A puppy mill, also known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions. Although there is no standardized legal definition for a puppy mill, the Veterinary Medical Association of the Humane Society of the United States defines its main characteristics as "emphasis on quantity over quality, indiscriminate breeding, continuous confinement, lack of human contact and environmental enrichment, poor husbandry, and minimal to no veterinary care". Here are some key features of puppy mills:
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Quick breeding: Puppy mills prioritize producing as many puppies as possible for profit, often keeping female dogs pregnant and nursing their whole lives or until they are unable to produce more puppies.
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Poor conditions: Dogs in puppy mills are usually housed in small, wire cages similar to rabbit hutches and chicken coops. They may receive minimal food, exercise, grooming, and veterinary care, leading to health problems and a poorer quality of life for both the parents and puppies.
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Emphasis on profit: In puppy mills, profit takes priority over the health, comfort, and welfare of the dogs. These facilities are often referred to as "factory farms" for dogs.
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Indiscriminate breeding: Puppy mills focus on producing large numbers of desirable puppies, often without considering the health, temperament, or heritable conditions of the parent dogs.
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Continuous confinement: Dogs in puppy mills are typically kept in continuous confinement, with little to no opportunity for exercise, socialization, or environmental enrichment.
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Lack of human contact: Puppy mill dogs often receive minimal human contact, which can lead to behavioral and socialization issues.
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Minimal to no veterinary care: Puppy mills often provide only the bare minimum of veterinary care, leading to untreated health conditions and a higher risk of disease transmission.
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Selling through various channels: Puppy mill dogs are commonly sold through pet stores, online platforms, and other retail outlets. Many people unknowingly purchase dogs from puppy mills when they buy from these sources.
