By Rebecca Simmons
Some people are better at keeping secrets than others.
When it comes to puppy mill cruelty, Bill Smith just can't keep quiet. The founder of Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR) is determined to tell as many Lancaster County, Pennsylvania residents and visitors as he can about the large number of puppy mills—large breeding facilities that treat breeding dogs as "factories"—in the area.
But others, like the management of Rockvale Outlets, who removed MLAR’s anti-puppy mill posters soon after they were posted in the Lancaster shopping mall, are more inclined to keep the area’s dirty little secret just that—a secret.
"We had a contract with Viacom, and Viacom leased the space from Rockvale. Without notice, Rockvale illegally pulled down our signs after five days,” said Smith.
Rockvale Outlet spokesperson Jared Walpert explained the action on December 9 in the local newspaper , Lancaster New Era, saying, "Rockvale aims to offer shoppers a great retail experience, not to get into a very controversial issue. When we found out about the signs, we had them immediately taken down."
MLAR is working with an attorney and Viacom to determine if action can be taken against Rockvale Outlets.
Dogs in Distress
The puppy mills problem may be controversial to some, but to animal lovers the issue is clear: Puppy mills are bad news for dogs—and for dog guardians. Unfortunately, the problem is not unique to Pennsylvania. Puppy mills exist in every part of the country and affect hundreds of thousands of pooches each year.
"Puppy mills are breeding operations that typically house dogs in shockingly poor conditions," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS. "They churn out puppies who are then sold through the Internet, newspaper ads, at pet shops or through the mill itself. Because a puppy mill is a business, the facility is designed purely for profit, with little thought given to comfort. The dogs at these facilities are overbred, receive little or no veterinary care, are overcrowded into cages, have poor quality food and shelter, and lack socialization with humans."
Many of the puppies born at puppy mills each year have behavior and/or health problems. The parents of these puppies are called "breeding stock"—dogs who are caged and continually bred for years, without human companionship and with little hope of ever becoming part of a family. When they are no longer needed, breeding animals are commonly killed, abandoned, or sold to another mill at auction.
Smith, whose organization has rescued hundreds of sick puppy mill dogs, is confident that most consumers are not indifferent to the problem, just ill-informed.
"If people knew how these dogs are treated, then they would stop buying animals from mass breeders and from pet stores," said Smith. "If the demand would drop, so would the number of inhumane breeders."
But for many, this valuable information comes too late.
"Every year, we receive heartbreaking letters and e-mails from families who purchased dogs from puppy mills in Lancaster County through advertisements in Philadelphia's newspapers, only to have their new puppy die a week later," said Smith.
Campaign Against Cruelty
Puppy mills are big business in many areas of the country, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Lancaster County has one of the highest concentrations of puppy mills in the country.
But despite the challenges, Smith is positive that his organization's message is still reaching the public. MLAR is currently sponsoring three large billboards emblazoned with MLAR's web site, as well as The HSUS' www.StopPuppyMills.com site, along major highways in Lancaster County.
"Our billboards have attracted a lot of attention," said Smith. "Every day we receive e-mails and calls from people who support our efforts."
The most recent Christmas-themed sign went up on December 9 on Interstate 83 near Exit 35 outside Harrisburg and will be on display through New Year's Day.
"The holiday season is a busy time for puppy mills because many people buy dogs as presents," said Shain. "Educating people about the cruelty surrounding puppy mills is especially important during this time of year."
Exposing the Truth
During the holidays and throughout the year, in Lancaster County and around the nation, more and more people are learning the truth about puppy mills thanks to increased visibility from organizations like The HSUS and MLAR.
Media outlets have also helped to publicize the issue. December articles in both USA Today and Time focused on The Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS), federal legislation that, if passed, will help to protect dogs in puppy mills who currently have no protection at all.
Because of a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which allows puppy mills to sell directly to the public, many puppy mills facilities are exempt from the minimum standards of care required by the AWA. The PAWS bill, which animal advocates hope will be voted on in the U.S. Senate in early 2006, would require breeders who sell directly to the public—whether through newspaper ads, the Internet, or other means—and who raise seven or more litters of dogs each year to be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Without the PAWS bill, many puppy mills will continue to escape inspections, and the dogs will continue to live in misery.
"The Senators and Representatives involved in introducing this bill deserve a lot of credit for trying to protect puppies sold over the Internet or through newspaper ads," said Smith. "By protecting these animals, they are also protecting consumers."
In addition to supporting the PAWS legislation, there are many things dog lovers can to do to help stop puppy mills in their tracks:
1. Shop Smart
Looking to add a pooch to your family? Adopt from your local shelter instead of buying a dog. If you want a specific breed that isn't available at the shelter, contact a breed rescue group in your area or find a responsible breeder.
2. Be an Informant
Most people have never heard of a puppy mill. Help spread the word by informing your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. You can download or order copies of "How to Buy a Puppy," a brochure that explains what puppy mills are and gives pointers on where to find a great dog.
3. Fight Back
If you or someone you know buys a puppy and the dog becomes sick, it may be possible to obtain a refund. First, check with the person or store where the puppy was purchased. You can also download and file a pet seller complaint form. In addition, 17 states currently have consumer protection laws for dogs who are purchased from a commercial establishment. To learn more about laws in a particular state check with the state attorney general's division of consumer protection or go to www.StopPuppyMills.com and click on "Laws."
Rebecca Simmons is the Outreach Communications Coordinator for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS.
