Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding operations that prioritize volume over welfare. Understanding the scale of the problem and effective reform strategies helps advocates.
Puppy mills systematically compromise welfare across the production system. Breeding females undergo repeated pregnancies without adequate recovery periods, causing physical exhaustion. Wire flooring causes foot injuries and prevents normal movement. Socialization deficits from inadequate human contact in early life cause behavioral problems in adult dogs. Genetic health testing is rarely performed, perpetuating heritable conditions. Puppies separated from mothers too early experience immune and behavioral problems. The retail sale model that enables mills depends on impulse purchase of displayed puppies.