No more puppy mills There are so many things that breeders do to puppies in puppy mills in very inhumane ways. To understand how puppy mills work you need to know the facts about animal abuse, why they operate, and how to prevent the use of puppy mills. Where are the largest manufacturing centers in the United States? How are dogs treated? What about the lasting effects on the lives of animals? This study, written in Modern Language Association (MLA) format, examines puppy mills and their inhumane treatment of animals. There are many ways in which animals on farms are mistreated: for example, the lack of cleanliness in kennel areas. The unsanitary conditions in the mills demonstrate how neglected the animals are. The animals are placed in bottomless metal cages (Schmidt). These cages are intended to be used as shelters. “Puppy kennels can consist of anything from small wooden or chicken wire cages to tractor trailer cabs to simple attachments attached to trees” (“Dogs”). “Dogs are often kept in cages with wire floors that injure their paws and legs” (“ASPCA”). This information can lead to the belief that dogs don't get adequate exercise or play with toys. Like humans, dogs need exercise. It is advisable to take domestic dogs for a walk during the day. It helps them burn energy and work their muscles. Dogs are also very social and need to interact with other pets and their humans. Once or twice a week owners should take their dog to a puppy playground or dog park; this gives them the opportunity to socialize. Denying these basic elements of a dog's life is one of the worst forms of animal abuse. This is the practice of puppy mills across the country. Breeders in these ... middle of paper ... the comfort and support of their human companions. They can become violent and destructive if they lack the bond between owner and pet. “Fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are typical of puppy dogs; the first few months of a puppy's life are a critical period of socialization for puppies” (“ASPCA”). To understand the unethical operation of puppy mills, you need to know the animal abuse involved, why they use this practice, how it can be eliminated, and, finally, the lasting effects on the animals' lives. The mills are very unsanitary and lack cleanliness. Animals suffer from malnutrition and are abandoned when they are no longer needed. Josh Billings once said, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself.” That's why saving dogs from the abuses of puppy mills is everyone's responsibility.