Puppy Mill Awareness Day | 9.18.10

Puppy mills are horrible places where dogs are bred for profit and kept in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. Food and water are contaminated with waste, animals are often sick or injured without treatment, and they are isolated and unloved. Many animals born in puppy mills have genetic diseases or behavioral issues. When an animal is no longer useful, he or she is killed without compassion or mercy. Sadly, local, state and governments do little to regulate, punish, or stop these cruel and unspeakable horrors. Just this year, a Romulus, New York kennel owner made his own gas chamber and murdered over 90 dogs (story here). He told an inspector for the USDA about this activity at a July 15 visit, and apparently the inspector did nothing. (It is illegal for kennel owners to perform euthanasia, though this is nothing less than murder.)

The Humane Society of the United State offers an number of ideas for caring people who want to help stop puppy mills. To sum them up:

• Get educated
• Educate others
• Adopt, don't buy
• Advocate for tougher governmental regulations
• Donate to animal organizations

Petition at Change.Org
Awareness Day Link