Puppy Mills What are they? And what can I do to help?

10 Things To Know About Puppy Mills | Facts and Statistics 99% of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. Nearly 100% of all puppies in pet stores have parasites when they are purchased. 48% of puppies being sold in pet stores were ill or incubating an illness at the time of purchase, according to a recent California study. 500,000 puppies are born in puppy mills and sold in pet stores every year in the United States. There are 35,000 pet stores in America Puppy millers can make more than $300,000 growing puppies every year. Puppy mills have been around since the early 1960s. Almost every Puppy sold in a pet store has a mother who will spend her entire life in a tiny cage, never being petted, never being walked, never being treated like a dog. Female dogs are usually bred 2x a year. At that rate, they usually burn out by age 5, at which time they are put to death. About 1 million breeder dogs are confined in puppy mills throughout the country.

Recently, 10 Chinese Cresteds were rescued from a puppy mill in Texas and safely delivered to the St. Tammany Humane Society.

They were safe. But anxious and frightened.

Terrie (local rescuer), Candice, and Korey (STHS vet techs) slowly bring the dogs in to be examined and vetted.

Dr. Estelle Felarise cautiously examines pup number one. Though she is scared and trembling, she shows no signs of aggression.

The dogs suffer from weak muscles and bones, along with joint problems that are common with inbreeding and a result of being crated for most of their life.

Frances, along with the others, is given her vaccinations.

This is Julia; she does NOT like needles!

Terrie has a little fun with Mr. Grover! OK OK….I give up!

Dr. Felarise is thorough in her examinations. Many of the dogs have eye issues as well.

Garfield: How can you not love this guy?

All dogs were heartworm negative!

Some of the pups are young, and their teeth still in good condition.

…..but many were in sore need of major dental work.

Most of these needy pups are now in foster homes, where they can receive the love and attention that they sorely need until they can find a forever home.

But we still need to cover the extra costs of the additional medical care and attention that these dogs require. If you are able to donate to their cause, or if you are interested in becoming the forever family for one of these blossoming souls, please contact us at

To make a donation you can do so via our website ( and simply type “Chinese Cresteds” in the donations detail box, or mail to: St. Tammany Humane Society Chinese Crested Fund Harrison Ave Covington, LA 70433www.sthumane.org