Is the USDA, AKC & The Pet Industry Lobby Perpetuating the Tragic Reality of Puppy Mills? EP#88

In this episode, we delve deeply into what CAN BE DONE to eliminate these death facilities and how you can reach out to your state representatives and Pet industry lobby group executives at the Pet Advocacy Network and demand that they start doing what they CLAIM they are doing...These backyard breeders and puppy mills are disease-carrying toxic grounds and they are pumping out SICK animals from sick animals - THEY need to be shut down and the REAL breeders who breed for health and breed integrity and our animal shelter facilities and workers need the support NOT the criminal puppy mills. WHY is the Pet Advocacy network choosing its current path of supporting the disease-ridden puppy and kitten factories? I would love to have a member of PAN (formerly PIJAC) delve into how we can come together to eliminate the bad apples (You can find them on the HSUS Horrible 100 - MANY are repeat offenders that the USDA has allowed to continue operating).

Below is one of the Hands2Paws blog posts about the USDA.

In the United States, there are an estimated 10,000 commercial dog breeding operations, also known as puppy mills. A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) license is required for any breeder who sells wholesale to pet stores or brokers, but not for breeders who sell directly to the public. This means that thousands of puppy mill operators are not subject to any federal oversight or regulation.

As a result, these breeding facilities can get away with appalling conditions, such as dogs being kept in small cages with no room to exercise, unsanitary conditions, minimal veterinary care, and little to no socialization. The dogs in these mills are often sick and passed along to unsuspecting consumers who paid top dollar for a healthy pet.

Ethical Issues Associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture has the power to make a difference for these animals by holding all commercial breeders accountable and inspected, regardless of how they sell their puppies. But instead, the agency has chosen to turn a blind eye to this growing problem.

The USDA’s current system is failing both puppies and their consumers. By only inspecting kennels that sell wholesale to pet stores or brokers, the agency is effectively giving a pass to thousands of puppy mill operators who sell directly to the public. As a result, these breeding facilities can get away with appalling conditions, such as dogs being kept in small cages with no room to exercise, unsanitary conditions, minimal veterinary care, and little to no socialization.

Not only does this cause immense suffering for the dogs involved, but it also dupes unsuspecting consumers who paid top dollar for a healthy pet. The USDA has the power to make a difference for these animals by holding all commercial breeders accountable and inspected—but instead, the agency has chosen to turn a blind eye to this growing problem.

USDA Turns a Blind Eye

It’s time for the USDA to do better for both puppies and their consumers. The agency has the power to make a difference for these animals by holding all commercial breeders accountable and inspected—but instead, the agency has chosen to turn a blind eye to this growing problem. If you care about animal welfare, please contact your representatives and demand that they hold the USDA accountable for its failures. Together, we can make a difference for these innocent creatures who deserve better lives.