Missouri topped the United States Humane Society’s annual “Horrible Hundred” list for the third year in a row. This list features the nation’s worst puppy mills, 23 of which were located in Missouri.
According to HSUS, a puppy mill is a dog breeding operation in which the physical, psychological and behavioral needs of the animals are not being administered. Inadequate housing, under-staffing, poor diet, lack of socialization, sanitation, veterinary care and improper breeding are in violation of USDA regulation for animal care and are the most common situations seen at puppy mills.
Kenneth Storla is a dog breeder from Fulton, Missouri who owns the highly rated breeding facility Ken’s Kennels. Storla says that it isn’t the sole responsibility of humane societies and dog breeders to help solve the puppy mill problem, but that veterinarians play a key role too.
“If you find a kennel that has sick dogs or does nothing with them except shove them in cages just to drop out puppies, something should be done about that,” Storla said.
Storla says that in order to put puppy mills out of business it’s important to report violated regulations to the United States Department of Agriculture, especially when it is evident that the animals are sick or being mistreated. It is also the job of the consumer to ensure that the animals they are purchasing came from a safe and properly regulated facility.
Kathleen Summers, the director of Outreach and Research for the Puppy Mills campaign through the Humane Society of the United States, says that playing an active role in the abolition of puppy mills is key. Summers helped compile the “Horrible Hundred” list, which was composed of information gathered from federal and state inspection reports. Summers says that a large part of what aids in the continuation of this problem is differing regulations across states. Having separate and minimal laws for animal care can also explain why some states, such as Kansas and Missouri, are recurring on the list.
Earlier this year an enhanced kennel law was proposed in Kansas that would have benefitted animals bred in puppy mills but this legislation did not pass in the legislature. Also, Missouri lawmakers continuously propose bills that are designed to weaken kennel oversight-giving the owners of puppy mills more freedoms. Summer says that stricter, more detailed laws are vital to combat the puppy mill problem but that some states continually oppose new laws and that a new bill in Missouri is a prime example of the problem.
“There’s a bill pending that would actually prevent consumers from being able to access these public records on animal facilities. It’s almost like some lawmakers and decision makers would rather deal with the problem by covering it up rather than do something to help the dogs.”
While citizens, breeders, humane societies and the USDA work to end the atrocities of puppy mills, it is evident that these businesses will continue unless consumers choose to boycott the facilities and their improper treatment of animals.
Summers says that the best thing people can do to help stop puppy mills is to consider adopting a rescue pet or supporting a local animal shelter.
“Take the time to find a responsible breeder and see where the mother and father dogs are living,” Summers said. “If you go to a breeder’s facility and she won’t let you see inside of it or you see dogs in row after row of cages, don’t support that kind of facility.”
A rule of thumb from breeders and humane societies to help consumers avoid inadvertently contributing business to puppy mills is that if a breeder hasn’t been screened in person, only does business via the Internet, or does not allow viewing of their facilities, more often than not it is not up to regulatory standards.
Until laws are passed that shut down places that do not meet basic care standards for animals, it is up to potential puppy-buyers to shop smart and steer clear of these businesses.