queen. Most importantly, parents with behavioral

problems–from biting to skittishness–don’t make it to the breeding pool. And if a $900 puppy mill dog

ends

up with hip dysplasia or a heart condition or a thyroid condition, you could easily swallow that $1,100

difference in a single vet visit, and still have a dog with a shortened life, or a compromised quality of life.

And while quality breeders will offer a refund if your puppy has a serious health problem, the far better

alternative is not having to use that guarantee. Good breeders aren’t cheap or easy to find, but they tend to

be cheaper than the best dog hip surgeon, or the best canine behaviorist” (Forbes).

Back to the little girl, the puppy can’t be too expensive, can’t have to be brushed, or just be

short haired. It also has to be kind of small, so what about a beagle? The parents and the little girl

finally decided on what dog to get and they even bought him from a reliable breeder, so they’re

not going to spend thousands on the puppy for its health.Puppy mills have been around for a very

long time. Not accepted, but still there. So maybe if we all could just pick in a little bit.

Volunteer at a puppy mill, try to make their lives better, just a little bit of love can go a long way.

Don’t buy the cheap puppy, or the one that comes from a sketchy neighborhood. Always be sure
to know where you dog is coming from. Do not support the puppy mills financially. However,

like before, you could bring dog food, water, and maybe even help out at one. This is a big

problem that should have never even been started. Humans would do anything just to make more

cash, even hurt a poor little puppy.

Works Cited

Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/puppy_mill#history.

“Animal Companion Overpopulation.” PETA, 1 Mar. 2019, www.peta.org/issues/animal-

companion-issues/overpopulation/.

“The Horrible Hundred.” The Humane Society of the United States,

 www.humanesociety.org/horrible-hundred.

St John. “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? The Surprising Economics Of

Purchasing A Purebred Puppy.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 24 Mar. 2016,

www.forbes.com/sites/allenstjohn/2012/02/17/how-much-is-that-doggie-in-the-window-

the-surprising-economics-of-purchasing-a-purebred-puppy/#7c9ff225e2d.

Nolen, Jeannette. “Humane Society of the United States.” Encyclopædia Britannica,

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Aug. 2013, www.britannica.com/topic/humane-society-

of-the-united-states.

“Puppy Mills 101.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/barred-from-love/puppy-mills-101.

“Shining a Light on Puppy Mills.” Animal Sheltering Online by The Humane Society of the

United States, 30 Aug. 2017, www.animalsheltering.org/magazine/articles/shining-light-

puppy-mills.

“Stopping Puppy Mills.” The Humane Society of the United States,

www.humanesociety.org/all-our-fights/stopping-puppy-mills.

Stregowski, Jenna. “Dog Breeders You Should Avoid.” The Spruce Pets, TheSprucePets,

31 Dec. 2018, www.thesprucepets.com/signs-of-a-bad-breeder-1117328.

“Transparency in America's Animal Shelters.” Best Friends Animal Society, 14 Feb. 2017,

bestfriends.org/transparency-americas-shelters.

https://www.humanesociety.org/sites/default/files/docs/puppy-mills-facts-and-figures.pdf
 Works Cited

Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/puppy_mill#history.

“Animal Companion Overpopulation.” PETA, 1 Mar. 2019, www.peta.org/issues/animal-

companion-issues/overpopulation/.

“Animal Population Control.” American Humane, www.americanhumane.org/position-

statement/animal-population-control/.

“The Horrible Hundred.” The Humane Society of the United States,

www.humanesociety.org/horrible-hundred.

John, Allen St. “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? The Surprising Economics Of
 Purchasing A Purebred Puppy.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 24 Mar. 2016,

www.forbes.com/sites/allenstjohn/2012/02/17/how-much-is-that-doggie-in-the-window-

the-surprising-economics-of-purchasing-a-purebred-puppy/#7c9ff225e2d.

Nolen, Jeannette L. “Humane Society of the United States.” Encyclopædia Britannica,

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Aug. 2013, www.britannica.com/topic/humane-society-

of-the-united-states.

“Puppy Mills 101.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/barred-from-love/puppy-mills-101.

“Shining a Light on Puppy Mills.” Animal Sheltering Online by The Humane Society of the

United States, 30 Aug. 2017, www.animalsheltering.org/magazine/articles/shining-light-

puppy-mills.

“Stopping Puppy Mills.” The Humane Society of the United States, www.humanesociety.org/all-

our-fights/stopping-puppy-mills.

Stregowski, Jenna. “Dog Breeders You Should Avoid.” The Spruce Pets, TheSprucePets, 31

Dec. 2018, www.thesprucepets.com/signs-of-a-bad-breeder-1117328.

“Transparency in America's Animal Shelters.” Best Friends Animal Society, 14 Feb. 2017,

bestfriends.org/transparency-americas-shelters.