To the Editor:

Puppy mills are awful places. A puppy mill is an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane. Many times, dogs get tortured if they do something wrong. That is not the way to treat them.

The situations that these dogs are put through are disgusting. Their cages are barely cleaned, usually having poop and pee inside.

My dog was born in a puppy mill; she was forced to become pregnant as soon as she could. She had two litters within the two years that she spent there.

Animals should never be mistreated like that.  Sometimes small dogs never even leave their cages. These dogs just sit in their own waste, and are raped. That is absolutely appalling that human beings would treat other animals with that much disrespect.

Most people get their dogs from pet stores, right? I mean, look at all of the cute puppies. Most pet stores buy their dogs from puppy mills.

People's veterinary bills skyrocket because of all of the problems with the puppy-mill dogs. They often have awful diseases and deformities that can barely be seen.

People who adopt these dogs don't know about these things before investing in the dog. So, people often have to get rid of them.

I personally am not allowed to go into a pet store in the mall because my mom doesn't want to support puppy mills. If you’re adopting from a private seller and the seller doesn’t let you meet the puppy’s parents, or see the facilities then it is probably a puppy mill.

People, supporting these things by buying canines from puppy mills and practically funding them is absolutely inhumane. People should never have to waste their hard-earned money on a dog that is defective and will probably die in the next couple of months.

Lastly, it's illegal. It's illegal to treat dogs like this. Dogs and many other animals are protected from this type of treatment under the animal welfare act. This law includes adequate housing, enough food and water, reasonable handling, basic disease protection, and sufficient ventilation. Most puppy mills don't follow any of these regulations.

There are also many different laws  protecting animals and dogs against puppy mills, varying from state to state. No one should have to make laws protecting the rights of any animals. It is horrifying how selfish people can be.

Counter Argument: Puppy mills are a great way to make money and show myself that I am better than all of these gross dogs. It is fun to take my anger out on them and, in some states, I can get away with just getting fined.

Rebuttal: You are wasting a lot of people’s money, doing something illegal, and hurting small lives that could be outside of these disgusting wire cages, enjoying the world. Many people have gone to prison because of this and you will probably get caught sooner or later.

In conclusion, never buy from pet stores. Unless announced, they probably sell dogs from puppy mills.

If you don't have a dog and are thinking of buying one, get one from your local animal shelter or pound. It will make a dog's life better and your family will have a forever friend.

Bridget Neiles-Auger

Farnsworth Middle School