BichonFrise-L
What is a Puppy Mill?
Bichons... Bichons... Nothing but Bichons...
ALL DOGS SOLD IN PET SHOPS ARE MASS PRODUCED IN "PUPPY MILLS"
under conditions that are often grossly inhumane. Born in filth,
neglected and manhandled, these pieces of living merchandise are
offered to an unknowinging public through pet shops. Reputable
breeders would never sell to pet shops.
Located primarily in the midwestern states, at least 25% of
these breeding kennels don't meet minimum federal regulations.
Lack of sanitation, overcrowding and inadequate nutrition are the
rule, not the exception. In winter, many litters freeze to death
due to improper shelter. In summer, the pups are covered with flies
that are attached by uncollected urine and feces. Disease is
rampant and because pups are taken from their mother early, the
puppies natural immumity to disease is low. Veterinary care in
puppy mills ranges from sparse to nonexistent.
From birth until about six weeks old, puppy mill pups have almost
no contact with humans--a deprivation long associated with
skittish temperament. Very young pups are traumatized by being packed
into a shipping crate on the first leg of their trip to pet shops
on the east and west coasts. By the end of their journey, they may
have been in a small crate up to 4 days, subjected to severe
temperature fluctuations, and deprived of adequate nutrition and
sanitation.
Too often , these abrupt changes occur at the very time when pups
are forming their behavior patterns. Disturbed, frightened, and
mishandled, these pups may become fear bitters, be incapable of
understanding house training or develop other serious neuroses.
Between trauma and illness, it is no wonder most of these animals
are shy, withdrawn and inactive when they reach the pet shops.
Photos of the Bichon in these mills depicts the bitch's hair matted
to its wire cage. I could go on but you can get the picture.
When the bitch who has been bred from her first season (6 months)
and every heat from then is about 6 or 7 years old and cannot
reproduce any more she is put down.
By the way all these puppies are AKC registered. As you can tell
AKC is not an indication of quality only a registry.
How that many people are aware of where the pet shop dogs are from,
the puppy mills are now selling dogs to brokers who advertise in
your local papers that the puppies are home raised. This is why I
advise not to get a dog through the newspapers.
Lastly do not buy your pet supplies from pet shops that sell live
animals and make sure you tell them why! Maybe one day they will
get the message.
Written and Submitted by:
Bill Dreker
Nuage Bichon Frise
Los Angeles California
Touch a Bichon and you have touched a bit of heaven...
Hold a Bichon and you have held the world...
Love a Bichon and you will love life forever...
Author Unknown
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