AUSTIN, Texas – On Sunday animal rescues from across the state came together in downtown Austin to raise awareness about the conditions in the thousands of puppy mills across the state and country.
- Event started 10 years ago
- Brings rescue groups from across Texas
- Raises awareness about puppy mills
Puppy Mill Awareness Day in Texas was started 10 years ago by Courtney Leigh, who works as an emergency animal first responder for the ASPCA.
"I started doing that extreme rescue work and I said, ‘I have to do something about it.’ We are slowly making a difference, but we have to continue. It is just a drop in the bucket,” said Leigh.
There are an estimated 10,000 puppy mills in the United States and about 2 million puppies are sold each year. Kickie D'Alfonso, with Save An Angel Rescue, deals with about two cases a month involving backyard breeders.
"We see a lot of dogs that are over-bred and then their puppies end up getting sick because the breeders are so focused on getting money for them that they don't focus on the healthcare of the dog," said D’Alfonso. "They just can't handle the numbers they have gotten up to."
The rescue recently took in more than 70 dogs from hoarding conditions. Dealing with the medical issues can be difficult for their small operation
"Knowing how much we love our personal pets and how much we are doing rescue-wise and trying to improve life for these dogs. It's really heartbreaking to see them in those conditions," said D’Alfonso.
D'Alfonso finds hope in outreach. Not only encouraging people to adopt, but finding homes for dogs who've been bred for years.
LEARN MORE | Puppy Mill Awarness Day in Texas Facebook Page
"We get to change that lifestyle for those dogs and we get to introduce them to new families that get to just spoil them rotten," she said.
If you are unsure if you are dealing with a puppy mill, you can always ask the breeder to see their facility and meet the puppy's parents. If they won't allow you to see where the dogs are kept that could mean you are dealing with a puppy mill.