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Puppy Mills
The puppy mills definition controversy For over two decades there was a general impression among people that puppy mills were primarily ill-equipped, kennels where puppies were bred for commercial sale from dogs kept in the most unhygienic and deplorable conditions. Today however, such kennels are finding it difficult to operate, either in an illegal, clandestine manner or, even those operating professionally, within the law. This is due to the unrelenting efforts of animal activists and anti-breeding groups who label any kennel, (with more than the permitted number of dogs or litters), as puppy mills. However, there are also responsible commercial kennels who are branded with the same label, as activists and concerned authorities are unable to define the dividing line between substandard puppy mills and those that are run in a professional manner. Here's what you should know, to contribute to effective puppy mills rescue efforts or to help stop puppy mills altogether.
Ask any person for a definition of a puppy mill, and chances are, you'll receive several different answers e.g. - "An unhygienic kennel housing single or multi breeds of dogs in horrendous conditions and no medical care" "A professionally run kennel where one or more breeds of dogs are kept in acceptable conditions". However, publishers of the trusted 'Dog Owner's Guide' have perhaps the clearest definition of puppy mills. They believe that kennel conditions and dog health should be the main parameters to determine whether kennels can be labeled as puppy mills and NOT the number of dogs or profit motives. How 'puppy mills' evolved towards the latter end of the 1940s, people (particularly farmers) in the mid west, had large amounts of disposable income and leisure time owing to the post-war boom at the time. To them, puppy breeding became a feasible and lucrative additional earning option. In this manner, as the supply of puppies increased, so did the number of retail pet outlets. However, it is unfortunate that people and farmers dealing in such canine breeding places had little or no knowledge of the subject. This led to housing of dogs in coops and hutches meant for chickens and rabbits. Moreover, they also ignored veterinary care. Before joining the animal rights movement, the HSUS organization, made a thorough investigation of breeding conditions and were successful in drawing national attention to the deplorable conditions at these breeding farms. It was this organization that labeled such farms as puppy mills. Efforts to control substandard puppy mills despite the continuous efforts of animal advocates, humane societies and such reputed organizations as SPCA, PETA, ASPCA, HSUS, substandard puppy mills continue to operate.
However, there's a growing awareness, among the public at large, about the presence of such Puppy Mills and the dangers associated with buying puppies from such places. Puppies bred from dogs kept in unhygienic, ram shackle conditions are often malnourished, of poor temperament and sickly. The cries to stop puppy mills are growing, and as an animal lover, you can also voice your protest to support all animal rights organizations, including the efforts of reputed dog shelters and organizations committed to puppy mills rescue.
In order to help. please spread awareness when you see or hear of dog and puppy abuse,and support your local SPCA and ASPCA with donations.
All articles Copyright 2008 Animaroo.com
Winnie 
