I think it is appropriate to begin this blog by introducing what it means to be a puppy mill. I will draw on these guidelines as I show how the pet industry does, in fact, source puppy mills.
According to No Puppy Mills Canada, this is the definition of a puppy mill (with my own commentary in red):
"The term “Puppy Mill” generally refers to a high-volume, sub-standard dog-breeding operation, which sells purebred or mixed breed dogs, directly or indirectly to unsuspecting buyers. Some of the characteristics common to puppy mills are:
(a) Sub-standard health and/or environmental issues; It is super important to personally see where your future family member has been living for all of its life. If the breeder will not allow you to see the environment, then they cannot be trusted.
(b) Sub-standard animal care, treatment and/or socialization; The health of the animal is an obvious red flag - but what about socialization? If an establishment has 30 dogs and only 1 person caring for them, is each dog receiving the proper love and affection? No!
(c) Sub-standard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders; Be weary of health guarantees that are set forth by breeders. Research what sicknesses are covered and which ones are not. Are these sicknesses common to the breed? Look into it!
(d) Erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigrees and/or genetic background. Any reputable breeder can tell you the background of the parents (including vaccinations, temperament, etc.). Unless the parents are also registered, your puppy is not a pedigree.
(a) Sub-standard health and/or environmental issues; It is super important to personally see where your future family member has been living for all of its life. If the breeder will not allow you to see the environment, then they cannot be trusted.
(b) Sub-standard animal care, treatment and/or socialization; The health of the animal is an obvious red flag - but what about socialization? If an establishment has 30 dogs and only 1 person caring for them, is each dog receiving the proper love and affection? No!
(c) Sub-standard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders; Be weary of health guarantees that are set forth by breeders. Research what sicknesses are covered and which ones are not. Are these sicknesses common to the breed? Look into it!
(d) Erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigrees and/or genetic background. Any reputable breeder can tell you the background of the parents (including vaccinations, temperament, etc.). Unless the parents are also registered, your puppy is not a pedigree.
Note: These conditions may also exist in small volume or single breed establishments." Basically, if an establishment sells 3+ breeds of dogs, odds are they are a mill (not always) but a mill can also exist when only one breed is bred.
http://www.nopuppymillscanada.ca/mill.htm
I frequently hear people say "I rescued my dog from a puppy mill." Unfortunately, you did a disservice unless you reported the circumstance to the authorities. You still paid for the dog and the mill still made a profit. The dogs that were left behind will continue to suffer. What you CAN do to prevent suffering is call your provincial SPCA.
Alberta: 1-800-455-9003
Cheers
Alberta: 1-800-455-9003
Cheers
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