Written by Cindy Pena
9NEWS NOW
Created:11/1/2007
Aired Live: ON THE 11:00 NEWS 11/1/2007
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(WUSA) -- The Humane Society of the United States took video which shows the painful reality of puppy mills, commercial dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for the pet trade.
The Humane Society found more than 900 of these puppy mills operating in mostly rural areas of Virginia. These are places that sell the dogs to pet stores and more often on the internet sometimes selling these dogs for thousands of dollars.
Wayne Pacelle is President of the Humane Society of the U.S. and says, "People think because they're paying more, they're getting a superior animal. In fact the opposite is true, these dogs are mostly inbred and are genetically inferior, raised in overcrowded facilities that are rampant with disease."
But not all dog breeders are alike. Rob Baker started Untouchable Blue Diamond Kennels in Arlington 11 years ago. He says, "Every reputable breeder should have a purpose and should not just throw dogs together."
His American Pit Bull Terrier, Luke, is a Grand Champion Top 10 Dog, ranked 7th in the nation. His advice to people looking for reputable breeders?
"Kennels that are smaller are better, because there is more one on one with the dog. And the owners can get a feel for the dogs' personality."
There's no apparent one on one at the puppy mills and, of the 900 breeders found in Virginia, only 16 had licensing.
There are minimum federal standards for dog breeders, but the Humane Society of the U.S. believes the current laws are not only inadequate, they aren't being enforced.
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