What's your take on all the recent Puppy Mill busts?

[hartygirl]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I know what you mean, I too have the greatest respect for quality breeders, it's got to be one of the most difficult challenges there is, so easy to take shortcuts, and as Americans, we are encouraged to always see the profit part of a business, but this just isn't right when you are dealing with live animals, whose futures depend upon good breeding.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[ellykay72]

I have to say I am even more discouraged about puppy mills after our recent search for a Yorkie. And, to be honest, it is harder now for me to tell the difference in some puppy mills and some good breeders. I don't like the idea of several sires and many more dams and continuous litters, one right after another, even if the numbers aren't in the hundreds or thousands. There are already way too many unwanted animals.

There was one that, we decided we could never buy from, because the puppies are kept in wire cages day and night. They eat in there, sleep in there and go potty in there. There is no interaction. Yet, it is in good standing with AKC and has even recently been inspected. I'm not sure it would qualify as a puppy mill, but it should be, IMO. We desperately wanted to rescue one of those babies. But, we didn't know if it was a wise decision to bring an animal into our home who had been raised in those conditions.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

I am so overjoyed to see so many puppy mills being busted lately. But then so saddened to see the conditions these dogs are in & to see the conditions they have lived in.

Why do you think so many are happening right now? There was the huge one out in Washington state last month, then the ones in Missouri, Tenn & NC

I am also so hopeful after seeing many recent busts, but also so sad to see, once again, the conditions of these poor babies. It really, really weighs on me and I feel quite helpless...or that we're just not doing enough, fast enough.

As to your second part, I think awareness is climbing - and certainly the Oprah Shows have helped this endeavor, imo. Animal welfare agencies play a huge part in awareness as well and I think they've seen more support in anti-cruelty efforts. I hope this momentum continues.

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by ellykay72

I have to say I am even more discouraged about puppy mills after our recent search for a Yorkie. And, to be honest, it is harder now for me to tell the difference in some puppy mills and some good breeders. I don't like the idea of several sires and many more dams and continuous litters, one right after another, even if the numbers aren't in the hundreds or thousands. There are already way too many unwanted animals.

There was one that, we decided we could never buy from, because the puppies are kept in wire cages day and night. They eat in there, sleep in there and go potty in there. There is no interaction. Yet, it is in good standing with AKC and has even recently been inspected. I'm not sure it would qualify as a puppy mill, but it should be, IMO. We desperately wanted to rescue one of those babies. But, we didn't know if it was a wise decision to bring an animal into our home who had been raised in those conditions.

I encourage you to consider some of the breeders here on YT. Finding a quality breeder does matter. Also, beyond the puppy mills you have to worry about the backyard breeder - which that individual likely is.

Here is something you should read before you choose a pup http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/fea...ead-first.html

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I am also so hopeful after seeing many recent busts, but also so sad to see, once again, the conditions of these poor babies. It really, really weighs on me and I feel quite helpless...or that we're just not doing enough, fast enough.

As to your second part, I think awareness is climbing - and certainly the Oprah Shows have helped this endeavor, imo. Animal welfare agencies play a huge part in awareness as well and I think they've seen more support in anti-cruelty efforts. I hope this momentum continues.

Well, Oprah is putting attn on this again today She is highlighting the bust of the mill with the 93 yorkies - this is from her website: Yorkies Rescued from Puppy Mill on the 2nd page of her site she has pictures of the 5 cleaned up yorkies highlighted on the show. She's on right now at my house - I have heard from others that it is towards the end of the program

[nanahas3]

I am from Missouri and these places are everywhere. I like alot of others until I found YT had no idea about them. I am at this moment watching the special on Oprah and it is so heart breaking. I know of serveral around but I am having trouble finding a way to report them. Understand we are elderly so my husband says report but do it annomously and I cant find a site to do this on. If anyone can send me the site please PM me.

[Potter]

It is good to see all the puppy mills going down. I think its really time they go. But I wonder, do all these animals get a fair chance for adoption or some of them are being put to sleep after all the media hype is gone? I can understand about those that are ill and have no quality of life but what about those that are healthy but no one adopts? What will happen to them?

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by nanahas3

I am from Missouri and these places are everywhere. I like alot of others until I found YT had no idea about them. I am at this moment watching the special on Oprah and it is so heart breaking. I know of serveral around but I am having trouble finding a way to report them. Understand we are elderly so my husband says report but do it annomously and I cant find a site to do this on. If anyone can send me the site please PM me.

I believe you can report them to the Humane Society and/or ASPCA - the following might also be helpful to you:

Reporting Cruelty FAQ

ADVOCACY
Contact your state legislator and let them know you are concerned about the issue of puppy mills in your area. Click here to find your legislator Humane Society of Missouri - http://www.hsmo.org: Animal-Related Legislation

If you live in Missouri you can also get involved through the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by Potter

It is good to see all the puppy mills going down. I think its really time they go. But I wonder, do all these animals get a fair chance for adoption or some of them are being put to sleep after all the media hype is gone? I can understand about those that are ill and have no quality of life but what about those that are healthy but no one adopts? What will happen to them?

Well, with the 93 yorkies rescued in Missouri, someone posted on the thread in the News section, that the Humane Society already has an abundance of adoption applications.

From talking with one of our local rescues - small dogs always go quickly, but the bigger dogs have more trouble getting adopted.

The other problem, are these poor mill dogs that are sick or have health issues, I think some people are hesitant about them, but there are so many people willing to come alongside these dogs when they make a big media splash.

In addition, many of these rescues are moving these animals to multiple states - spreading them out. The recent NC bust has puppies in Tampa & Maryland. Some of the Tenn. puppies are in NY -- I think this helps spread it out too, so one area doesn't have an overload.

[yorkiekist]

Originally Posted by hartygirl

I think if you look hard enough you can find healthy quality dogs in rescue There are some owner surrender, not all are pulled from shelters in horrible conditions. And show breeders retire dogs to good homes, there are other options.

I hope that rescues go out of style because they are no longer needed, that is my sincere wish, not to always have them full of animals.

legislation is the starting point, there are plenty of people out there that will stand up for for their right to breed to standard, once the bill is smoothed out into an acceptable law I'm sure you will still be able to find the quality of dog you are looking for.

If for some reason you can not, then take comfort knowing that there are hundreds of thousands less dogs suffering in mills and breeders "back yards" because the law got tough on everyone.

I am not looking to buy a puppy. My passion is breeding and exhibiting this wonderful breed. The "breeder" bills being introduced are not worded correctly as they are lumping responsible breeders and puppy mills into the same catagory. They want to fee and fine us up the ying-yang, micro-manage breeding programs which they are clueless about, confiscate dogs, have unannounced inspections/invasions, lien property and basically tell you when to jump and how high. Just a little Hitler-esk in my opinion. If they only want to include bybers and mills, I say GO FOR IT!! But these bills need to be worded so they do not effect the responsible breeders who have a passion for the breed and do more good than you can imagine for the breed.