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Puppy Mills

Hi Sara,

I hope you can help me out and give me the proper information on this subject. I am in a debate on an internet message board about so called puppy mills. There is a poster that claims raising 2 litters a month is acceptable when I told him that was irresponsible breeding, and that keeping 100 (yes, that is the number) breeding females is acceptable to him. Needless to say, I about fell out of my chair upon reading this. I told him that I could almost guarantee those dogs were not UKC registered and he came back and told me I need to get my facts straight. Just what is UKC's policy on this? I know I follow the UKC breeders code of ethics when breeding my dogs (plotts). This poster is saying that is fine when you have a love for the breed, but that there is big business in puppies, it is the American way of free trade, etc... and I am fed up with him. Just curious, what is the average amount of litters per year registered by a single owner? I don't think even the top breeders have THAT many breeding bitches, but I could be wrong.

Irresponsible breeding is breeding for profit only, not giving proper health care, food, water, shelter, socialization. This is not always the case with large breeders. If the dogs are not being treated correctly we consider that kennel to be a puppy mill. We have seen some very beautiful kennels owned by breeders who register a large number of litters with us. These people have the staff and the funds to support a lovely setting and support for the dogs. I've seen some horrible conditions from one litter only people who know nothing about breeding and often the breed.

So let's not put a number on a puppy mill. Ask yourself:

* Are the dogs receiving proper medical treatment?
* Is there food, water and shelter?
* Are their kennels clean?
* Are they socialized?
* Do they get enough exercise?
* Are the records kept up-to-date?

If the answers to any of these questions is "no" then we have a puppy mill.

Thank you, Sara!!!