In response to the recently posted article “HSUS Tactics for Targeting Our Youth”, one breeder expressed her frustration in combating public opinion and perception of the term “Puppy Mills”.

She includes her frustration in getting people, breeders, to help others to be aware of current ongoing legislation in almost every state that affects, you guessed it, the breeders. 

Breeders, we have to help each other in staying vigilant about proposed legislation. We, as responsible breeders, must always oppose unfair legislation and assist in obtaining fair and responsible legislation, as well as encouraging the enforcement of laws and statutes that are currently on the books. We, as responsible breeders, must always respectfully oppose the slang term “Puppy Mill”, as there is no definition to this term. No legislator that I have spoken with can define this term. We will always battle the HSUS’, and others, attempts to convince the general public that there is such a term. We, as responsible breeders, will always have the responsibility to extend the hand of assistance to those that find themselves in a sub-standard breeding situation to either assist them in upgrading their facilities or finding good homes for their animals.

From Mary in Ohio:

“Apathy and the hiding of our heads in the sand are our biggest enemies.  Even with proof and facts, there are those that refuse to believe that we (breeders) have got a problem. I tell them there are already laws to clean up sub-standard kennels; there are no people to inspect and enforce them, so how does passing more restrictive laws, that now affect our responsible breeders, help?  Just can't get through to them.  Then I get accused of being for “puppy mills” with horrible conditions.  They go so far as to call some of our really top breeders, that have top dogs in conformation, temperament, and health wise, puppy mills.  These dogs get the best of care, are kept in excellent facilities, and want for nothing.  The breeder gets a good price for her puppies because everyone knows how great they are.  Yet they call her a “puppy mill” because she turns out too many litters, they say, and oh horrors, actually makes money with her breeding enterprise.  Her puppies all have homes; people are on lists to get them.  She is responsible to the absolute nth degree.  It makes one want to throw their hands up in the air and just scream.”