Puppy farming and how to avoid supporting them

How do I care for my puppy?

Main issues with puppy farming

Due to the cruel treatment of the animals, the spread of genetic and physical problems, and the wider effects on animal shelters and society, puppy farming is very harmful.

Dogs are frequently housed in small, claustrophobic spaces with little opportunity to roam around, which causes them bodily discomfort and stress. Most typical living conditions are unclean and badly kept, which promotes the spread of infections and illnesses. Many puppy farms don't provide enough shelter from bad weather, which can cause suffering and in some circumstances, even death.

Numerous puppies from these farms have genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia, heart deformities, and respiratory problems as a result of their careless breeding methods. They frequently grow up in environments full of bacteria and parasites, which can cause gastrointestinal disorders, skin infections, and other health concerns. Puppies raised in puppy farms are often malnourished, which can impair their immune systems and cause growth retardation.

Regular veterinarian care gets overlooked, which results in not treating wounds, diseases, and ailments like tooth problems. They are more prone to diseases that can be avoided since they often neglect to receive necessary vaccines.

Puppies raised in puppy farms don't get the socialization they require to get along with people and other animals, which can result in behavioural issues like aggression, fearfulness, and anxiety. Dogs may suffer long-term psychological harm from the ongoing stress of living in such subpar surroundings, which may impact their behaviour and general quality of life.

Female dogs are frequently bred over and again with little to no rest period in between litters, which causes extreme physical and mental tiredness. Some puppy farms breed their dogs to increase earnings, which can result in congenital deformities and worsen hereditary health issues. It is typical for puppies to be removed from their moms before they are completely weaned, hence immune system weakness and developmental problems may arise from this.

Because of puppy farming, there are more dogs than there is space in shelters, which leads to more animals being abandoned or turned in. Dogs needing medical attention and behavioural retraining can overrun shelters, placing a heavy burden on their resources and capacity.

Dog friendly summer activities

How do we avoid supporting puppy farming?

Promoting ethical breeding methods and protecting the welfare of dogs require rejecting support for puppy farms.

Firstly, take into consideration getting a dog from a nearby shelter. These organizations frequently have a large number of dogs, even puppies, in need of adoptive homes. Seek out breed-specific rescue groups if you have a certain breed in mind. They frequently have dogs in need of homes of all ages.

Verify that the breeders you choose value the health and welfare of their dogs by doing extensive research on them. Reputable breeders raise dogs not in unlicensed commercial facilities but in their homes. Make it a point to visit the breeder's house to observe how the puppies are nurtured and bred. Verify if the living environment is tidy, roomy, and compassionate. You can get a sense of the puppy's disposition and future health by meeting its parents.

Inquire about genetic tests and health examinations for the puppy's parents. Documentation of these tests ought to be provided by reputable breeders. Find out about the puppy's socialization process. Early socializing is essential for a pet to grow up well-adjusted. Find out how often the breeder breeds their dogs and how they choose breeding pairings by asking about their breeding procedures.

Online platforms are frequently used by puppy mills and scammers to sell puppies. When buying puppies online, be cautious and use safe platforms such as Petify that verify the breeder adverts. Additionally, seek out thorough, substantiated information on the breeder.

Heatstroke in dogs

How do you know you're dealing with a puppy farmer?

It can be difficult to spot a puppy farmer at times, especially since many of them make considerable efforts to hide their activities. Nonetheless, there are a few indicators that can assist you in identifying unethical breeding methods.

A respectable breeder will extend an invitation for you to come see their facilities. It's a warning sign if the breeder declines to let you see where the puppies are raised or give you a reason not to. When questioned in-depth about their breeding procedures, the health of the puppies, and the living circumstances, puppy farms frequently choose not to respond.

Trustworthy breeders typically focus on one or two breeds. A breeder may be involved in a commercial business that prioritizes number above quality if they provide multiple breeds. The breeder may be operating a high-volume, puppy farm-style breeding operation if they consistently have puppies available or have numerous litters going at once.

In order to speed up the sale, puppy farms sometimes put pressure on prospective customers to make selections quickly and may even offer discounts or other special offers. There may be a puppy farm involved if the dog's price is particularly low. To pay for appropriate care and breeding procedures, ethical breeders typically charge extra.

To ensure a suitable fit, reputable breeders will inquire about prospective purchasers and show concern for the future of their puppies. Many times, puppy growers are just concerned with closing the deal. A trustworthy breeder will usually have a written contract that spells out both parties' obligations and includes a health assurance. Such contracts are not common among puppy farmers.

It can be challenging to see the conditions under which the puppies were raised because many puppy farmers sell their puppies online or through independent vendors, but if you have a chance to visit the breeding facility and observe that the dogs are housed in cramped, dirty, and small spaces that most likely is a puppy farmer. Poor socialization is frequently manifested in puppies raised under unfavourable circumstances, including fearfulness, hostility, or uncommon shyness.

Top 10 calmest dog breeds

What should you do if you come across a puppy farmer?

It's critical to act appropriately to handle the issue and contribute to the protection of the animals' welfare if you come across a puppy farmer.

Gather as much data as you can on the breeder and their business. This covers the name, address, phone number, website, and any marketing. Make notes about everything you see, such as the animals' health, their living arrangements, and any conversations you have with the breeder. Add to notes all of your observations, such as the number of animals, their health, any obvious problems, and the conditions in which they are being housed.

Take pictures or videos to record the conditions if it's safe to do so, it may be necessary for authorities to act based on this evidence. But put your own safety first because puppy farmers may be very aggressive and protective of their illegal operation.

Steer clear of confronting the breeder directly as this can be risky and may not yield positive results. Concealing your observations can help you avoid arousing suspicions and possibly making matters worse for the animals.

Make contact with regional animal welfare organizations, such as the RSPCA, and forward the data and supporting documentation you have acquired. Inform the local police of the issue and make contact with them if you suspect animal abuse or neglect, as it is illegal to abuse animals. They can look into the situation more thoroughly and pursue any required legal action. Be ready to testify or make a statement if the authorities want you to during their investigation. Keep in contact with the authorities to make sure the right steps are being taken and to get updates on the investigation.

New puppy checklist and information