Bichon in Garbage

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 Between trauma and illness, it is no wonder most of these animals are shy, withdrawn and inactive when they reach the pet shops.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

Paw Bar

Bichon

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

Paw Bar

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Last update: Sunday, October 5, 1997
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