Why You Need To Fight To End Puppy Mills

A tribute to Harley and the countless other dogs who have suffered

To honor of the passing of Harley, the National Mill Dog Rescue spokesdog and May’s Puppy Mill Action Week, we encourage you to take a stand against puppy mills.

What Is A Puppy Mill?

The poor dogs who live in puppy mills are crammed into small wire cages, given little to no human contact and barely enough food and water to stay alive. Female “breeding” dogs are bred as frequently as possible to turn out a profit and then are destroyed or discarded once they can no longer reproduce.  Their puppies are taken away from them prematurely, which may result in a rise of disease and socialization issues. They end up in pet stores across the country and online shops on the Internet.

Read: Say NO to Puppy Mills – ADOPT DON’T SHOP

The Humane Society International alone has rescued more than 1,000 dogs from puppy mills across Canada.  It’s estimated that tens of thousands of animals are currently still living in these appalling conditions just waiting to be rescued.

According to The Puppy Mill Project (TPMP), who helps raise awareness and educate the masses about puppy mills:

• 99% of all pet store puppies are from puppy mills.
• Approximately 2.5 million puppies are born in puppy mills annually in the U.S.
• More than 400,000 breeding stock dogs are imprisoned in these kennels.

Tribute To Puppy Mill Survivors

Today we pay tribute to Harley, a puppy mill rescue dog who has recently crossed over the rainbow bridge. After years of abuse, this little dog lived his remaining years in a loving family home.

Harley (RIP)

Harley turned 15 on March 18th which shows the miracle of love. After spending 10 years living in a small cage in a puppy mill, he was rescued. He sadly has since passed over the rainbow bridge, but his story and mission to end puppy mills will live on through his campaign called “Harley to the Rescue” with National Mill Dog Rescue.

We first heard about Harley from his Facebook page and were touched by his story. We interviewed his family for our Rescues Rock documentary and a post about the horrors of puppy mills.

We’d also like to pay tribute to more dogs who had been rescued from puppy mills and sadly crossed over the rainbow bridge. Their lives are being celebrated by great causes aimed to end puppy mills.

Ruby (RIP)

We joined the Ruby’s Love Letter Legacy Campaign, which spreads the message adopt don’t shop. The national letter writing campaign is to put an end to puppy mills in Canada by nudging government officials through written letters.

This campaign has been launched by Mary Giuffre and her husband Paul Clark, who rescued a mill puppy named Ruby (R.I.P.) from a Canadian Puppy Mill.

“On April 19, 2012, a tiny puppy mill survivor we named ‘Ruby’ changed our lives forever. Her health was seriously compromised by the horrible effects of six caged years and our time together passed much too quickly. Despite best efforts Ruby took her place among the Angels on March 10, 2014.” 

Rosie (RIP)

Rosie’s story has gone on to inspire so many with her message to please stop Backyard Breeding and Puppy Mills.

Below are two dogs who survived the horrors of puppy mills and are actively putting a paw down against puppy mills.

Teddy

Another NMDR spokesdog, Teddy, spent 7 years in a puppy mill before being rescued and adopted into a loving home. His years in the puppy mill are reflected in his tattered ears, scarred nose, and crooked walk.

Spencer

Our blogger pal Spencer the Goldendoodle was born after his mom and dad were both rescued from a Puppy Mill in North Dakota by RAGOM, Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota. When his mom was placed in foster care in late 2007 RAGOM found out she was pregnant with Spencer and his 8 litter mates. January 31st of 2008,  nine gorgeous puppies were born happy and healthy in a safe home. Thankfully, all of the puppies were adopted out to loving families. Read his full story HERE.

Join The Fight To Stop Puppy Mills! #ADOPTDONTSHOP

Take action each day by adopting and never shopping for dogs at pet stores or untrustworthy online site. Spread awareness and sign the HSI’s pledge to end the cycle of cruelty.

Read: Adopt A Shelter Dog- Save A Life

Adding a new family member to your home is a big decision and proper research is critical. Take our fun Breed Quiz to see your best match and learn about specific breeds in our Breed Library. This helps reduce the number of dogs who are surrendered to shelters or rescues each year.

Last week we covered an awesome initiative by UBER and various rescues that aimed to dispell myths about rescue dogs and promote adoption. It seems there is a rise in interest against animal cruelty starting to emerge.

Bill C-246

Another great step in the right direction against animal cruelty in Canada! On Monday, May 9th, the House of Commons hosted a debate on passing Bill C-246. This enactment amends the Criminal Code to consolidate and modernize various offenses against animals.

The enactment amends:

1. The Textile Labelling Act to modify requirements in respect of animal hair and fur and cat and dog skin, hair and fur.
2. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act to add products made in whole or in part of dog or cat fur or skin to Schedule 2 to that Act to prohibit those products from being imported into Canada or manufactured, advertised or sold in Canada.
3. The Fisheries Act to prohibit the practice of shark finning
4. The Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act to prohibit the importation of shark fins that are not attached to the rest of the shark carcass.

If all goes well Canada will be ditching cruel practices in favour of animals safety and wellbeing.

How Will You Be Joining The Fight Against Puppy Mills?