I'm not saying that just because this puppy is a pet store puppy, it doesn't deserve a good home. I'm not saying that every puppy that is in the pet store came from a puppy mill. In fact, at least in the state of Arizona, there is now a law that states that all pets sold in pet stores must come from the pound or various rescues/shelters. So, no, I'm not saying that you should avoid pet stores like the plague. I'm simply saying that you should at least know where these pets in question came from before you purchase one.
So let's say that this particular pet store doesn't get their pets from local rescues or pounds. Where else would they be getting these relatively inexpensive dogs? Perhaps you think they came from a breeder? Well, I can tell you that this certainly isn't the case, and here's why: It is a typical rule of thumb that quality breeders do not sell to pet stores. They do this to ensure that their pets are going to a good home; they want the ability to screen their potential buyers. They also want to track and monitor their puppies' health as it gets ready to embark on their new home. They need to do this to ensure that there aren't any potential illnesses or problems in their dogs' bloodline. These are things that they cannot do if they simply breed their dogs and unload their young pups to any store that willing to pay their asking price.
The bottom line is that those who run puppy mills could care less about their puppies. They see these animals as "products," and their only concern is the bottom line and making a profit. This doesn't end well with the puppies and their well-being. Because money is their number one concern, the conditions in which these puppies are bred are not usually up to standard with the USDA or the Animal Welfare Act. These puppies are overcrowded in poorly constructed pens with wire flooring (which is not good for their paws!) to allow their waste to drop to the bottom. Sometimes, these cages are stacked on top of one another, and this waste will actually drop to the bottom cage! Would you want to be "housed" somewhere that's constantly "raining waste," for a lack of a better term? And for the cages that are ground level, who actually knows how often, or if, this waste is cleaned up? These are obviously unsanitary conditions that lead to health conditions later down the road.
Unfortunately, these animals do not receive veterinary care. Many illnesses faced by these animals are not treated, which may cause problems later on in their adult life. In addition to health issues that these animals may face, the lack of socialization that these puppies receive tend to yield various behavioral issues later down the road. Common issues are: aggression, anxiety/shyness, food aggression and hoarding. They are also oftentimes difficult to housebreak and train. The sad part is that these "problems" are not at the fault of the puppies; they had no control over being born in such abhorrent conditions.
Sure, we can all get in a large group and say, "if we stop buying from pet stores, we will put an end to puppy mills!" However, I do not think it will. The animals that don't get sold may be released to shelters or pounds, if not transported to another pet store. Previously purchased pet store puppies may later be surrendered to rescues and shelters. So adopting a dog rather than buying from a pet store does not always guarantee that you'll be dodging a puppy mill pet. And the sad truth is that those who breed via puppy mills don't care what happens to the puppy if not sold at the store; they already made their money, so they will just keep operating as usual.
So how exactly do we stop puppy mills? Unfortunately, I do not have a clear-cut answer to that. We can help spread awareness to this practice, but what good is simply being aware of something, if nothing is going to be done about it, right? We can get our legislators involved to actually inspect these puppy mills, and actually punish violations. Perhaps we can push for tighter USDA minimum requirements (how a department used for controlling beef and livestock has so much pull for these "breeders" is beyond me, but that's a different story). The current minimum requirements are enough to cover basic survival for these animals, but that doesn't exactly guarantee humane treatment. I'm thinking that the way to put an end to puppy mills is to push for a change in the laws and regulations.
Unfortunately, these animals do not receive veterinary care. Many illnesses faced by these animals are not treated, which may cause problems later on in their adult life. In addition to health issues that these animals may face, the lack of socialization that these puppies receive tend to yield various behavioral issues later down the road. Common issues are: aggression, anxiety/shyness, food aggression and hoarding. They are also oftentimes difficult to housebreak and train. The sad part is that these "problems" are not at the fault of the puppies; they had no control over being born in such abhorrent conditions.
Sure, we can all get in a large group and say, "if we stop buying from pet stores, we will put an end to puppy mills!" However, I do not think it will. The animals that don't get sold may be released to shelters or pounds, if not transported to another pet store. Previously purchased pet store puppies may later be surrendered to rescues and shelters. So adopting a dog rather than buying from a pet store does not always guarantee that you'll be dodging a puppy mill pet. And the sad truth is that those who breed via puppy mills don't care what happens to the puppy if not sold at the store; they already made their money, so they will just keep operating as usual.
So how exactly do we stop puppy mills? Unfortunately, I do not have a clear-cut answer to that. We can help spread awareness to this practice, but what good is simply being aware of something, if nothing is going to be done about it, right? We can get our legislators involved to actually inspect these puppy mills, and actually punish violations. Perhaps we can push for tighter USDA minimum requirements (how a department used for controlling beef and livestock has so much pull for these "breeders" is beyond me, but that's a different story). The current minimum requirements are enough to cover basic survival for these animals, but that doesn't exactly guarantee humane treatment. I'm thinking that the way to put an end to puppy mills is to push for a change in the laws and regulations.
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