Puppy Mills

Question 1

• What federal organization oversees commercial dog breeding
  operations?

Answer 1

USDA is responsible for licensing and inspecting these
operations

Question 2

What challenges does this organization face with respect to
puppy mills? Name at least three

Answer 2

-Laws are not strict enough to enforce animal welfare
-Few USDA inspectors available to check in regularly
-Standard for the animals care is very low

Question 3

What laws have been changed regarding how commercial
breeder operations care for the dogs? Name at least three.

Answer 3

-Prohibits stacking of cages
-Requires regular outdoor exercise
-Unlimited access to water

Question 4

Which states have the most commercial (puppy mill) dog
breeding operations?

Answer 4

Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Oklahoma, Wisconsin

Question 5

How have the numbers in the states with the highest puppy
mill operations changed from 2020 to 2024?

Answer 5

Some states have gone up and some down.

Question 6

What are the signs of a puppy mill?

Answer 6

-They charge you hundreds if not thousands of dollars for a
mixed breed dog.

-They want to meet you somewhere, like in a parking lot, to
show you the puppies. Not at their home.

-They are unconcerned about the pup’s health, sell too young, and will not ask questions about your background.

Question 7

Describe what dog auctions are.

Answer 7

Puppies come from puppy mills where they are unwanted. Auctioneers promote breeding quality. They were sold for low low prices. Cages are stacked and too small for them to even sit. Not given food or water.

Question 8

Why should you not buy dogs from pet stores?

Answer 8

It supports the puppy mill industry.

Question 9

• Name at least 5 subtle signs that a dog breeding operation is a
  puppy mill.

Answer 9

-They charge you hundreds if not thousands of dollars for a
mixed breed dog.

-They want to meet you somewhere, like in a parking lot, to
show you the puppies. Not at their home.

-They are unconcerned about the pup’s health, sell too young, and will not ask questions about your background.

Question 10

• Name at least 5 signs that a dog breeder is a responsible
  breeder.

Answer 10

-Puppies are at least 8 weeks of age.
-Breeders will try to ensure the puppy goes to a good home.
-Breeders have information on the puppy’s parents.
-Breeders should be honest about breed health issues.
-They should have a clean and safe setup in their home.