What can I do as an individual to stop puppy mills?

Question

I unknowingly bought a maltese from a puppy mill about 10 years ago. I paid $500. I went to a home in the country. The woman was nice and had a lovely room with puppy pictures all over and called it an area to meet the puppy. I asked to see where the rest of the dogs were kept. I noticed a large building not far from their home. I was told that it makes the dogs get too excited and they start barking and the neighbors complain (yet she didn't have many close neighbors). That should've tipped me off. She also didn't let me see the parents. Another warning sign. She made me sign a 24 hr. guarantee. Another warning sign. The puppy was also only 1 1/2 lbs. but was 8 weeks and weaned. I wanted a really small Maltese. We took the pup home and a day later, it became very weak and wouldn't eat. It stopped breathing and my Mom gave it CPR. We rushed it to the vet. They put it in an incubator and did extensive tests. They determined it had a bad heart probably due (cont'd)

bad inbreeding. It died within 48 hrs. of buying it. The vet bills cost well over a thousand dollars. I contacted the lady and told her how sad I was and she got very nasty! She said I signed the agreement and it was "Just too bad". She eventually said she has had alot of problems with breeding Malteses and offered me a Maltese Poodle cross but it might be a year or so. I couldn't believe it! I think I still have her name and add. somewhere. I don't think she'd remember me. Should I pose as an interested buyer and see if she is still doing this? Another clue was that she bred almost 10 different toy breeds if not more. Good breeders concentrate on one breed or two and they have no problem with you examining the premises, right? If she still has a puppy mill, what can I do to shut her down? Also, there is a pet shop near me at a mall that has the sickest and saddest looking puppies ever. They had 3 Sheltie puppie (Cont'd)

that were probably about 4 months in a cage that was about 2 feet by 2 feet. I have 2 Shelties and I know they need lots of room and exercise. They are also super smart and need lots of intellectual stimulation. All puppies need lots of love as well. I have asked where they get their puppies and they said all over the country from private breeders not puppy mills. All the puppies' eyes look infected as well. What can I do to stop pet shops from selling puppies? I also saw something on television that they are smuggling puppies from puppy mills in Tijuana, Mexico. I also get upset by some of the big breeders that have valuable show dogs. They have females that are strictly used to breed and have little contact with humans and the breeders main concern is to produce puppies from Champion studs. These kennels are usually very clean and the owners have alot of money. I want to breed Shelties and only have 5 or 6 dogs at the most. I think personality is more important (cont'd)

show quality. I have a male and a female Sheltie right now. I have owned Shelties all my life. They are beautiful and super smart and sweet. They love people and don't have the shyness you see with alot of Shelties. They wouldn't win Best of Breed but have alot of good qualities. They are just not "Show Quality." People say only "Show Quality" dogs should be bred. I beg to differ. I know tons of people who already want their puppies. I wouldn't be in this for money. They are both excellent at agility and obedience and I know their puppies would be too. People have to start somewhere to breed. I would like to get into conformation and breed show quality Shelties but need to find someone willing to work with me. I have the dedication, time, finances, and most importantly, love to be an excellent breeder. I know there are tons of unwanted dogs in the world. I just want to breed Shelties and show others what a wonderful breed they are and show you can breed responsibly!

Answer 1

Petstores get their supply of puppies from back yard breeders and puppymills. Stay clear of them. Remind people that just because a pet is recognized by AKC does not make it quality or worth anymore than any other mutt dying in the shelter.

Petsmarts work with rescue instead of getting from breeder.

When and if you run across a puppymill type situation contact the local news they are more likely to investigate and get officials to do something. A sure give away that they are a puppy mill is when the same phone number advertises different breeds.

Here are some websites to help you:

http://www.prisonersofgreed.org/

http://www.stoppuppymills.org/

http://www.almosthomerescue.org/puppymill/puppymill.htm

Contact your local non-profit no kill rescues and ask about their history of shutting down puppymills and breeders and how you can help. Get involved with them help them send emails or mailers to people informing them of puppymills. Be prepared when they do shut someone down near you to help the dogs that will die in the shelter when they confiscate their dogs. The shelters have to make room for the "evidence" so the other dogs must be euthanized that are in that shelter. If you know of one in a certain county work with that county shelter to increase their adoptions to make room.

I could go on and on and I pray you do wonders for the puppies.

Added: to official aa and steven. -

The bigger chains with the most credentials are the ones that purchase puppy mill dogs!! Often they now use pet brokers to do the exchange and these brokers never see the pets but now they get a piece of the money you pay for the dog. They are usually not even in the same state as the petstore or the puppymill.

Smaller petstores often get them from typical backyard breeders that are local and closer to the store itself.

Added again.

Im sorry I thought you were trying to help the mortality rate of dogs not contribute too it. Check out some of the other shelties that some other fool thought their parents were worth breeding now they are in shelters to be euthanized or some respectable rescuer came in to save them. You want to create more.

http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi


Show quality is a well rounded in all catagories. Please check out the standards that each breed is judged on and they can't go into a show if they are not friendly happy dogs.

Answer 2

First of all I am sorry for your terrible experience. Most people don't know any better and learn the hard way. Secondly, please don't go to a 'pet store', as these are the people the puppy mills exists for. (An exception are the pet stores that instead of selling dogs arrange adoptions with places like the ASPCA and breed rescues.) Call the breed group you are interested in and ask for referrals for breeders for a pet quality dog if you want a puppy. These are very healthy, genetically sound dogs with Champions in their pedigrees, there is just some minor flaw (or maybe none) that would keep them from winning in the ring. Being AKC means little more than the paper it's written on. The AKC doesn't require proof to issue certificates, only two certificates from two previously registered parents. As such AKC means nothing about the quality of the breeding. If you would like an older dog, from six months on up try the breed rescue. Many of these are house trained dogs that have been temperament tested and are being given up for reasons that more often than not have nothing to do with the dog. They will always be pure bred and they can even help you find good breeders if they don't have a match.
As far as what you can do. Well that depends. The first is not to ever buy from a pet store and encourage your friends and families not to as well. The USDA is the board which issues the licenses to breeders. They are not concerned with the health or conformity of non-editable livestock ie pets. The minimum requirements are very... well minimum. And she probably meets them... even if we find it deplorable. Posing as a buyer won't do much and could be dangerous. If the dogs are fed, watered and out of the weather (which it sounds like) than she is probably meeting the ASPCA's requirements. The best thing you could do is file a complaint with the better business bureau. You would be surprised how much of an affect this can have on unethical breeders. As callus as it sounds you did get a "defective product" and she did refuse to compensate you. As to your local pet store- they are probably not doing anything illegal and besides protesting outside the mall, there is not much you can do about this either. If you want to make a real impact, share your story and donate money to pet positive groups that are trying to make a difference like the ASPCA and breed rescue groups.

Answer 3

You can become a member of the Humane Society or SPCA, they alert you to legislation and other projects such as this matter. They are currently trying to make tougher laws but there is nothing clear and strong on the books.
You may also be interrested in knowing there is a bill that is currently on the table now that would prohibit you or any organization from protesting or stopping ANY BUSINESS (including puppy mills and petshops). It prohibits you from protesting or stopping and causing aneconomic loss of such "businesses" and it deals with animals> It is a bunch of B.S but it is almost through.
Puppy Mill are only illegal if the animals are not properly cared for. I got my Lab from a place very similar to you agaist better judgement but there was a severe circumstance that made me do it. I had a lot of problems and a lot of vet bills but my boy turned out okay. But I called the SPCA to complain and they said they checked the place at least twicw a week due to complaints. There was nothing they could do to stop the business because the animals were fed, had water, shelter and were cared for. They reccomended that I contact the Better Business Bureau or the AKC.
The AKC can pull a license from a breeder and then the dogs lose value because they can not be registered. The SPCA can only step in if the animals are mistreated, starved or cruelly treated. I call them all the time dor sick dogs in a pet store and they always check it out and fix the problems.
But people really need to know that our Government may soon stop anyone from stopping any of these "businesses" from hurting animals. Please consider joining the fight. There is the Care2 Petition Website that also has these petitions. The SPCA website will also notify of such issues. DawnWatch.com will email you with anything that deals with animal roghts/

Answer 4

So you pretty much are angry at people who don't breed like YOU think they should? None of the things you stated neccessarily make them a puppy mill. Keeping dogs outside, puppies in a cage, gooky eyes (common in toys), etc do not make someone a puppy mill. A commercial breeder, yes. Probaby a crappy breeder. But why do you think they are a mill? Did you see sick dogs in small cages full of filth?

FYI - I wouldn't want a stranger tromping all over MY dog area either, god knows what disease they may bring with them.

If you don't want a puppy from a crappy breeder, then DON'T BUY ONE from them! Its EASY! If you are not happy with your bad decision, then do it differently next time, live and learn! We DON'T need more laws to protect people from themselves, take responsability!

" I also get upset by some of the big breeders that have valuable show dogs. They have females that are strictly used to breed and have little contact with humans and the breeders main concern is to produce puppies from Champion studs"

That is not true, I know MANY show breeders and the dogs mostly live in the home and on the couch. And WHAT is wrong with using a good stud??? You think if it would be better to use some commercially bred dog that lives up the road, instead of a good example of the breed?

I have no problem with someone breeding good healthy pets, so long as they do it right, which includes health testing (especially eyes for Shelties).


Michelle - "You may also be interrested in knowing there is a bill that is currently on the table...It prohibits you from protesting or stopping and causing aneconomic loss of such "businesses" and it deals with animals

It stops animal rights TERRORISTS from stealing and bombing! Do YOU know that the animal rights groups are the most dangerous domestic terrorist group??? If you breed a litter of puppies do you want them to be able to picket at YOUR house or bomb YOUR car??? They don't care if you are a small occasional show breeder, or a filthy puppy mill, they think ALL breeders are evil. If your local AR group is bored, they may target YOU!!! And FYI, HSUS IS an animal rights group! The animal rights groups that you seem so fond of have the goal of ENDING pet ownership! Do you agree with that?

Answer 5

First of all, only get a pet from a shelter or rescue. There are plenty of animals out there that need loving homes. You can look up on the web for maltese rescues. There is a rescue for every breed. If you find out the lady still has the puppy mill, put an ad in the paper or write a letter to the editor warning everyone of your experience. Those are pretty much the only things you can do.

Answer 6

Doesn't it suck when you have so much to say but only so much space to say it??
If there is a part three forgive me for answering so quickly.
I am sure the animal control already know about this lady, call to make sure.
I was contacted by our control officer here about conditions rumored about a ranch I visited. Puppy mill very well possibly? She asked if I took any pictures. Of course I did not and did not visually see any real problems. But then again like you would I have?
This is the problem there is no prof to some of these places. All you can go buy is your experiences. Tell the animal control this and if you took pictures of the pup and all the medical problems.
Take this person to small claims (if you have the time and money). Otherwise voice your concerns to the control people and let them do there job.

I went through this with a breeder of Australian Shepherds in the Southwestern part of Washington State near our boarder of Oregon. Pretty puppies with what looked like great bloodline (these pups were $300 for the females, around there can not remember). The husband was disabled in a wheel chair and since I have health problems this impressed me! Also they had boys which I do too, so I thought this pup would work out great. This dog and the others were being bred with seizures. Making the pups useless for working,showing,training. I was not happy at all. Like you she was not willing to work out vet bills or the cost of the pup, but did offer me a full brother for $100 bucks!
Anyhoo good luck and keep voicing your opinions. Remember it is against the law to name names, it is not against the law to say what area you bought the dog in or what you observed/personal experiences with the person you had. It is buyer beware out there....
P.S. my youngest son who is autistic and with epilepsy found this dog when she died of a seizure. He will be scarred for life over this traumatic experience. He had to have mental health counseling for he to thought his seizures were going to kill him as it did our dog...These breeders need to be ashamed of themselves, but of course they are not...

Answer 7

Try to educate people. I bought a boston terrier puppy and had the same experience. Then the puppy came down with parvo. After taking him the vet twice a day for seven days I had to put him down. The "breeder" kept avoiding my calls until I threaten legal action. Then I found out he would take pupies to a trades day once a month. I went and found his booth and noticed he had many different breeds of puppies (another sign of a puppy mill) I stood in front of his booth showing people pictures of Leon while he had iv's in him. He didn't sell a puppy all day. I also took out an ad in his city's newspaper telling people what he did. I'm sure it didn't totally stop him but it did slow down his business. I only go to breeders that live in city limits now because they don't have room for the puppymills, and if I can't see one of the parents I get up and I leave

Answer 8

First, always ask to meet the parents of the puppy you are looking to buy...do they look healthy, can they walk and run well...ask questions, lots of them, some pertenant, some that may just be made up on the spot...ask how many liters the mother has had, how many pupps were born alive/still-born....GET A GUARANTEE that's valid after the first vet's visit...and take the puppy there right away...the vet will be able to tell you if the puppy has any health problems, and if there are, take it back.

Second...ASPCA is a much better place to look for a dog, or even better, from any of the organizations that care for dogs which were going to be put down. That's where I got my brother's cat, and although he's a demon, at least I knew he was healthy before I got him (fixed and with his shots up to date and a vet's health record)

Answer 9

Avoid buying your cats or dogs from a pet store, especially if they are not a known large chain. (Not all pet stores buy from puppy mills, but then again most will not advertise the fact that they do either...)

There are an ample supply of dogs and cats that need homes or will be euthanized at the local SPCA. Any animal bought from there will generally be in good health, will have its shots, and will be spayed or neutered.

You may not have the purebreeds and the dog may not necessarily be weeks old, but they will still be loving and you will be helping to save a life while not helping puppy mills make their money.

Answer 10

Unless you are looking for specific characteristics in a dog, keep adopting from the animal shelter. Even if you want particular things calling for breeding, a bit of patience at the shelter should make a good match possible. Or, get to know your fellow dog lovers, especially those who are breeding for specifics as a hobby and for the love of animals, ie check out your local AKC and field trial clubs, depending on what you want. Learn your breeds, herding dogs are different from retrievers which are different from companion dogs and show dogs and so on. People who do breed with specific characteristics as a goal will usually only keep one or two from a litter while the rest become pets. If they are legitimate dog lovers with a goal they will insist the pets be neutered or have it done themselves before offering the puppies to anyone. I have had both mutts and purebreds. The advantage of purebreds is in eliminating undesirable characteristics and emphasizing desired ones. Some of the breeds, like Saint Bernards have hip problems that make them miserable and sometimes mean as they age. If you fancy that breed, going through the AKC will help you avoid the bloodlines that have that problem. I used to have big black labs as companion dogs and occasional hunting partners, but if I was a serious duck hunter I would go for the field trial breeding rather than the show companion dog lines. The show companion lines however make better companion and protection dogs, especially for families that are not seriously into dog training. (Mine did the job perfectly when some fool broke in in the middle of the night, even though I had never worked them on protection, just retrieving.) But, with two big black labs, I never did have grass in my yard. When they passed on I swore to myself that I would not have any more until I had at least ten acres with a one acre pond. Now my wife and I have Shi Tzus, who are excellent companions, loving and not yappy, unlike some of the small breeds. And we have grass. We also don't try for the long hair look the AKC goes for as the only time they were happy was in the dead of winter. Instead we trim them for their comfort. Occasionally we desire the patter of little paws around the house and will breed them. We advertise the puppies at well over the market price and then select homes for them of households with young girls or older ladies who really can't afford them at that price. Then we give the selected people a much lower price, just enough to make sure they will value the puppy.