Puppy Mill Crackdown
Many states make a conscious effort to decrease number of puppy mills.
More stories from Madisen Krapf
In numerous states including Illinois, a bill is in the midst of being passed banning puppy mill dogs from being sold.
Puppy mills are centers for breeding dogs, but they tend to breed their dogs at an alarming rate and for an unreasonable price.
Puppy mills are known for their destructive reputation. Mill owners are known for valuing profit over the overall well-being of dogs. Dogs are usually being sold injured, sick or in critical condition leading to the pet owner owing thousands of dollars to clinics. Not only do they have to pay for injured or sick dogs, but they pay way more than the appropriate price.
“Puppy mills are super dangerous,” sophomore Haydin Sorrentino said. “They should not exist because of the harm they put on animals.”
When dogs are separated from their mothers and siblings at such an early stage of life, they usually develop severe separation anxiety, fear and other behavioral problems.
Once female dogs are no longer fit to reproduce (which is the extreme of the low) they are usually killed.
A question visited by many is why puppy mills are still legal. Puppy mills are still active because according to Best Friends, an animal rescue program, “the minimum standards imposed on breeders don’t promote responsible breeding or ensure healthy puppies.”
Animal organizations and supporters against puppy mills are fighting for stricter rules and even to completely ban mills by attempting to take it to the government.
Many states are on board with discontinuing any puppy mill sales except a few, one of which is Florida. Banning puppy mills could be at stake if a Florida House tax bill passes, making it legal to sell puppy mill dogs statewide.
