What Is a Puppy Mill?

Puppy mill: The National Companion Animal Coalition defines puppy mills as a high-volume, sub-standard dog breeding operation, which sells purebred or mixed-breed dogs, to unsuspecting buyers. Characteristics common to puppy mills include: sub-standard health and/or environment issues; sub-standard animal care, treatment and/or socialization; sub-standard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders; and erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigree, and/or genetic background .

Note: These conditions may also exist in small volume or single-breed establishments .

Texas Bill: HB 2310 - May 2009
· Defining “commercial breeder” as a person who possesses 11 or more adult intact female animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for direct or indirect sale or for exchange in return for consideration.
· Requiring licensure of anyone considered a commercial breeder.
· Limiting commercial breeders from possessing more than 50 adult intact female animals in a facility at any time.
 

Visit Ontario SPCA for more information.