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ASPCA Anti-Cruelty: Puppy Mills

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The ASPCA defines a puppy mill as a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality, resulting in generations of dogs with unchecked hereditary defects. Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops—usually through a broker, or middleman—and marketed as young as eight weeks of age. The lineage records of puppy mill dogs are often falsified.

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What Problems Are Common to Puppy Mill Dogs?

Illness, disease, fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are common characteristics of dogs from puppy mills. These can include:
  • - Epilepsy
    - Heart disease
    - Kidney disease
    - Musculoskeletal disorders (hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, etc.)
    - Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
    - Deafness
    - Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, etc.)
    - Respiratory disorders

    On top of that, puppies often arrive in pet stores-and their new homes-with diseases or infirmities. These can include:\

    - Giardia
    - Parvovirus
    - Distemper
    - Upper respiratory infections
    - Kennel cough
    - Pneumonia
    - Mange
    - Fleas
    - Intestinal parasites
    - Heartworm
    - Chronic diarrhea

How Are Animals Treated at Puppy Mills?

Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization. Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs-and it is not unusual for cages to be stacked up in columns. Breeder dogs at mills might spend their entire lives outdoors or crammed inside filthy structures where they never get the chance to feel the sun on their faces.

ASPCA Raids Puppy Mill, 285 Dogs Rescued

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How Often Are Dogs Bred in Puppy Mills?

In order to maximize profits, female dogs are bred at every opportunity with little to no recovery time between litters. When, after a few years, they are physically depleted to the point that they no longer can reproduce, breeding females are often killed. The mom and dad of the puppy in the pet store window are unlikely to make it out of the mill alive-and neither will the many puppies born with overt physical problems that make them unsalable to pet stores.

To learn more about puppy mills visit www.ASPCA.org.

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The ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere.  The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices ani... more »

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