They suffer from fleas, flies, mange and internal parasites. Many of these breeding dogs also suffer from genetic diseases such as epilepsy, hip dysplasia and other diseases that exacerbate their misery. Bred at every heat until they no longer produce large litters, they are at last rewarded by death. The national media have begun to focus attention on the substandard, unlicensed commercial breeding facilities in Kansas and other Midwestern states. Twenty-two years ago, legislators in Kansas admitted their puppy mills were substandard, cruel and inhumane, but little progress has been made toward correcting the problem.
Puppy mills flourish.
The American Kennel Club continues to register dogs from puppy mills without conscience, claiming it is not within its power to end this horrible exploitation of companion animals. The Humane Society of the United States is directing a public education campaign against purchasing purebred dogs from pet stores that receive their puppies from these puppy mills. HSUS is asking the public to boycott these pet stores. Real hope for change lies with the public. Demands for federal legislation to control and monitor puppy mills must come from the public.