Puppy mills, more commonly known as ‘puppy farms’ in Australia, are breeding facilities where dogs are kept in conditions that don’t meet their needs. Dogs may live in overcrowded, unhygienic spaces without enough food, clean water, vet care, or opportunities to exercise or socialise. Sadly, these conditions compromise animal welfare and may lead to long-term health and behavioural problems.
There are a few red flags to watch out for. Be cautious if a breeder won’t let you visit where the puppies were raised, won’t let you meet their mother, if the puppies don’t appear to resemble their mother, or offers to deliver your puppy somewhere else. Avoid breeders who dodge reasonable questions, keep dogs in cramped or dirty conditions, or offer puppies who appear to be younger than eight weeks old.
Not necessarily. While a breeder may be registered with a local authority or belong to a breed club, registration alone does not guarantee responsible, welfare-focused breeding practices. It’s still important to do your homework, visit where the puppies are raised, meet their mother, and ask plenty of questions before making a decision.