A New Study Shows Puppy-Mill Dogs Suffer from Long-Lasting Serious Psychological Harm

Just before the annual holiday crush of people purchasing pets in pet stores for loved ones, a new study is revealed by leading researchers showing that breeding dogs rescued from puppy mills show significant long-lasting psychological and emotional trauma.

Dr. Frank McMillan, lead researcher and director of well-being studies from Best Friends Animal Society, will alert your listeners to the startling facts discovered in a survey of 1,169 former puppy mill dogs:

• Dogs used as breeding parents in puppy mills show significantly high levels of fear
• They have pronounced compulsive and repetitive behaviors such as spinning in tight circle and pacing
• They are less trainable
• They are more likely to soil a home
• They have heightened sensitivity and resistance to being touched or picked up
• Buying a puppy from a pet store contributes to the likelihood that the parents of that puppy must continue to endure a poor quality of life in a puppy mill

The dogs confined for breeding purposes in puppy mills were compared to those which were considered "standard pet dogs" raised in loving homes, in the study conducted by Best Friends and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School of Medicine. Best Friends is a leading advocate for humane treatment of animals, and an organization which seeks to make the public aware of the danger of puppy mills for both the animals and the unsuspecting pet owner. Puppy mills are the source of most dogs sold in pet stores today.

Most previous studies have focused on the unhealthy conditions and the physical issues faced by animals raised in puppy mills, but this is the first one to look at the psychological ramifications. It will be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science.

To acquaint your listeners with the compelling facts behind this groundbreaking study-and what it means for the well-being of millions of dogs worldwide-please send an email with the name of the show, your contact information and a proposed date.

Jackie Lapin
Jackie[at] consciousmediarelations dot com
(818) 707-1473

Rita Roberts
Rita [at]jackielapinmediarelations dot com
(818) 707-1473

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