Most Americans do not know much about puppy mills. Even less know that puppy mills are machine-like breeding operations, where profits have priority over human decency and kindness. Given the growing population of dogs, the need for puppy mills serves no public interest. Puppy mill dogs are typically sold to pet stores through a broker, or middleman. Unfortunately, most pet store owners, both large and small, seldom concern themselves with the condition of the dogs before they are obtained.
SWIVL encourages consumers to ask their local pet store owner about the puppies that are for sale. Determine if they were raised in humanitarian conditions? Did they receive proper medial attention? What was their diet? Contact SWIVL if you have evidence that your local pet store has puppy mill dogs. All correspondence will be kept confidential.
Puppy Mill Conditions: Puppies are irresistible and that’s what keeps puppy mill breeders in business. Disguised as legitimate businesses – puppy mills warehouse thousands of dogs with little or no hope of escaping the mill alive. Puppy mill dogs live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization. The dogs don’t receive exercise, basic grooming and are regularly kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs.
Puppy Mills are Big Business: About 750 dogs were seized from a puppy mill in Avra Valley, AZ. The rescued dogs were mostly small-breed - Chihuahuas - and some were very ill, according to Jenny Rose, a spokeswoman for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Three were found dead in filthy conditions on the property, and some of the living dogs were missing paws. Some of the teacup Chihuahuas was offered for sale on the Internet for prices up to $2,400 each. Continue Reading.
Oprah Winfrey has joined the effort to stop puppy mills. Devoting an entire show, Oprah discussed in detail the who, what, when, where, and how of puppy mills. Oprah Winfrey was told by one of her guests: It's always amazing to me when I go out to pick up a dog, they've had the dog eight or nine years and it doesn't have a name. It's never been out of the hutch. It doesn't know how to walk. I have to carry it to the car. It's heartbreaking. Continue Reading
Meet Bonnie and Clyde: Bonnie and Clyde, before being rescued, spent their entire life in a puppy mill. Both Yorkies, Bonnie is 8 years old, while Clyde is almost 4. Bonnie and Clyde spent all of their time in small, dark cat kennels. Here, they were forced to eat, drink, defecate, and urinate in the same place. They had no exercise, toys, treats, and certainly no kindness. They could not move or turn around.
Despite their horrific conditions, Bonnie and Clyde are beginning to live normal, everyday dog lives. While Bonnie has lost many teeth, has a multitude of allergies, and has a very difficult time sleeping, she is remarkably gentle, kind, and loving. Clyde remains very shy and exhibits behaviors that are most common to puppy mill dogs. While less disturbing than some puppy mill behavior, Clyde continues to run in circles and remains skiddish around humans. Puppy mill dogs, like all dogs, are resilient creatures primarily due to their capacity to love. With special attention, understanding, patience, and most of all compassion most puppy mill dogs can live normal lives once they find humans that value and appreciate them.
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