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It is astounding that year after year Ohio crops up as one of the worst states for problem puppy mills, but here we are. The Humane Society of the United States' "Horrible Hundred" report has been released, and 13 breeders in Ohio are on the list.
"Three of Ohio's 13 breeders that appear on this year's Horrible Hundred report have appeared in previous reports," Mark Finneran, of the Humane Society of the United States, told WJW.
Humane Society rankings are based on inspections done by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Those reports mentioned dogs kept in cramped cages or enclosures that do not protect them from harsh weather, and dogs not given proper medical care.
It seems as though citations, fines, threats of referral to the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Legal Counsel and even prosecution are not a deterrent to these people.
"We encourage anyone who is upset by what they are seeing in the Horrible Hundred report to email or call Gov. Mike DeWine's office," Finneran told WJW. "And reach out to your legislators at the state house and ask how we are going to fix this puppy mill problem."
Fair enough, but there is one other solution. Don't buy dogs from these breeders. They do what they do because it makes them money. Cut off their revenue streams.
Better yet, don't shop at all. Adopt from a local animal shelter or sanctuary. An adoption fee will pale in comparison to the amount of money charged by breeders, and shelter pets can be wonderful companions.