Editorial: Taking aim at ‘puppy mills’

Monday, Nov. 21, 2005 | 8:29 a.m.

When it comes to the commercial breeding of purebred dogs, the federal Animal Welfare Act, enforced by the Department of Agriculture, has a loophole the size of a St. Bernard. It exempts "retail pet stores" from any inspections to determine if they meet the law's requirements for humane care and handling of the dogs. The exemption was placed in the law on the belief that customers of retail pet stores would be acting as a check and balance against inhumane conditions.

Much to the agony of thousands, if not millions, of dogs a year, however, many unscrupulous, unregistered, high-volume breeders are getting away with calling themselves retail pet stores because they sell some of their puppies directly to the public through print and Internet ads. The puppies are shipped in small crates and the customers never see the breeding operation. Even still, the breeders are exempt from federal inspections.

Animal welfare groups for decades have described such operations as "puppy mills." The Humane Society of the United States says the documented problems associated with puppy mills include "overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of socialization with humans, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals."

The Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005, called PAWS, is now before the Senate Agriculture Committee. It would close the loophole by making anyone who sells more than 25 dogs or cats a year fully subject to all of the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, including routine federal inspections. The number might change, as animal groups are working with the committee to refine the details. But its purpose would remain the same -- to provide greater scrutiny of puppy mills to help bring about more humane conditions.

The legislation is supported by the American Kennel Club, which has an interest in ensuring a good reputation for purebred dogs. We also support the bill. Animal cruelty is wrong and against the law no matter what name a breeding operation ascribes to itself.