Puppy Mills Hear our prayer O Lord ... for animals that are overworked, underfed, and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death.... And for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. -Albert Schweitzer Puppies born so far this year in the U.S. Number of puppies born in the U.S. since you opened this page: If you've ever wondered where the adorable little puppies you see pacing in pet store cages come from, your question will be answered. Most often those puppies come from puppy mills. What is a puppy mill? They are nothing more than a business mass-producing dogs as fast and plentifully as possible to make a profit. They hold little regard for the dogs themselves. The adult dogs are kept in small cages with minimal care. It has been reported that some dog's nails have grown in full circles due to the lack of grooming. Needless to say these dogs couldn't walk. The females are kept pregnant most of their lives and generally do not see a vet. The small dogs, more often needing surgury during birth are not given it and therfore have a very painful deliever and death often follows for both the mother and puppies. The puppies that do survive are usually taken away from their mother before it is time and shipped off to one of the many pet stores to be sold to Mr. and Mrs. Consumer. The puppies now having never been handled or given love are thrust into a pet store environment. These puppies are generally ill in health and due to lack of attention suffer from temperament problems or exaggerate undesirable inherited personality traits. Still thinking of getting a puppy from a pet store? There ARE other options... go to an animal shelter or a respected breeder. Images of puppy mills More information about puppy mills Dateline - investigation of pet stores and puppy mills. PuppyMillRescue.com