Across the country, legislators are attempting to tighten restrictions and cut down on puppy mills. Want to get an idea of what’s going on around the United States?
- Sixteen different states already had “puppy lemon laws” that allow buyers to get their money back if health or genetic defects are discovered within a certain period of time. Four more states introduced the laws this year.
- The Nebraska Legislature passed a law increasing the number of state kennel inspectors from one to four. New operations are to be inspected prior to opening. These measures come after a rescue of nearly 200 dogs from a property in Dawson County, Nebraska in May.
- California is considering mandatory spaying and neutering for cats and dogs over the age of four months (with some exceptions).
- Oregon, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are working on laws to tighten the regulation of retail pet shops.
- Minnesota and Ohio are working on legislation that establishes standards for breeding operations.
Puppy mill is a term used by animal welfare activists to refer to mass breeding under inhumane conditions. The Humane Society of the United States believes that Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are the major puppy mill states. Dogs are both emotionally and physically damaged from their experiences: confined in tight, unsanitary quarters, little socialization, little veterinary care, repeated breeding.
The Humane Society estimates that between two and four million dogs that join U.S. families come from puppy mills. Why do puppy mills stay in business? The high demand for popular breeds can send puppy prices skyrocketing and keep puppy mills in operation.
So what can you do? Do your research before you buy a puppy. Look into the breeder, and see if you can tour the facilities. If it doesn’t seem like the animals are healthy and happy, look elsewhere. If you’re interested in a particular breed, check with local rescues and shelters — you may be able to find the dog of your dreams in an unexpected place.