States slowly putting leash on puppy mills, April 2010
For many Americans, bringing a puppy home is akin to adding a new member of the family. But for people whose new four-legged companions have come from a large-scale commercial dog breeder — part of the nation’s $47 billion pet industry — the experience can too often lead to heartbreak and serious expense.
Animal activists have long railed against so-called “puppy mills” — operations that typically breed large numbers of dogs, sometimes hundreds at a time, often in deplorable conditions. These animals are often sold to unwitting consumers through pet stores, roadside stands or even over the Internet. In many cases, pet-purchasers find their new puppy has expensive health problems. Just as often, consumers discover the breeder or pet store is not inclined to offer a refund or to pay for the animal’s vet bills. [click title to continue reading]
