[Nancy1999]

I think you must remember that the AKC is not a law enforcement agency, and they can require no better kennel conditions than what individual state laws demand. When states demand better kennel conditions, and pass stricter laws, the AKC can then say that XYZ kennel is not meeting those conditions, and suspend or ban them. The AKC can suspend oar band for other reasons, but this often has more to do with record keeping and purebred lines. You know, "Whose the daddy?" The AKC has it's flaws, but most of these larger kennels are USDA licensed and the USDA is an advocate for the "farmer" and really tries diligently to get the farmer to comply with regulations, they aren't looking to suspend anyone. Furthermore, when the USDA learns that a kennel is AKC registered, they pretty much abandon their inspections because the AKC is stricter, but this puts more responsibility on the AKC and more of a financial burden, as well. I always encourage pet owners to get involved with the AKC, and register their dogs, I believe pet owners as well as good breeders can help the AKC to become a better club, and a more outspoken proponent of helping to pass good breeding legislation.

This is why we must address the puppy mill situation on several different fronts. We need to support responsible breeding laws at a state level, we also need to readjust our thinking concerning commercial breeders, I'm not sure we will ever do away with them, but we can improve them enough so at least the dogs are tortured. We can encourage people to only register with those registries that actually do routine unannounced inspections of all breeders, not just some, and actually do suspend breeders. We can also inform people that it does cost some money to produce a healthy quality dog, and don't support anyone, unless you are willing to see the kennel conditions for yourself. The AKC probably approves kennel conditions way below my standards, and you should set your own standards for this, but don't allow dogs to be raised in a situation that you wouldn't want your pet to spend the rest of its life.