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Animal Welfare - Puppy Mills

Puppy mills, or farms, are of growing concern for the welfare of dogs, not only in the United Kingdom, but across many areas of the globe.  These puppy factory facilities are illegal in some areas as they not only exceed breeding regulations, but also do not comply with animal welfare laws.  Dogs used for breeding, and puppies, are kept in conditions which are detrimental to their health and welfare.  These environments are usually unclean, with no outdoor access.  Dogs are bred for maximum profit without thought for their health or their requirements.  Puppies which are purchased from puppy mills, usually unknowingly, come with an array of health problems and behavioural issues.  Puppies are not socialised, or accustomed to home environments, during this sensitive stage of life and this causes serious psychological problems.  Puppies, or breeding parents, are not health checked, and very often arrive with their new owners malnourished and full of parasites.  

When purchasing a dog it is important to be aware of the typical signs of a puppy mill seller.  These may include:

  • A breeder advertising on social media, notice boards and selling at markets, pet shops and events.  Although this is not always the case, it is important to fully know where your pup is coming from.
  • The same breeder has a continuous supply of pups, sometimes with a variety of breeds.
  • An agent sells the pups on behalf of the breeder.
  • A breeder withholds information about breeding parents, health history, and their facilities and will not allow visits or viewings of their kennels or parents.
  • The breeder wishes to meet either in a public place, or does not allow collection.  
  • The breeder asks no questions regarding your history of dogs, your living area or lifestyle.  Genuine breeders should ask for a home check, or will generally care where their pups are going.  Puppy mill breeders will only care about money and drop off.
  • Puppies leaving parents before eight weeks.

It is important to always check where your purchased pup is coming from.  You are entitled to see the breeding parents, ask lots of questions, know the health history and view the kennels.  Be aware of kennels which may not be a permanent home, but may be for viewers only.  Assess the behaviour and health of the parents, and also the behaviour of the pup.  If the pup is fearful to noises, and not accustomed to humans, then this may also be a sign that it is from a puppy mill.  Try and avoid pet stores and advertisements as these may be supplied by puppy mills.  Never meet in public areas, or allow the pup to be dropped off.  Pick the pup up from the facility, and always research exactly where your dog is coming from prior to pick up.  View the pup on several occasions, as genuine breeders would encourage this.  

If you are interested in learning more about dog welfare, then why not enrol on our new Animal Welfare course.

Other pet related courses include:
Animal Behaviour 
Animal Health Care
Certificate In Pet Health Care


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[30/03/2024 00:37:42]

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