Puppy farming causes severe welfare harm to breeding dogs and their offspring, and consumer demand is the primary driver of its continuation.
Puppy farm breeding bitches suffer from extreme overbreeding, lack of social contact, inadequate veterinary care, and living conditions that prevent normal behaviour expression. They may spend their entire reproductive lives confined to inadequate housing with minimal human interaction. Puppies from such environments suffer from inadequate socialisation, parasite burdens, and increased susceptibility to infectious disease. The behavioural problems that emerge in puppy farm dogs throughout their lives, including anxiety, aggression, and poor social skills, represent ongoing welfare harm rooted in early experience. Consumer demand for puppies without regard to source perpetuates the industry, making consumer education and legal enforcement equally important.