Puppy factory

Puppy mills are a regrettable and real phenomenon in Finland and neighboring countries. Therefore, it is important for every puppy buyer to distinguish between a responsible breeder and a commercial operator. The goal of a puppy mill is profit at the expense of animal welfare.

Characteristics of a puppy mill:

• mothers are repeatedly given litters,
• animals are kept in cramped and unstimulating conditions,
• animals are not given individual care and health monitoring,
• There is no investment in socialization.

Puppies born from such conditions are at higher risk of illness and behavioral problems.

If you suspect a puppy mill, contact your municipal veterinary officer.

A reliable breeder is not in a hurry

A puppy mill can often be identified from the advertisement. Warning signs include, for example, that the same seller constantly has several litters or different breeds for sale, that the puppies are immediately available without a queue, or that the meeting is arranged somewhere other than the puppies' growing environment. If the seller avoids questions, rushes the sale, or refuses to show the mother, it is worth backing off.

A responsible breeder acts openly. He invites the buyer to see the puppies' home, introduces the mother (and if possible the father), explains the breed's characteristics and health risks, and shows vaccination and health information. A puppy should not be given away before the age of eight weeks, and a kitten should preferably be at least 14 weeks. Giving away too early is a clear warning sign.

The puppy buyer should ask questions: how often the mother has puppies, what kind of health tests have been done on the parents, and how the puppies have been socialized. Also observe the general condition of the puppies and the cleanliness of the environment. A good breeder is also interested in the kind of home the puppy is going to, and offers support even after the purchase.

A cheap price is a warning sign

An exceptionally low price may indicate that savings have been made in the care of the animal. More important than the price is that the purchase includes appropriate

• vaccinations,
• veterinary inspection,
• written agreement.

Every purchase is also a statement. By supporting a responsible breeder or considering adoption, you ensure that you are not participating in a puppy mill. Purchasing a puppy is a long-term commitment. It is worth making a decision carefully and with the animal's well-being first.

The task of the South Häme Environmental Health Service is to ensure a healthy living environment and safe food for its residents. The area of ​​operation of the South Häme Environmental Health Service includes Forssa, Hausjärvi, Humppila, Janakkala, Jokioinen, Loppi, Riihimäki, Tammela and Ypäjä.

The city of Riihimäki is the responsible municipality for environmental health care in South Häme.