Is there any living being more joyful and emotionally evocative than a wiggly puppy staring into your soul with those “I’m going to melt you” eyes? Apparently, to tens of thousands of licensed “puppy mill” dog breeders, there is no soul in which to stare.
“. . . The term ‘puppy mill’ generally refers to a large-scale commercial dog-breeding facility where the emphasis is on profits over the welfare of the dogs.”
And more from the Humane World for Animals . . .
“. . . Inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. They commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets, and pet stores. Responsible breeders will be happy to meet you in person and show you where the puppy was born and raised—and where their mom lives too.”
Here at Give A Paw Canine Wellness, we wonder, can we, as a so-called civil society—who have bonded so deeply with dogs for 20,000 years—believe that profitability is justified no matter the cruelty inflicted? And for this despicable industry to be so prevalent that there is something called the Horrible Hundred list?
Believe it.
According to the Animal Defense League Fund . . .
Back to that list. Missouri, the Show-Me State, has shown an unsettling predilection for topping the Horrible Hundred for thirteen consecutive years. However, we do not just want to call out Missouri; they are not alone. These are the worst five states. Keep in mind that many states have laws on the books that do not require oversight:
In this Humane Voices podcast, with Kathleen Summers (Director of Outreach and Research, Puppy Mills Campaign, Humane World for Animals) as guest, she explains why the mills are still thriving, and what red flags people can look out for:
Two major pieces of introduced federal legislation have been effective in bringing more public awareness to unethical practices. Both stem from the Animal Welfare Act: the Federal Puppy Protection Act (though it stalled in congress) and the Better Care for Animals Act. In this era of governmental cutbacks and lack of overall resources, there just have not been enough inspectors/inspections. That is how Missouri can do what it has done. That is how unscrupulous puppy raisers in this country can continue almost entirely unabated.
Note: For more information from the Animal Welfare Act, click here. So, what can you do about it right now?
Here is our first Call to Action campaign, providing you with three options!
And/or . . .
Here is a segment from the action:
“In response to proven links between pet stores and puppy mills, five states and 400 different localities have already banned the sale of puppies in pet stores. Will you stop selling puppies in your stores?”
And/or . . .
We appreciate you joining us in standing up against puppy mills. After participating, be sure to share your activism on our socials and yours as well! Let us never lose sight that we are the voices for hundreds of thousands of puppies and their moms who need our compassion.