National Puppy Mill Survivor Day is commemorated every year on September 30. It’s a day to remember all of the dogs that have been rescued from puppy mills, as well as those who never found their way out. It takes place on the last day of Puppy Mill Awareness Month and aims to raise awareness about the link between puppy mills and the pet stores and websites where they sell their puppies. Bailing Out Benji established this day in September 2021 to bring attention to the dogs that have been rescued from this horrific enterprise.
History of National Puppy Mill Survivor Day
Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that are known for rapid breeding and poor conditions. In the 1984 case Avenson v. Zegart, a definition for puppy mills was established. He described it as “a dog breeding operation that ignores the health of the dogs to keep overhead low and maximize revenues.” Puppy mills began in the post-World War II era, according to “Chanis Major V.” publications. Farmers in the Midwest looking for a different crop reacted to the growing demand for puppies by starting the first commercial puppy business. The first pet retail chains appeared in about the same period.
Puppy mill dogs are frequently kept in small wire cages that resemble rabbit hutches or chicken coops. Furthermore, due to a lack of funds, veterinary care for these puppies was frequently neglected. A home was considered incomplete without a dog by the mid-1960s.
As a result, groups like the Humane Society of the United States began to examine breeding kennels, culminating in the enactment of the Animal Welfare Act on August 24, 1966.
According to the U.S.D.A, there are between 2,000 and 3,000 federally approved commercial breeding facilities in the United States today. According to the Humane Society of the United States (H.S.U.S), over 176,088 dogs are held for breeding at U.S.D.A-approved facilities each year, with approximately 2.15 million puppies sold. Many of these puppies are available for purchase on the internet.
National Puppy Mill Survivor Day timeline
A home is considered incomplete without a dog.
The United States culminate in the enactment of the Animal Welfare Act on August 24.
In the case, Avenson v. Zegart, a definition for puppy mills is established.
Bailing Out Benji establishes National Puppy Mill Survivor Day in September.
National Puppy Mill Survivor Day FAQs
How long do puppies in puppy mills live?
They live for seven years.
Which state has the most puppy mills?
Missouri.
Do puppy mills operate legally in Canada?
Puppy mills produce the majority of pet store puppies, and there is no regulation forbidding them from selling puppies.
How to Observe National Puppy Mill Survivor Day
Share online
You can celebrate by sharing images of your puppy mill survivor on social media. You can also share materials for education from national nonprofit groups that educate about puppy mills and tag the rescue from which you adopted them.
Adopt an animal
What better way to combat the puppy industry than to adopt your own dog? Make sure to share the word so that others can follow in your footsteps.
Donate funds
If you are unable to commit to caring for a puppy, there are alternative ways to help. Donate money to rescue organizations and animal shelters to aid the puppies who are in need.
5 Facts About Puppy Mills
Animal Euthanization
Every year, nearly 1.5 million animals are euthanized at shelters.
10,000 puppy mills
In the United States, there are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills.
Average number of puppies
On average, each female dog has four puppies per year.
1.2 million puppies annually
These approved facilities produce nearly 1.2 million puppies each year.
Breeding Dogs
In U.S.D.A-licensed facilities, almost 130,000 female dogs are kept primarily for breeding purposes.
Why National Puppy Mill Survivor Day is Important
It educates people about puppy mills
The day raises awareness about how filthy the puppy mill industry is, as well as the number of dogs that die as a result. It also highlights the dogs that have been rescued from the puppy mill industry.
People are taught to adopt dogs
Buying a dog entails numerous hazards thus, adopting and providing a home to a furry friend is urged. One of the main messages that the day promotes is this.
Aids in fund-raising
Many individuals donate money to abolish the puppy mill industry as a result of the day and the awareness it raises. Some of the monies are used to ensure the well-being of homeless pets.
National Puppy Mill Survivor Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
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