How Are Puppy Mills Abusive? What You Need to Know

Puppy mills are a surprisingly common across the country. A staggering 10,000 puppy mills operate in the US, selling puppies to unsuspecting pet parents solely for profit. 

Many pet parents may be surprised to learn that most puppy mills are actually legal, with approximately 3,000 puppy mills regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). So, if puppy mills are legal, how are they abusive to dogs? And if puppy mills are abusive to dogs, why are they still legal? Let’s take a look.

Yes, puppy mills are cruel. Regardless of the number or type of dogs being bred, puppy mills view animals as a path to profit rather than sentient, emotionally intelligent beings. Because puppy mills treat dogs as products rather than pets, dogs don't receive proper care, affecting their mental and physical well-being.

Here are a few ways that puppy mills abuse dogs and negatively impact society:

• Most puppy mills don't provide adequate veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming. 
• Puppy mills contribute to the spread of disease. Some diseases found in puppy mill dogs, such as brucellosis, can even spread to humans.
• Dogs often live in unhygienic conditions without protection from extreme temperatures.
• Dogs in puppy mills spend most of their time in small cages.
• Many puppy mills practice inhumane euthanasia.
• Dogs are discarded when they no longer make puppy mills money.
• Puppy mills can cause dogs and puppies to develop behavioral problems, which can cause serious issues for their pet parents after purchase.
• Over 2 million dogs are bred at puppy mills each year, putting additional pressure on already overwhelmed animal shelters.
  

So, considering their abusive practices, how are puppy mills still legal? Animal cruelty is a complex issue in the US, and passing legislation regarding puppy mills isn't straightforward. 

Currently, the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 regulates how breeders should house and care for many animals, including dogs. This law states that puppy mills must hold licenses and pass inspections administered by the USDA.

However, many puppy mills find ways of bypassing the Animal Welfare Act. The Animal Welfare Act only covers the “wholesale” sale of animals through pet stores and over the internet. Puppy mills that sell dogs directly to the public in face-to-face transactions do not need a license and do not need to comply with the Animal Welfare Act, as these sales are not considered wholesale operations. 

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), USDA inspectors rarely issue fines or revoke the licenses of puppy mills that violate the Animal Welfare Act. 

In the past, efforts to change federal legislation regarding puppy mills has struggled to gain support, and proposed law reforms aren't usually precise enough to completely ban puppy mills.

Lawmakers and animal rights organizations are working hard to pass new laws that protect dogs from abusive breeding practices. One example that's supported by HSUS is The Puppy Protection Act, which aims to update the Animal Welfare Act. This bill would require puppy mills to provide adequate space, two meals a day, temperature control, and more to their dogs.

In December 2021, lawmakers in Congress introduced Goldie's Act (H.R. 6100). This bill aims to clear up the definition of a violation under the Animal Welfare Act, increase fines, and clamp down on the suspension and revocation of licenses. Goldie's Act is named for a Golden Retriever who passed away due to neglect at a puppy mill in Iowa.

Consider contacting your local congressional representative to encourage them to support these bills. 

As well as HSUS, many organizations across the US are helping raise awareness about puppy mills. A few examples include:

• The Puppy Mill Project
• United Against Puppy Mills
• Companion Animal Protection Society
• Hearts United for Animals
• Bailing Out Benji

These organizations and many more are helping fight against puppy mills. Consider donating to one of these organizations to help support their efforts if you're able. Or, share with your friends and family to spread awareness.

With over 2 million dogs born in puppy mills annually in the US, there's a good chance that many pet parents unknowingly purchased a dog from a puppy mill. According to The Puppy Mill Project, puppy mills are most common in the Midwest, and Missouri is the state with the highest concentration.

Dogs that come from puppy mills are more likely to have health problems due to poor care, as well as behavioral problems from traumatic experiences. One of the best ways to fight this cruel industry is to learn the signs so you can avoid buying dogs from puppy mills in the future.

But how do you tell if your dog is from a puppy mill? It’s tough to tell definitively, but there are plenty of ways you can minimize the chances of getting a dog from a puppy mill. 

Common signs a dog is from a puppy mill or backyard breeder include:

• The puppy is unclean and unvaccinated
• The puppy seems sick or has genetic issues
• The breeder won't meet you at their home
• The puppy's parents aren't present 
• The breeder is selling multiple designer breeds at once
• The puppy is too young leave their mother

The best way to avoid puppy mill dogs is to avoid buying your dog online or from a pet store. Many dogs available to buy in pet stores are sourced from puppy mills. Meanwhile, online selling is a great way for puppy mills to conceal their business practices.

We know "Adopt, don't shop" is so common that it's nearly a cliché, but adopting from a shelter really is the best way to ensure you're not supporting the puppy mill industry. Plus, it gives animals in need a new "leash" on life!

Want to learn more about animal rights, or preparing to adopt your next fur-child? Check out our related guides:

• Animal Cruelty Laws: Know the Basics
  
• Why Adopting Your Next Pet is Good for the Planet
  
• Where Should You Go to Adopt a Dog?
• Where Should You Go to Adopt a Cat?