Puppy Mills by Lorraine Houston

As difficult and emotional as the subject of puppy mills is, an edition of Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! partly devoted to puppies would, unfortunately, be incomplete without the reminder that an estimated 400 puppy mills continue to operate in Ontario.

Despite the mass media attention regarding the mills, the launching of the "Honey Needs You" campaign (signed by 240,000 Ontario residents) and the recent reports about the conditions and treatment of mill dogs, the industry continues to prosper. How, after all we know about these abhorrent operations, can this still be happening? How can we, as a society, shut these mills down once and for all? Recent amendments to the Ontario SPCA Act have made some strides toward tougher sentencing for animal abusers and a higher standard of care for companion animals. But until puppy mills are outlawed, the answer lies with the consumer.

As purchasers, we make the choices, and we have chosen to support the milling business by continuing to purchase puppies from pet stores and retailers that are supplied by the puppy mill industry. It’s supply and demand - and puppies are the product.

Despite recent explicit photographs in print and television media depicting neglected and emaciated puppy mill dogs, somehow the message remains lost. How can these dogs possibly be connected to the fluffy, adorable and irresistible animals we see in the pet stores? It’s what we don’t see that allows the milling industry to continue to pump out puppies in mass quantities with one unmistakable motivator: money. Puppy milling is a multi-million dollar business in Canada and while the majority of us could not fathom exploiting animals for profit, there are those who will continue to cash in via these innocent victims until laws change and their "market" dries up.

A puppy miller’s goal is to produce as many puppies as possible with nominal overhead expenses. The pups receive minimal, if any, veterinary care, are fed poor quality food, often kept in makeshift cages and sheds, and have even been found housed in old scrap cars! They often suffer maladjustment problems due to lack of early handling and socialization. Puppy mills often produce a number of different "breeds" simultaneously with little or no attention given to genetic defects or disorders which are then passed on from one generation to the next. The breeding female dogs live in cages without affection or human interaction. Their only purpose is to produce an inventory of puppies.

Puppy millers sell their pups to pet stores, brokers and flea markets as well through ads in newspapers and on the Internet. Although some mill operators will sell directly to the public, most do not want prospective buyers to see the horrific conditions in which the dogs are kept. They are more likely to sell through brokers who transport the pups to the pet stores. Often under 8 weeks of age, the pups ensure long trips to final destinations in overcrowded trucks. Many of the pups don’t survive the journey.

Prior to 1994, with the majority of pups in Canadian pet stores coming from the U.S., the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS), along with other animal welfare organizations, sought import regulations for puppies coming into Canada. In 1995, Agriculture Canada introduced legislation requiring imported pups to be at least 8 weeks of age, microchipped, vaccinated and veterinarian health checked. While this regulation has significantly reduced the number of imported pups, it has also resulted in a significant increase in the number of mills operating in Canada.

Over the past two years, the Ontario SPCA has followed hundreds of leads from the public regarding puppy mill operations. Their investigations have resulted in the removal of over 1,000 dogs and puppies from 90 mills across the province. Although the Society’s notable investigation efforts and successful mill shutdowns have been paramount in the fight, the cycle will continue until we, as consumers, take a firm stand by refusing to purchase puppies from the mill industry. It is a fact that even after having been "shut down", some puppy millers will simply re-locate, acquire new "stock" and start the puppy assembly line again. One such Ontario miller has done this four times!

I know it’s difficult to see those puppies in the pet store window, knowing full well you or someone you know could offer them a wonderful life full of love, companionship and care. But if we are ever going to end the cruel practice of puppy mills, the buck has to stop somewhere: it has to stop with the consumer. As difficult as it is, be strong, and don’t look at the puppies. But if you do look, close your eyes and envision that adorable puppy’s mother and/or father, confined to a small cage, hungry, lonely and frightened. How can you possibly perpetuate the problem?

If and when the time is right for you to open your heart and home to embrace dog guardianship, be an adopter who is well-read, has researched and is ready to fully investigate the background of your potential new canine family member. A good friend of mine acquired a puppy several years ago and later discovered she had unknowingly purchased from a puppy mill broker. I will never forget her words: "I asked all the wrong questions and got all the right answers!" With this in mind, if you are in doubt or are suspicious about a puppy’s heritage, contact your local Humane Society, Ontario SPCA or reputable dog rescue organization.

What can you do to help eliminate puppy mills?

- Refuse to purchase puppies from pet stores that sell puppies from mills. Many people believe they are "rescuing" a pup when they make such a purchase. Unfortunately these stores classify puppies as "inventory" and you will no sooner be out the door than other puppy mill pup will replace the one you just bought.

- Pet shops that sell mill puppies must not be confused with those that support local Humane Societies and animal shelters by setting up satellite adoption centres. Recently there have been several reputable pet supply stores that have decided to take a stand by refusing to buy puppies from mills or brokers. (Personally, I buy my own pet supplies only from stores who have adopted this policy.) If you are unsure about an animal’s origin, ask to speak with a manager and ask them to identify which animal organization they are supporting. If you are still not convinced, call the shelter for verification.

How to avoid dealing with a puppy mill operation

- Adopt from your local animal shelter or Humane Society. They have many wonderful dogs who are looking for a second chance at a good home.

- Adopt a rescue dog. There is a rescue group for just about every purebred as well as mixed-breed. Reputable groups work in cooperation with local Humane Societies, shelters and veterinarians to find homes for displaced dogs.

- Never adopt a puppy (or any pet) on impulse. You’re making a 10-15 year commitment - a decision of this magnitude should be well researched.

- Be suspicious of classified newspaper ads and websites that offer many different puppies for sale. This is a good indication that you’ve just connected with a puppy mill.

- Report all suspected puppy mills to your local Humane Society or to the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-668-7722.

 

Lorraine Houston is a feature writer for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, a foster Mom and member of the Branch Advisory Committee for the Scarborough/North York Branches of the Ontario SPCA, and an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program. She’s the director of Speaking of Dogs, author of the book "Nobody’s Best Friend" and pens the "Critter Chatter" column for the Scarborough and North York Mirror. Lorraine lives in Don Mills with her husband, two sons and family dogs. She may be contacted at 416-444-4190 or lhh4dogs@rogers.com

(Note to readers: See "Pets for Adoption" on our website for a listing of local Humane Societies, shelters and dog rescue organizations. -ed.)