ALBANY, N.Y.-- Animal rights activists fear New York may become the next "Puppy Mill State," as other states pass tougher laws on regulating animal breeding.
Puppy mills are on the rise here in the Capital Region and these establishments are focused on quantity and profits, not on the health of the animals they breed. According to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), puppy mills normally breed thousands of puppies a year and then sale the animals to pet shops across the country.
Many dogs live in crowded and filthy conditions and are forced to breed until the point of sickness or death. However, puppy mills are not technically illegal in New York as long as the animals have access to food and water and the seller is licensed.
"A lot of the public doesn't realize when they're buying from a pet store, or a backyard breeder, that they're supporting this kind of animal abuse," said Amy Ouellette, of the Rensselaer Co. Animal Cruelty Task Force.
Instead, they suggest contacting your local animal shelter, many of which have purebred animals.
"You're fortunate in New York state, you've got phenomenal rescues, take advantage of them," said Laurie Smith, animal abuse investigator.
Rescuers said if a breeder will not let you come to their home or breeding facility to look at a dog, then you should walk away. You should also always ask to see inspection records.
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