Avoiding the Horrible Hundred – Get the latest in this week’s Unleashed

Finally! A Top 100 list Louisiana has been fortunate to avoid.

As part of its 7th Annual Puppy Mill Action Week, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recently released A Horrible Hundred, a report identifying 100 puppy mills.

There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills operating legally throughout the country. These mass-breeding facilities produce puppies with an emphasis on profit over welfare; breeding dogs that often live in cramped wire cages with little or no personal attention, exercise or veterinary care. To allow consumers a glimpse into the industry, HSUS also produced the short-but-powerful video You Won’t Believe Where This Dog Came From.

The Horrible Hundred were selected based on publicly available inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and evidence from HSUS research and investigations. More than half of the puppy mills listed had more than 100 dogs and puppies on the premises; a third had more than 200 canines. “Louisiana did pass a law a few years ago that limits the size of a puppy mill,” says Kathleen Summers, HSUS director of outreach and research for the Puppy Mills Campaign. “The number of dogs cannot exceed 75 at a commercial facility, so that helps.”

While none made the list, Louisiana’s breeders aren’t completely off the hook. Because their operations tend to be smaller, problems sometimes go unreported and undetected by regulatory agencies.

“In Louisiana, a lot of these dogs are sold through the classifieds and flea markets,” Summers explains. “Typically, HSUS doesn’t receive as many reports about bad kennels from Louisiana. When we do, we refer complaints to Animal Control. Unless they follow up with us, we don’t know the outcome.”

Even though there aren’t mega-kennels in the Bayou State, some Louisiana dog lovers have been duped by unscrupulous breeders. Available at pet stores and on the Internet, these sick and poorly bred pups are shipped to buyers who remain unaware of the actual conditions in which their new pets were born and raised. The affects can be devastating when a family’s new puppy dies or runs up astronomical vet bills.

Even buying from an American Kennel Club (AKC) breeder does not guarantee quality or health. So, local buyers best beware.

Besides simply naming the Horrible Hundred, HSUS is calling on authorities to increase monitoring of breeding operations and to urge legislators to pass stronger laws protecting puppy mill dogs. The national non-profit is also advocating its supporters sign a pledge not to buy an animal from a puppy mill, via Internet or at a pet store. Consider adoption from a shelter or rescue; or pursue finding a local responsible breeder.

For more information and tips on finding a responsible breeder, click here.

Among the quality dogs available for adoption locally are these great canines from YelpBR!

	Tank is a four-month-old Chiweenie mix. This beautiful, sweet little dog is very active. Not only does he get along well with other dogs, he’s always ready to play.
	Jude is a terrier mix with the most hypnotizing, beautiful green eyes. He is very family friendly and enjoys the company of other canines. He just needs a comfy couch and a few tennis balls to keep him happy.
	Rudy is a three-year-old female Chihuahua mix. At nine pounds, she has the perfect size and temperament to be a great family dog.
	Bonnie is an eight-month-old terrier mix. This sweet, loving dog gives great hugs. She makes fast friends with every person and canine she meets.
	Cora is a Chihuahua mix with a very calm demeanor. Although it takes her a while to warm up to new people, she soon becomes a snuggler.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting from Yelp!Baton Rouge, email [email protected] or call 225-485-9200.