A puppy mill was discovered near the border of Minnesota and Iowa on Nov. 12. Nearly 200 dogs were found living in inhumane conditions.
A puppy mill is defined as, “an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane.” These dogs were living in freezing temperatures and unsanitary conditions, didn’t have clean water, and were forced into kennels that were too small.
Puppy mills are very dangerous for the animals. Not only because of the harsh conditions they are forced to live in, but also because the animals are not medically treated. There is estimated to be about 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, nearly all of which treat the animals poorly and unfair.
Gabbie Weeks who works at Kings Harvest Pet Rescue said, “Adopting an animal from the shelter really is the best option. We now have proof of what happens when you support a puppy mill from buying from a breeder.”
KWQC says that Sheriff Dan Fank of Worth County Sheriff’s Office tried to work and talk with the woman about her puppy mill that had grown over the years. Unfortunately, she was very resistant with the sheriff. Animal neglect charges are pending based on the information and evidence the ASPCA has found.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society that was established in North America and is one of the largest humane societies in the world. They promote the fact that animals deserve kindness and respect. They also encourage buying from shelters rather than purchasing an animal from a breeder. Weeks stated, “ASPCA does a lot for the country and I think our world would be very different without them.”
Karleigh Nading, junior, adopted a shelter kitten a couple years ago and commented, “I think everyone should make visits to the shelter every now and then. It gives you something to do and all of the animals love being played with. It also shows you how many animals are in need of homes.”
