Editorial - W.Va. puppy mills must be regulated

There's no companion like a dog. Through thick and thin, a well-trained, happy and healthy dog will show more affection and loyalty than most people.

There is a reason dogs are known to be "man's best friend."

While there are many places to buy, or even to rescue, a healthy puppy, many breeders take advantage of the dog market and churn out as many puppies for sale as they can – even if it means compromising the health of the animals.

Those who know the enjoyment a dog can bring would be horrified to see the mistreatment many dogs receive at puppy mills.

Puppy mills are large-scale dog breeding grounds where the dogs' health is neglected to ensure the sellers are maximizing their profits.

According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals website, dogs housed in puppy mills are usually kept in crowded areas, exposed to unsanitary conditions, lack proper veterinary care and are subject to incest, which can cause many health problems.

Also, dogs bred at puppy mills are likely to carry diseases and may be prone to health conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, hip disorders and many others.

Last year, a bill that would have regulated breeders and put restrictions on dog breeding in the state passed in the House, but came to a halt in the Senate.

This session, legislators hope to have more success with a similar bill that would limit breeders to 50 unsterilized dogs older than the age of one, and require breeders to be licensed annually and be inspected twice a year.

Although this would help many animals in the state, the bill exempts hunting, tracking, show dog and greyhound breeders from state regulation.

This cannot wait another year to pass. Not only do these breeders harm the dogs, but they cheat their customers out of healthy pets, which in turn may require costly veterinary bills.

Urge your representatives to take a stand and speak for those who can't speak for themselves.

Until puppy mills are fully regulated, the fight can be placed in the public's hand.

Don't buy from breeders who won't let you see their entire facility or let you visit the mother dog. Also, you should be careful buying from pet stores or breeders found online, as they are most likely to be the ones that sell dogs from puppy mills.

People who own dogs should want their beloved pets to be as healthy and happy as possible, even before they're official members of the family.