Puppy and Kitten Mills: What You Can Do To Help

Puppy and kitten mills are atrociously run breeding places that offer young puppies and kittens to pet stores, over the internet and sometimes even to unsuspecting animal lovers as well. These places have been at odds with groups that care for the well-being of animals for years now. The animals that are bred are kept in small cages, fed poorly and are given no medical treatment. They also get no exercise or a chance to socialize.

When the animals can no longer have big litters, they are put to death. The puppies and kittens that come from these mills often have illnesses when sold, or genetic problems that can come about later in their lifetime.

Responsible Breeding

A breeder who adheres to responsible breeding standards will make a huge difference in the quality and health of the pet you finally choose from that breeder. People that breed responsibly make sure that the animals have proper medical care from a veterinarian and are confirmed to be in good health. Responsible breeders also make sure that their animals are kept clean and safe surroundings. Animals that are bred should be loved pets that are treated well and never in an inhumane way.

How You Can Help

If your heart aches for these poor defenseless cats and dogs, there are certainly some things you can do to help with the issue of puppy and kitten mills. Below are 5 ways you can help put a stop to puppy and kitten mills:

* Sign a Pledge

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is asking people that care for the wellfare of animals to not buy their next pet from pet stores or websites on the internet and to not purchase any pet supplies from establishments that sell puppies and kittens.

* Lobby to Change the Laws in Your State

Write to the lawmakers in your area and let them know that you have concerns about the inhumane way that animals are treated in puppy and kitten mills, and that you want this concern to be addressed before Congress. Ask them to elaborate on the power of the Animal Welfare Act so that it will include kennels that sell large amounts of puppies to unsuspecting people.

* Make Your Community Aware

You can write a letter to the editor of your local paper in order to make people more aware of puppy and kitten mills that currently exist in your area. If you are not sure what to say in your letter, you can use a pre-written one available on the HSUS website.

* Buy the Dog Savers Kit

For $3, this kit has what you will need to begin to inform people of puppy and kitten mills in your neighborhood. This kit includes printed information, letter templates, hints for creating legislation and ideas for activities. This Dog Savers kit was created to help you talk about the puppy mill issue effectively and in a well-thought out way, no matter if you are talking to your friends and loved ones or the local media.

* Make The Pet Store in Your Neighborhood Puppy Friendly

The Puppy Friendly Pet Stores initiative requests that dog lovers approach their local pet stores to urge them to follow "puppy friendly" policies by not offering dogs in their store and encouraging pet adoptions as an alternative. This initiative should also be practiced when it comes to the selling of kittens as well.

As you can see, there are a number of effective things you can do to put a stop to puppy and kitten mills. If you are an animal lover, the best thing you can do is help and speak for those that cannot help or speak for themselves.

Photo Credit:PicklesPerson