Lilypad
Well-Known Member
Of more than 900 commercial puppy dealers in Virginia, only 16 are operating with the proper federal license, according to a 5-month investigation of “puppy mills” by the Humane Society of the United States.
The investigation, released today, revealed deplorable factory-style breeding in operations in large kennels, trailers and backyards, many of which were breeding as many dogs as possible with little or no oversight or concern for the health and well being of the animals.
The HSUS investigation found that many breeders are violating federal laws that require licenses if breeders have more than 3 breeding females; and that others avoid the law by selling directly to the public via the Internet, where they are not required to have a license and can operate without oversight.
“We uncovered a massive, unregulated puppy mill and pet trade industry in Virginia-on a scale no one had imagined,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS.
“Only 2% of the puppy breeders are even licensed by the federal government, yet they are churning out tens of thousands of puppies, often in deplorable and demonstrably inhumane conditions. Many live in filth and darkness. We want consumers to know where their puppies come from, and that their purchases support these businesses.”
"This investigation suggests that the puppy mill industry is larger than any of us thought,” said Stephanie Shain, HSUS director of outreach for companion animals, “and that operators within the industry are skirting federal oversight in huge numbers.”
Details of the investigation are available at Stop Puppy Mills
The HSUS says undercover teams found dogs being harmed and abused throughout the state; laws being ignored, and consumers being duped.
One breeder, in business for more than 30 years, had between 500 and 700 breeding dogs on the premises. Some were selling puppies not yet 8 weeks old, as required by the Animal Welfare Act. Others had dogs with severe health problems, malnutrition and lacked adequate food, water and shelter.
The HSUS favors adoptions from shelters and breed rescue groups-instead of buying from pet stores-and says people intent on buying from a breeder should be sure they are dealing with a reputable one and not a puppy mill.
About 43,000 dogs are euthanized every year in Virginia after failing to be adopted, the HSUS noted.
Please consider what you have read when thinking about adopting a pup!
The investigation, released today, revealed deplorable factory-style breeding in operations in large kennels, trailers and backyards, many of which were breeding as many dogs as possible with little or no oversight or concern for the health and well being of the animals.
The HSUS investigation found that many breeders are violating federal laws that require licenses if breeders have more than 3 breeding females; and that others avoid the law by selling directly to the public via the Internet, where they are not required to have a license and can operate without oversight.
“We uncovered a massive, unregulated puppy mill and pet trade industry in Virginia-on a scale no one had imagined,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS.
“Only 2% of the puppy breeders are even licensed by the federal government, yet they are churning out tens of thousands of puppies, often in deplorable and demonstrably inhumane conditions. Many live in filth and darkness. We want consumers to know where their puppies come from, and that their purchases support these businesses.”
"This investigation suggests that the puppy mill industry is larger than any of us thought,” said Stephanie Shain, HSUS director of outreach for companion animals, “and that operators within the industry are skirting federal oversight in huge numbers.”
Details of the investigation are available at Stop Puppy Mills
The HSUS says undercover teams found dogs being harmed and abused throughout the state; laws being ignored, and consumers being duped.
One breeder, in business for more than 30 years, had between 500 and 700 breeding dogs on the premises. Some were selling puppies not yet 8 weeks old, as required by the Animal Welfare Act. Others had dogs with severe health problems, malnutrition and lacked adequate food, water and shelter.
The HSUS favors adoptions from shelters and breed rescue groups-instead of buying from pet stores-and says people intent on buying from a breeder should be sure they are dealing with a reputable one and not a puppy mill.
About 43,000 dogs are euthanized every year in Virginia after failing to be adopted, the HSUS noted.
Please consider what you have read when thinking about adopting a pup!
The only way things will ever change starts w/one person at a time. Thank you for following up, you will probably have to stay on top of this, although I think the public's mind is changing on a daily basis as people become more aware of the cruelty these places inflict.
