Help an Animal // Features // Puppy Mill Prison
A Few of the Lucky Ones
Just weeks after PETA’s investigation of Nielsen Farm revealed tiny, filth-encrusted cages and sick dogs with raging ear infections, disfiguring mange and open, untreated wounds, the Kansas puppy mill closed its doors—one dilapidated breeding farm fewer to supply the pet store puppy trade. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also charged the farm’s owners with violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (click here to see PETA's letter to the USDA about its complaint against Nielsen Farms). But the victory was bittersweet. Nielsen’s owners did not even try to find homes for hundreds of the dogs they had profited from. Instead, they abandoned them to an uncertain fate on the auction block. PETA was there, committed to saving as many dogs as we could. Neighbors looking for a companion, other puppy mill operators and laboratory animal dealers were there, too, wandering around the auction tent and filling the bleachers. The dogs, who had rarely been out of their small cages, barked frantically at the commotion or cowered, shivering. 
One by one, the frightened dogs were brought out and plopped on a table to face the semi-circle of strangers, and the bidding began. “This is a ’98 model,” the auctioneer joked. The petrified dogs hunched into balls, trying to make themselves as small as possible. Our investigators bid against what we feared were laboratory dealers on older, unwanted dogs. The nine dogs we purchased shook pitifully when claimed. In their entire lives, they had seldom, if ever, known a kind word or affectionate touch. They couldn’t know that the two “PETA people” who gently lifted them into a waiting van were taking them to a safe place.
The destination was the luxurious, world-famous San Francisco SPCA, whose director had kindly volunteered to socialize the refugees. Each dog had a secure and comfortable crate in the van, and our staff stopped frequently to give them water and let them stretch their legs. Sadly, the dogs didn’t know how to take a walk, a “luxury” they’d never known at Nielsen, having lived in wire cages their whole lives. Butter, Linda, Ace and the other dogs were quiet as mice as the trip began. When their rescuers tried to touch them, they were too frightened to accept it. But slowly, the dogs began to trust. They learned to wag their tails and eventually would sit still for gentle scratches behind the ears. By journey’s end, Jenny, an Australian shepherd mix, even rolled over on her back for a tummy rub.
At the spacious San Francisco SPCA, kind employees took over. During the health checks, our worst fears were realized when we learned that two of the dogs were very ill with heartworms and other serious problems. After months of treatment by SPCA veterinarians, they are now on the mend. Some of the dogs were placed in foster care to help them adjust to living with a family. Now almost all the dogs have been placed in loving homes (see Linda’s story on this page).Does your local pet store keep the ugly puppy mill business prospering? Thousands of dogs like Butter are unloved, lonely and sick because unsuspecting consumers are buying their puppies in malls and stores instead of going to the local animal shelter.
How sick is that puppy in the window?
By the time the puppies are shipped to pet stores, many are suffering from ear infections, bronchial illness and serious congenital health conditions. People paying hundreds of dollars for puppies at pet stores often find they must pay thousands more for veterinary care. Dogs from puppy mills often have hip deformities, epilepsy, vision or hearing problems and other conditions that cause pain and shorten their lives.
By the time the puppies are shipped to pet stores, many are suffering from ear infections, bronchial illness and serious congenital health conditions. People paying hundreds of dollars for puppies at pet stores often find they must pay thousands more for veterinary care. Dogs from puppy mills often have hip deformities, epilepsy, vision or hearing problems and other conditions that cause pain and shorten their lives.
Linda, finally safe and happy after a grueling ordeal, enjoys a deservedly wonderful life in her new, sunny California home. She goes for long walks on the beach with her “mom,” Sidney, frolics like a puppy with the neighborhood dogs and keeps a protective watch over her housemate, Billy the bunny.
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