Inhumane Treatment in Puppy Mills

No More Puppy Mills

There are so many things that the breeders do to the puppies in puppy mills in very inhumane ways. To understand how puppy mills operate one must know the facts about animal abuse, why they operate, and how to prevent the use of puppy mills. Where are the bigger production centers in the United States? How are the dogs treated? What about the lasting effects on the animals' lives? This study, written in the format of the Modern Language Association (MLA), examines puppy mills and their inhumane treatment of animals.

There are so many ways that the animals in the mills are abused: for example, the lack of cleanliness in the kennel areas. The unsanitary conditions in the mills show how neglected the animals are. The animals are put into wire cages that have no bottoms (Schmidt). These cages are intended to be used as their shelters. “Puppy-mill kennels can consist of anything from small cages made of wood or wire mesh to tractor- trailer cabs to simple tethers attached to trees” (“Dogs”). “Dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs”(“ASPCA”). This information can lead one to believe that the dogs do not get proper exercise or play with toys.

Like humans, dogs need exercise. It is wise to take house-dogs on walks throughout the day. It helps them burn off energy and work their muscles. Dogs are also very social and need interaction with other pets and their humans. Once or twice a week the owners should take their dog to a puppy playground or dog park; this gives them the opportunity to become socialized. Denying these basic elements of a dog's life is one of the worst forms of animal abuse. This is the practice of puppy mills across the country.

The breeders in these ...

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...the comfort and support of their human companions. They can become violent and destructive if they are lacking the bond between owner and pet. “Fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are typical of puppy mill dogs; the first months of a puppy’s life are a critical socialization period for puppies” (“ASPCA”).

To understand the unethical workings of puppy mills, one must know the animal abuse involved, why they use the practice, how they can be eliminated, and, finally, the lasting effects on the animals' lives. The mills are very unsanitary and lack cleanliness. The animals suffer from malnutrition and are abandoned when they are no longer of use. Josh Billings once said, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” That is why saving dogs from the abuse of puppy mills is the responsibility of all.