issue

issue > puppy and kitten mills

The term "puppy mill" has evolved over the decades to reflect commercial breeding facilities of any size that have neglectful, not just egregious, conditions which harm the physical and emotional well-being of each animal.

DEFINITION

A "puppy mill" (applicable to kitten mill as well) is defined as:

"Any profit-centered breeding facility in which the number of dogs has exceeded the owner's ability and/or willingness to meet the physical and emotional needs of all of the animals to a degree that permits the animals to have a decent quality of life." *

The above definition is important to know as it highlights key points about these facilities:

1. Profit-centered breeding facility (exists to make money)

2. in which the number of dogs (not just huge; can vary in size)

3. has exceeded the owner's ability (lack of knowledge, skills or resources)

4. and/or willingness (may know what's needed, but does it anyways)

5. to meet the physical and emotional needs (not just physical needs, emotional too which includes mental and behavioral health)

6. of all of the animals (includes adult breeding animals and the litters)

7. to a degree that permits the animals to have a decent quality of life (these are sentient beings who deserve a decent existence)

*Definition above was created by Dr. Frank McMillan in Understanding and Caring for Rescued Puppy Mill Dogs, an extensive study of puppy mill dogs and puppies.

A MN breeder; was USDA-licensed; cancelled due to health reasons

OVERVIEW

In Minnesota, dogs and cats are legally defined as property. This definition has created an industry where certain breeders, working with auctioneers, brokers, pet stores and others, view dogs and cats as products to be mass produced and sold for profit. This mass production results in harm to animals.

• History: Commercial dog and cat breeding
Commercial dog and cat breeding got its start in the 1940s. It’s concentrated in the Midwest.

• Pet trade industry
The pet trade industry is a multi-billion dollar industry with a sophisticated distribution system, profiting many players. The industry continues to grow.

• Harm to animals
Animals can suffer physically and psychologically due to inhumane conditions in puppy mills and excessive breeding and confinement.

• Harm to communities
Large-scale commercial breeding facilities can place an encomous burden on communities that must monitor kennels and enforce the laws.

• Beliefs & Attitudes
Beliefs and attitudes about how animals should be treated and "their use in business" varies widely in Minnesota. 

• Failure of governmentent
Government has failed to protect the animals with puppy and kitten mills. While federal, state and local laws exist, authorities are limited in training, knowledge about and resources for this issue.

QUICKLINKS

Below are links that provide additional information about puppy mills, rehabilitation of puppy mill dogs, licensing and regulation, and other issues of importance.

Information and resources:

• ASPCA: Puppy Mill Resources

• Best Friends Animal Society: Puppy Mill Resources

• Best Friends Animal Society: Understanding and Caring for Dogs Rescued from Puppy Mills

• Best Friends Animal Society: Getting Help With a Dog From a Puppy Mill

• HSUS: Puppy Mill Resources

• ASPCA Rehabilitation

• CAPS: Puppy Mill FAQ

Licensing and regulatory information:

In February 2017, the USDA removed animal welfare documents from its website. After multiple lawsuits and congressional orders, the USDA started to add the information back online. Some data is now redacted. 

• USDA - New APHIS Compliance Database and Search Tool

• USDA: Complaint process

• USDA: FOIA process

• MN Board of Animal Health: Commercial Dog and Cat Breeder Program

• MN Board of Animal Health: List of state licensed facilities

• Animal Welfare Act: Regulations and Standards

• Animal Welfare Act Enforcement