Nightline - Puppy Mill Capital, USA?

[AdaptiveReasoning]

Poor dogs.

This might sound terrible, but I've seen a lot of puppymill footage/raids, and "Ezekial" had the cleanest best run operation I've ever seen. I was actually impressed! The wire cages and lack of medical care/human interaction is still appalling, but... I guess the hypocrisy is that if we saw chickens or rabbits living in a place like that we'd think it was amazing, a model for the industry.

[BethanyHatz]

Most Amish do breed dogs and have puppies for sale at their farms (I live in Lancaster PA). I have never been to an Amish farm that didn't have puppies/kittens. But some are different. I remember when I went to "Puppy Mill Awareness Day" in Lancaster a few years ago and some Amish were there in support.

[mbit250]

OMG...this is sooo sad :( We just purchased a puppy from an Amish farm in Paradise Pa. I hope we didn't get her from a puppy mill!! She seems to be healthy so far and is super lovable. This just breaks my heart to know this is going on especially with the Amish community! I never would have thought. Next time we get a dog I am going to research first, thats for sure!

[r32mk]

I'm ashamed to live in Lancaster. But I'd love to punch that guy in the face. For the price you pay for one of these dogs you could buy 6 dogs from the humane society, most are already spayed/neutered, and they already have their immunizations, oh not to mention the humane society actually take their dogs out of the crates.

[ItalianBrianA]

This is HORRENDOUS! There is a special place in HELL for the people who do this to God's creatures!

[Rokuwhitefox]

I was shocked to see the Amish people did this...wasn't exactly what first came to mind when I thought of them...

[Rokuwhitefox]

Not to mention the genetic defects that often occur in dogs from puppy mills (or irresponsible breeders). I had a friend years ago who had this happen with a puppy she bought from a shop...the dog had many many problems and it's not uncommon when inbreeding occurs...very sad indeed. This isn't breeding dogs...it's just a huge money making operation....I don't think any dog would prefer to run in a cage instead of outside...not a very good life when you never leave your cage.

[illangi48]

Sick fuckin amish pieces of shit. come on militants lets go man. Im Recon trained and a A R guy.

[waveali]

Debarking!!!!! WTF is wrong with these people?

[AllTimeLowLuver1012]

Never buy dogs from pet stores... you don't know where they came from and there are so many more good dogs that are stuck in a shelter just waiting for a new home...

[sueishere25]

@AllTimeLowLuver1012 Don't buy dogs from anyone who breeds dogs, period!

[sueishere25]

It's not just puppy mills, it's ALL dog breeders. They are only in it for profit. They take the puppies from their mothers at a young age. I'm talking about the breeders because my ahole sister-in-law is one of them. Dog breeders are strange. The Amish don't care about their animals at all.

[RobinV78]

@sueishere25 BS! I have very close friends along with myself who breed Blue Lacy's and we're NOT money hungry jerks, we love our dogs and are breeding them to keep the breed from dying out. There are strict guidelines we follow as well and the money made from selling the pups goes back to the care of the dogs. They live in our house, each one is trained, socialized and any potential owner is screened before taking a pup. Saying ALL breeders suck is no better than a racist. You're an idiot.

[sueishere25]

@RobinV78 You're the idiot. I hear that all the time, "are breeding to keep the breed from dying out." What a crock. MILLIONS of dogs are put to sleep each year. Get your head out of the sand and look at the pictures of dogs that are killed yearly. Also if you think that just because a dog is a purebred that they aren't abused, you have another think coming. There are rescues for every breed of purebreds. Breeders are definitely part of the blame that so many dogs are killed each year.

[RobinV78]

@sueishere25 First, learn how to spell or at least use your spell check. Secondly, Racist, how much research have you done on breeding? I mean really, I'd rather get a dog who is bred for it's traits instead of an unpredictable mix breed. Just because there are people who make stupid choices, doesn't make EVERYONE stupid - and that's the problem I have with your comment. WE ARE NOT ALL BAD just because we breed dogs. People who mistreat animals are and I most certainly do NOT fit that category.

[sueishere25]

@RobinV78 Point out which word I misspelled. Also please, please, look up the definition of racist. Since I don't know your race or commented on any race I don't know where you get that I am racist. That makes me laugh. Anyone bringing more dogs into the world is absolutely part of the problem, whether you want to believe it or not. Seriously, just answer my questions about the misspelled words and your definition of racist because you're starting to bore me!!!

[RobinV78]

@sueishere25 I know the definition of racist, I figure since you can put me in a category, I can put you in one, or is this only a one way thing? Stupid isn't it? That's my point. I believe the word you were looking for was "thing" not think" unless that's how you actually talk. Just because I'm a RESPONSIBLE breeder I'm being viewed as a bad guy, in which case you're to blame too. You're right; to fight with an ignorant person is pointless. Go hate on someone who deserves it.

[sueishere25]

@RobinV78 The common misuse of this expression goes thus: "If you think this, that, or the other, then you've got another thing coming." Unfortunately I was unable to post the link, you'll have to look it up yourself. You can call me any name you want, you'll never change my mind.

[RobinV78]

@sueishere25 What a world we live in where innocent people are blamed instead of those actually committing the crime. You said "think coming" btw. Since I'm to blame for the millions of animals who's lives are lost because I do things the right way and other people fail to do so, then anyone who has a child is to blame for all the MILLIONS of children dying because people are evil to want their own. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, just making sure I understand your view. Got it, thanks

[RobinV78]

@sueishere25 Amazing how easy it is for people to blame anyone when they're uninformed. We own a rescue, do our share of fighting against cruelty to animals but of course, we're still the bad guys simply because I breed my dogs? Y'all are seriously ignorant.

[11mavericksquid77]

Fuck the amish!!!! Backwards, crazy, religious nuts. Youthanize the amish!

[justformirka]

disgusting horrid--horrible disgusting people!!!!

[willcsaintenay1]

better still lock them up and fine them more than they can earn from the dogs that should stop them

[suspendmeassholes]

Ok can you stop bitching about this we all know it's sad. But nobody proposes an alternative way for mass breeding of dogs. You want to make a paradice mill for dogs and a puppy ends up costing 10 grand. Nobody is going to pay that. It's about making money. That's what is wrong about it. You will never have a paradice mill when money is involved. It's about profit and selling puppies at the lowest price or you are out of business. For this to stop happening you need to shut down the industry.

[ShadowsRainingFire]

@suspendmeassholes Agreed. Never buy from pet stores. The less people buy from pet stores, the higher chance of the industry dying out.

[LaurellSilentshade]

And breeders/owners absolutely should not be in charge of performing dog c-sections. That is the job of a licensed vet only!

[LaurellSilentshade]

Since we don't eat dog in this country I agree there needs to be a distinction between the way livestock animals are raised and companion animals. If dog was legally on the menu here I'd be concerned about sanitation issues with the dogs living conditions and Zeke might actually have a point. Whether you believe dogs should be food is another argument entirely. I think it's fair to say the Amish here are willfully exploiting our sentimentality for companion animals for their own profit.For shame

[keeleypie]

At first I felt bad because this can just be explained as a cultural difference in that the Amish simply don't see dogs as pets. This argument makes no sense though because there is a clear reason to raise cows, pigs and chickens as livestock. They are bred simply for their bodies. The only thing dogs are really bred for is companionship and to become part of a family. The Amish can't possibly think dogs are food so why raise them like it? Only for quick and easy money.

[PurpleLindaLove]

Boycott stores that sell puppies!

[sueishere25]

@PurpleLindaLove Boycott any dogs that are bred for profit. The puppy mills are the worst, but dog breeders are a close second.

[SummerGalLongIsland]

The Amish and Mennonites are greedy, money-hungry liars, who like to make people think that they are ultra-religious, nature-loving people. They abuse and torture dogs and puppies for profit. I have to laugh at this asshole in this video, "Ezekial", saying that the dog is using more muscles in that running wheel that they would use if they were running around outside--he must think we're stupid! These farmers who run puppy mills need to be shut down altogether so no more dog abuse occurs.

[Rietto]

Factory farming is the same across all species -- chickens, cows, pigs... and dogs. Legally, dogs are the same as battery hens or cows. The laws for raising pet animals needs to be changed to make them separate category from meat animals.

[akb333]

disgusting!! send these messed up people to prison!!! I am appalled!!!

[khunopie]

i like puppy

[busafwine]

sad

[EquiBeth]

Absolutely insane. Thank you for shedding (more) light on this issue. Too bad the message is taking so damn long to get through to people...