Animals are amongst the most beautiful of God’s creations – they are driven purely by their natures and instinct. There is no wanton meanness in the animal kingdom. A great example of wonderful animal nature is the dog. A dog has all the attributes that a human being could try to pick up – bravery, courage, unconditional love, stoicism in times of adversity, a sense of duty, family values – go ahead and think of some more. If someone were to call me a dog, I would take it as a compliment.
Why is it then that we humans let our greed overshadow basic humaneness and decency? Why do we run puppy mills where dogs are treated in a horrific manner? These animals are dependent on us, they are not feral dogs, they are pets. They cannot talk but their eyes do tell a tale. Can not the greedy puppy mill owners see the pain in the eyes of dogs being forced to breed continuously, being made to live in cramped spaces, and then when they fall sick or grow old they are invariably destroyed.
A puppy is cute and a sweet bundle of joy that is innocent and happy. It is up to us to see that it reaches adulthood free from physical and mental trauma that can lead to behavioral problems.
Why are puppy mills thriving? The reason is simple; there is a market for them. We should be more conscientious and aware of where we buy our pets from. We have to look beyond the easy charm and feeling of idyll propagated by websites and pet stores selling puppies. These puppies are often purchased from puppy mills where they come into this world in unhygienic and unsanitized conditions. But then this is what is to be expected when the focus is going to be on profits and not animal welfare.
If you stop to consider the terms “puppy mill” or “puppy farm” you will feel that they convey an attitude of utter callousness. I mean, you don’t farm living creatures; if you do then we are just one step away from farming our own species for profits.
Puppy mill owners have no regard for the law and also for the buyer’s requirements. They will not hesitate to sell a mixed-breed pup as a purebred in order to make some more money. There are around 4000 – 5000 puppy mills in the U.S and these are responsible for around half a million puppies, kittens, and other animals annually. Many of these animals die, others live in poor conditions, several develop life-long behavioral problems, and some catch respiratory diseases and other ailments.
It is for us, the animal lovers to do our best to stop this trade. Even if a pet store says that it does not purchase pets from a puppy farm, there is a chance that it buys from a dealer or middleman who does so. Do a thorough background check before purchasing a puppy. In fact, a good thing to do would be to pick up a pet from a pet shelter…that’s a real good deed.
Too be honest, I dont know a person who is in favor of puppy mills, except for the ones that purchase their dogs through them. I honestly dont understand what is wrong from getting a pup from the shelter? You are saving a dog from being put to sleep! Its just so sad.