The following was written by Peggy Wolfe. Email her at pegnoca@aol.com

STATEMENT:

If a breeder has too many dogs, these are probably puppy mills. Puppy mill dogs are kept poorly, mistreated, and genetically inferior and likely end up in shelters.

We should limit the number of dogs people are allowed to have to eliminate puppy mills.

THE FACTS

The term Puppy Mill is an emotional one with negative connotations. Asked to describe what a puppy mill would be, most people would use adjectives like “overcrowded, underfed, dirty, noisy, smelly” and worse. And indeed, those would be terrible conditions for a dog to be kept in or for a puppy to come from.

But those conditions have nothing to do with the number of dogs kept at any one place.

It is possible to have one dog kept in poor conditions, underfed, undermedicated, neglected and uncared for. It is possible to have 50 (or more) dogs kept in clean, healthy, and safe conditions if one is dedicated to the task and the hard work.

Quantity has nothing to do with quality of care. Quality of care is a result of dedication, determination, persistence, knowledge, and grit.

Some people can handle one dog but not two. Some can handle 5 but not 10. Some can handle more than others.

Effective laws are made to deal with problems. Effective laws can be clearly enforced without abuse.

There are already laws in place to manage situations where dogs (or other pets) cause a nuisance by their noise or smell. This can happen whether there is one dog or 100. Why not enforce the laws that already exist and deal with the problems that exist instead of attempting to regulate the 99% of the persons not causing problems.

Dog Breeding is a passion. It is not something to be entered into by the faint of heart. Most dog breeders consider this their hobby, something they are passionate about and they are deeply involved in the Dog Fancy, but they do not do it to make a profit. Why should a law be enacted to enforce the amount of time / money / personal investment some people choose to dedicate to their hobby? (especially if these people are not causing problems!)

Some dog breeders do consider breeding to be their business. Dog Breeding is not easy. While these persons may use the monies garnered as their income, they also must be passionate about dogs and both considerate and caring of their dogs or they would choose another business! Why create a law designed to force these people to excessive fees and submit to intrusive background checks and inspections that are not required of other businesses or hobbies?

Why should dog (and cat) breeders be the one hobby or business singled out by the government who is searching to limit their work?

Yes, there are puppy mills in existence…and by that we mean people who breed dogs who do not keep their animals in safe, humane, comfortable quarters or provide them the most careful of care. Under current law, animal control authorities have the power to investigate suspected animal cruelty and we strongly support enforcement of those sensible laws.

Enforcement of current laws by trained animal control authorities is a more practical and indeed a better use of taxpayer funds and would far more effectively address animal welfare concerns.