Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are commercial breeding facilities that prioritize profits over the welfare of animals. These facilities often prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in overcrowded, unsanitary, and inhumane living conditions for animals. Puppy mills are notorious for their cruel treatment of animals, which can lead to physical and behavioral problems.
What is Valley View?
Valley View is a commercial breeding facility located in Missouri that specializes in breeding and selling puppies. The facility has been in operation for over 25 years and has been the subject of numerous complaints and investigations. The facility breeds a variety of dog breeds, including Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Poodles, among others.
History of Valley View
Valley View was founded in 1994 by a couple who had a passion for breeding dogs. The facility started with just a few dogs but quickly grew to include hundreds of dogs. Valley View has been the subject of numerous investigations and complaints regarding their breeding and sales practices, as well as the living conditions of their dogs. Despite these issues, the facility continues to operate and sell puppies.
Breeding and Sales Practices
Valley View is known for its high-volume breeding practices, which often result in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions for the dogs. The facility also sells puppies directly to consumers, as well as through pet stores and online marketplaces. The dogs are often sold at a premium price, despite their questionable breeding and living conditions.
Health and Living Conditions
Valley View has been accused of providing inadequate care for their dogs, resulting in numerous health problems. The facility has been cited for unsanitary living conditions, lack of proper veterinary care, and overcrowding. Dogs at the facility have been found living in small cages with little to no access to exercise or socialization.
Consumer Complaints and Lawsuits
Valley View has been the subject of numerous consumer complaints and lawsuits. Consumers have reported purchasing sick or defective puppies from the facility, as well as receiving inadequate information about the dog’s health and history. The facility has also been sued for selling puppies with genetic defects.
Investigations and Violations
Valley View has been investigated multiple times by both state and federal agencies. The facility has been cited for numerous violations, including unsanitary living conditions, lack of proper veterinary care, and overcrowding. The facility has also been accused of selling puppies without proper health certifications.
Industry Standards and Regulations
The commercial breeding industry is largely unregulated, which has allowed facilities like Valley View to operate without adequate oversight. However, there are some industry standards and regulations in place, such as the Animal Welfare Act and the Puppy Protection Act. These regulations set minimum standards for animal care and require commercial breeders to be licensed and inspected.
Comparison to Other Puppy Mills
Valley View is not unique in the commercial breeding industry. There are many other facilities that prioritize profits over the welfare of animals. However, Valley View has been the subject of numerous investigations and complaints, which suggests that their breeding and sales practices are particularly problematic.
Arguments for and Against Classification
Some argue that Valley View meets the criteria for a puppy mill due to their high-volume breeding practices, inadequate care for their dogs, and questionable sales practices. Others argue that the facility provides quality care for their dogs and should not be classified as a puppy mill.
Conclusion: Should Valley View be Classified?
Based on the numerous complaints, violations, and investigations, it is reasonable to classify Valley View as a puppy mill. The facility has a history of prioritizing profits over the welfare of their dogs, resulting in numerous health problems and consumer complaints. It is important for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with purchasing puppies from facilities like Valley View.
What You Can Do to Help End Puppy Mills
Consumers can help end puppy mills by doing their research before purchasing a puppy. Consumers should avoid purchasing puppies from pet stores or online marketplaces and instead look for reputable breeders who prioritize the welfare of their animals. Consumers can also support legislation that aims to regulate the commercial breeding industry and improve animal welfare standards.