New HSUS study exposes the perils of purchasing puppies

Last week, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released the results of a five-year study analyzing complaints from families who purchased puppies from pet stores or online. Even though the number of cases is relatively small, the study has large implications for the pet-buying public.

Between 2007 and 2011, consumers filed nearly 2,500 complaints with HSUS regarding significant health and temperament problems in puppies which presumably originated from puppy mills.

These businesses exist to mass-produce pets for maximum profit rather than the betterment of the breed. “They raise dogs as a cash crop,” explains HSUS’ Louisiana Director Julia Melancon.

The enterprise is completely legal. Some larger companies are even registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, which—unfortunately—rarely inspects the facilities.

As a result, puppy mills are rife with careless breeding practices that can lead to genetic defects and inhumane conditions including horrid sanitation, small cages and other conditions that result in sick and poorly-socialized puppies.

“Because infectious diseases in puppies may have an incubation period of up to two weeks, many puppies appear healthy at the time of purchase, only to become sick later,” says Susan B. Krebsbach, DVM, veterinary advisor with the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “Conditions at puppy mills such as extreme overcrowding and lack of veterinary oversight often lead to an environment where diseases spread easily.”

So, it’s no surprise that 91% of the HSUS complaints involved illnesses or congenital disorders that required veterinary care or shortened the life of the puppy. Sadly, 350 complaints concerned a puppy which died soon after purchase.

In-depth analysis of the cases also reveals:

• 40% of the complaints involved puppies with illnesses such as parasites, respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases such as parvovirus and canine distemper.

• 34% of the complaints were generated due to a puppy suffering from a significant congenital or inherited condition, including seizures, skeletal disorders, hernias, heart murmurs and liver disease.

• 15% of the puppies died shortly after purchase, and two percent were returned to the seller due to their illness or disorder.

• The remainder of complaints regarded temperament issues, puppies who arrived in filthy condition and other problems.

“Many people don’t realize that when they buy a puppy from a pet store or online they are likely supporting a puppy mill,” says Melanie Kahn, senior director of the HSUS Puppy Mills Campaign. “[And] some buyers reported spending thousands of dollars trying to save the life of a sick puppy, with a few spending more than $10,000 in veterinary bills.”

The problem is also likely to be grossly under reported because the majority of heartbroken buyers do not know whom to contact about their losses. While a small percentage contact the HSUS, some may instead pursue resolution with the seller, through their local business bureau or attorneys; others simply take no action at all.

According to the HSUS statistics, Floridians registered the greatest number of complaints. Breeders, brokers and pet stores in Florida, Ohio and Missouri—the nation’s top puppy producer—received the greatest number of complaints. Runners up for that dubious title include Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio and Arkansas.

Of the 19 complaints filed by Louisianans, 11 involved breeders; seven referenced problems with pet stores; and, one regarded a puppy broker (a middleman who buys the animals from mills and sells to pet stores or the public).

But, still, Louisiana provides little consumer protection against unscrupulous breeders.

While the state harbors only one large national pet store that sells puppy mill progeny, Melancon says, “We do have quite a few puppy mills in this state that are totally unregulated.”

During the last legislative session, State Representative Tony Ligi of Jefferson Parish introduced a bill that specified basic, humane standards for breeders regarding food, water and adequate space needed to raise puppies as well a cap on the number of dogs breeders could own. The measure was deferred in agricultural committee. By contrast, similar law had no trouble clearing the Texas legislature just this year.

“Strong legislation would be the best way to protect consumers,” a disappointed Melancon explains. “We need to regulate this business like any other business in the state. “

In the meantime, Pelican State puppy purchasers best beware.

To avoid falling prey to unscrupulous breeders, HSUS and local rescues urges families to first consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group. “Few people realize that 20% of shelter dogs are purebred,” asserts Melancon.

Shelter and rescue dogs are also a great bargain. Besides getting a great companion, these dogs arrive spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and—sometimes—housebroken, crate and/or obedience trained.

Yet, if families are set on acquiring a registered pet, “Do your research on the breed you’re interested in and make sure it’s right for your family,“ Melancon advises, “then be sure to go to the place where the puppies are being bred.

“Never meet someone at a gas station, parking lot or roadside [to exchange money for a puppy], “ she cautions. “Breeders should be proud to show you the [puppy’s] mother and father and where the puppies live.“

By taking the time to find a healthy puppy from a reputable source, families can avoid the heartache of falling in love with a sick or dying puppy and from contributing to the cycle of abuse at puppy mills.

For more information on finding a responsible breeder, visit pupquest.org or click here [PDF] for more info from the humane society.

To learn more about puppy mills, or to report a complaint about a sick puppy, go to humanesociety.org/puppymills.

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