Photo: Okssi68 / iStock / Getty Images
(Ames, IA) -- An Ames nonprofit is offering resources for people looking to buy a dog, helping ensure their new companion doesn’t come from a puppy mill.
Bailing Out Benji has created a nationwide database that lists dog breeders’ histories, potential violations, and where their dogs are sold.
“We know that a majority of families in this country aren’t adopting. Giving them the tools and resources they need to make the best possible decisions can help take money away from those cruel and inhumane facilities, because the public is ultimately what funds puppy mills through their purchases,” said Mindi Callison, executive director of Bailing Out Bwnji.
Callison says one way to spot unethical breeders is if they’re unable to clearly explain how many breeds they sell, whether their dogs are genetically tested, or what happens to the animals when they’re no longer used for breeding.
“Some of the worst offenders are selling online or through pet stores, where they’re able to operate with a level of secrecy. If we can get people to pause, it allows them to better understand the implications of their purchase,” Callison added.
Dogs from puppy mills are more likely to have medical or behavioral issues, and Callison says getting the full picture of a breeding operation is critical to ensure a breeder is not engaging in inhumane practices before any money changes hands.