The next dog auction is scheduled for 2/13/2010

More info at: http://www.banohiodogauctions.com

 Warning these videos contain graphic images of animal abuse:

Puppy mills are dog breeding operations that are considered to be disreputable and irresponsible. The term originated among critics of such operations. Small-scale, irresponsible dog breeding operations are usually called backyard breeding; the terms are akin but not synonymous.

Reputable breeders raise their animals in humane conditions, provide good socialization and often formal training, and adhere to the breed standard. They are knowledgeable about major health problems associated with their breed, and with the principles of genetics, frequently undertaking specific mating to produce or refine particular desirable characteristics in their dogs. They are also sensitive to the requirements of their breeding adults — who may also be breed or performance champions — and the puppies they produce. Reputable breeders frequently screen potential customers rigorously, and usually provide a pedigree and health guarantee with their puppies.

Although many responsible breeding operations tend to be small, size alone is not an indication that a particular operation is a puppy mill. Rather, puppy mills are characterized by ignoring duties that are standard among responsible dog breeders. They may keep their dogs in overcrowded, unclean or otherwise inappropriate surroundings. The puppies they produce may be improperly socialized or may suffer from health problems that are often not disclosed to purchasers. Their breeding animals may also suffer, with females sometimes forced to undergo repeated pregnancies too quickly to fully recuperate between them.

Puppy mill operators may misrepresent the breed of dog being sold, and adult puppy mill dogs may exhibit characteristics uncommon to their advertised breed. Unlike the puppies produced by reputable breeders, the vast majority of puppy mill animals are sold to pet stores. Puppy mill operators are frequently accused of being motivated only by profit rather than a commitment to the breed or any empathy for the animals in their care.

While many pet stores claim to purchase dogs from "local breeders" instead of puppy mills, this is often untrue or is a difference in name only.  Reputable breeders generally do not sell animals to pet stores because they care for their animals and want to know that their puppies are going to good homes. They encourage buyers to come and see the puppy's parents and the environment that the animal was raised in.  The phrase "local breeder" may also refer to backyard breeders, or those that breed their dogs just to make some money without considering the consequences of the future for those litters of pups.

Country Kennel Bully Rescue travels to Ohio about once a month to do a "Puppy Mill Run".  This is when we pick up all the unwanted dogs that the millers no longer want, whether it is because of health issues, reproduction reasons, or there is a new fad in designer dogs.  We do pay a small fee to "pull" these guys out of their terrible situations.  We do not like to give the millers money, but it is a significantly smaller amount than what the pet stores and buyers pay.  It also helps to insure that they will contact us again when they have dogs that they no longer have a use for rather then dumping them along the road, at animal shelters, or killing them. 

Due to the poor food quality provided to many of these dogs, many of them have terrible, and sometimes rotting, teeth that need cleaned or removed.  Take this along with the cost of spaying/neutering, travel expenses, "pull" fees, vaccinations, and grooming can be very costly. Donations are greatly appreciated.  

Here are some links to helping stop puppy mills:

www.defendthedogs.com 

www.stoppuppymills.org

www.prisonersofgreed.org

www.nopuppymills.com

The dogs that suffer:

Puppy mill dogs have had limited life experiences and are not socialized the way typical dogs and puppies have been.  Please understand that many of these animals may not be suitable for some types of homes.  Everyday activities that most people take for granted can create panic in one of these animals.  They will require much patience and understanding, without guarantee of success.

It is the overall lack of life experience and socialization that is responsible for many of the issues listed below. 

Please be sure that you are prepared and committed to owning a pet with any or all of the issues described in this document for many years.  It is important to insure your family agrees totally with the decision to adopt one of these animals.  This means that your family should be fully informed of all the problems that might occur. 

Housetraining

Please note that these dogs are not housetrained – they will eliminate anywhere and everywhere.  They have been kept in raised wire hutches where they were forced to eliminate in their living quarters and have become accustomed to such. 

This means that housetraining and crate-training may be difficult, if not impossible, for many of these dogs. 

Behavioral Issues
There is an increased chance for behavioral issues with puppy-mill dogs.  These include, but are not limited to, excessive fearfulness, submissive peeing, food aggression, shyness, or an especially needy dog. 

These dogs tend to be frightened of sudden movements, loud noises and sometimes even the touch of a hand.  Many will be extremely fearful of men or children and may act defensively. 

Separation Anxiety

Another problem that sometimes occurs in these animals is separation anxiety.  Dogs that have been confined without attention for long periods of time can become extremely dependent once they experience a positive relationship.  These dogs will not want to be separated from their owner, and can become stressed, depressed or destructive when left alone.

Medical

There will also be an increased potential for ongoing medical expenses.  Some of these animals arrived at our facility with skin and eye problems, while others had developed joint problems due to years of inactivity while confined to their small, cramped cages.  Other medical problems might not become visible until the dog has been in your home for a period of time. 

It is important for potential adopters to realize that they are not adopting the “perfect dog.”  In fact, after days, weeks or months of hard work, they may still own a dog that is shy, fearful, not housetrained, growls, barks constantly, and is protective of food or toys. 

If the challenge of adopting one of these rescued dogs is not for you, it is important that you discover this BEFORE you take one home.  It is our goal to find the right home for these dogs, and help you and your family find the right pet for your home. 

The Country Kennel Bully Rescue has many other dogs available for adoption and we urge those interested in adopting to consider one of these wonderful animals as well.  These animals are well suited to a variety of home environments.  They have all received a health examination and will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption.