What Is a Puppy Mill?
A puppy mill is a derogatory name for a commercial breeder that breeds large numbers of puppies, but does so in conditions that are inhumane. Profit and low overhead are the driving factors behind puppy mills. These breeders have little regard for the dogs’ welfare.
Unsanitary and Caged Conditions
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), puppy mills raise the puppies and dogs in tiny, filthy cages, often stacking the cages vertically. The urine and feces from a cage sitting on top of another cage filters down, creating unsanitary conditions. Most dogs are not taken on walks. They don’t get to play or exercise. Female dogs give birth in the cages, and their puppies sleep, eat and grow up, living in cages.
Lack of Medical Care
Animals at puppy mills (also called puppy farms) typically don’t receive veterinary care. They don’t receive grooming and are subject to diseases.
Genetic Defects
Breeders pay no attention to genetic defects when breeding, and as a result, genetic defects pass down from one generation to the next. Defects often include heart disease, hip dysplasia as well as blood and respiratory disorders.
Other Types of Abuse
The female dogs receive no relief between litters before they are impregnated again. When they can no longer produce puppies, the mill disposes of them. Aside from physical problems that arise, the dogs do not get attention, are not socialized with other dogs and may grow up developing emotional and behavioral problems.
What Are Scam Breeders?
The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) explains the current pet scams that people are falling prey to. There are many different types, but the common denominator is fooling people into paying money for a pet that doesn’t exist.
The IPATA encourages you to report pet scams to [email protected].
We Love Our Frenchies!
It’s hard to believe that anyone could be cruel to such adorable dogs or that people would run scams. However, it is something we should all be aware of.
All of the dogs we breed have come from reputable breeders. We do genetic testing, and our puppies receive veterinary care early on. They also love running free in our back yard and in our house!
At Michelle’s Frenchies, we have found homes for three of our French bulldog puppies, and at this point, only one male puppy is left.