What is a Puppy Mill?

The term "puppy mill" is used to describe a factory farm where dogs are bred in unsafe, unsanitary and inhumane conditions. Dogs are kept in cages that are far too small to adequately house them, many never leaving the cages in their lifetime. These animals are deprived of proper nutrition, veterinary care and socialization. The biggest sufferers of these types of breeding facilities are the unsold dogs, who breed litter after litter for years until they are of no use to the mill owners.

In addition to the unspeakable conditions these dogs suffer, far too often unwanted or unsold puppies, along with mothers no longer able to breed, are mercilessly killed. These animals, which could be enjoying a long life of love and care, are treated as machines capable only of breeding.

How am I Affected?

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania has earned the title of "The Puppy Mill Capital of the East" due to inadequate commercial kennel regulations. Thousands of dogs are left to suffer in horrible commercial breeding facilities, living in filth and without proper medical care.

Unfortunately, the state of Pennsylvania has one of the highest concentrations of puppy mills in the country. A combination of outdated laws, unaware consumers and a lack of concern for animal welfare on the part of the operators of puppy mills has made PA a hotbed of this type of activity. It is a common misconception that puppy mills only exist in rural settings. In fact, puppy mills exist everywhere, from urban areas to rural farms. No matter where you live, there could be a puppy mill nearby.

If you have purchased a puppy from a pet store, you may have contributed to the puppy mill epidemic. Commercial pet stores often source their stock from the cheapest means possible, which are usually puppy mill facilities. If you choose to purchase a dog from a breeder, make sure to ask to see the dog's parents; their health is indicative of the circumstances under which puppies are being bred, as well as the long-term health issues your puppy might face.

What is the PSPCA Doing to Help Stop Puppy Mills?

As Pennsylvania's leading humane law enforcement unit, the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) has taken the lead in preventing atrocities at Pennsylvania's commercial breeding kennels by promoting public awareness about these facilities, responding to complaints and conducting undercover investigations. The PSPCA's efforts to stop puppy mills are simply to prevent millions of dogs to suffer at the hands of unscrupulous breeders.

The PSPCA's puppy mill initiatives are necessary - and costly. From transporting dogs to providing medical care for animals that are almost all sickly, as well as feeding, grooming and rehabilitating the dogs, the expenses the PSPCA incurs are great. "We cannot wait for others to stop puppy mills," said PSPCA CEO Howard Nelson. "Thousands of dogs need help now. We cannot put a price on their well-being."

Limestone Kennels, Chester County, PA

In July 2008, John Blank, owner of Limestone Kennels in Cochranville, Upper Oxford Township, PA, surrendered nine dogs to Main Line Animal Rescue that were suffering from various health issues. Bill Smith, the director of Main Line, brought those animals five chocolate labs, one yellow lab, one Shiba Inu and two Jack Russell terriers to the PSPCA for medical evaluation. After thorough exams from the PSPCA vet staff, the PSPCA law enforcement unit determined there was enough evidence to further investigate Blank for not providing veterinary care for his dogs.

An undercover PSPCA agent visited Limestone Kennels and purchased a three-week old Yorkshire terrier puppy from Blank. The legal age for selling puppies in Pennsylvania is seven weeks. When the undercover agent contacted Blank because the puppy was sick, he left a voicemail message stating that he "called a man from Texas" and was told that toy breeds suffer from low blood sugar and that the dog should be given "one cc of light corn syrup" to "get its sugar back." That dog died due to dehydration, hypothermia and emaciation.

On July 17, PSPCA humane agents obtained a warrant and removed 23 dogs from the kennels. One dog had an embedded collar, one had an untreated puncture wound to the neck that had abscessed and others had conjunctivitis. The PSPCA team also found three-week old puppies without their mothers. Those dogs were taken to PSPCA headquarters, where they received treatment for their illnesses and were placed for adoption when they received medical clearance from PSPCA vets.

On July 23, the PSPCA returned to Limestone and removed 66 additional dogs. As a result of the PSPCA investigation and a subsequent investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, Blank pled guilty to eight counts of animal cruelty, two violations of the state's Dog Law and one summary charge of harassment. Blank had his license permanently revoked, and has been placed on two years' probation, during which time state officials will ensure he does not own more than five personal dogs.

These photos show the conditions in which PSPCA agents found dogs at Limestone Kennels.

The graphic nature of the content of these photos may be disturbing for some viewers. Please proceed with caution.

Almost Heaven Kennels, Emmaus, PA

In October 2008, the PSPCA law enforcement unit undertook a major investigative operation, leading to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law's revocation of the kennel license of Derbe Eckhart, operator of Almost Heaven Kennels in Emmaus, Pa. This is one of the biggest puppy mill raids in Pennsylvania history. In addition to the approximately 800 dogs he had on the property, Eckhart had cats, spider monkeys, fowl, guinea pigs, cockatiels, miniature horses and other horses and ponies. This was not the first time Eckhart had been in trouble with authorities. He had been convicted of cruelty twice before, yet was still allowed to sell animals. Since the raid at Almost Heaven, the PSPCA has received numerous messages from those who had purchased puppies from Eckhart, puppies with serious medical conditions.

The animals surrendered to the PSPCA received medical treatment, were bathed and groomed and placed for adoption or sent to rescues in a matter of days. Eckhart is appealing the Pennsylvania State Department of Agriculture's revocation of his license and will appear before the court in Lehigh County on November 13. Eckhart is defending the PSPCA's citations and the Bureau of Dog Law citations on December 9.

The PSPCA's puppy mill initiatives are necessary - and costly. From transporting dogs to providing medical care for animals that are almost all are sickly, to feeding, grooming and rehabilitating the dogs, the expenses the PSPCA incurs is a tremendous undertaking for our nonprofit organization. "We cannot wait for others to stop puppy mills," said PSPCA CEO Howard Nelson. "Thousands of dogs need help now. We cannot put a price on their well-being."

Animals surrendered to the PSPCA from Almost Heaven were suffering from a variety of medical issues, including upper respiratory infections, kennel cough, eye infections, severe tooth decay and tooth loss, body sores, severe matting and hair loss.

These photos show the conditions in which PSPCA agents found dogs at Almost Heaven Kennels.

The graphic nature of the content of these photos may be disturbing for some viewers. Please proceed with caution.

What Can I Do?

Adopt!

Purchasing a puppy from a commercial pet store supports puppy mills; if the demand is cut off, the supply will be too and PA puppy mills will be forced to close their doors. There are countless animals in need of a loving home right here at the PSPCA! Browse our adoptable animals.

Support!

Give to the PSPCA's Puppy Mill Fund. Your donation will go towards the investigation and prosecution of puppy mill operators, as well as the medical treatment, rehabilitation and re-homing of rescued puppy mill dogs.

Contact!

Your local legislature needs to know how its citizens feel about puppy mills operating in their own state. Find your local representative and demand that the law cracks down on puppy mill operators.

Media Coverage

October 31, 2008
Something Good
The Morning Call

October 30, 2008
Almost Heaven License Hearing is Next Month
The Morning Call

October 11, 2008
Kennel's Hellish Conditions No Surprise to Rescuers
The Morning Call

October 5, 2008
Who's Watching the Dogs?
The Morning Call

October 5, 2008
Justice Finally Served at Almost Heaven
The Morning Call

October 1, 2008
State SPCA Raids Large PA Puppy Mill
Philadelphia Inquirer

September 18, 2008
28 Abused Dogs Seized in S. Phila.
Philadelphia Daily News

July 18, 2008
Chesco Farmer Charged with Animal Cruelty
Philadelphia Inquirer