If the ad is for "adorable Pekepoos, Cockapoos, and Miniature Poodles," one can expect a puppy 

 mill where a male Miniature Poodle is being bred to a number of different small-breed females 

 (e.g. Pekinese, Cocker Spaniel, and other Miniature Poodles). Puppy mills in this State also 

 produce Rottweilers and pit bulls. 



She also reported on California's "puppy lemon law," which was very popular in that 

 state (California's law requires those who sell, transfer, or give away three or more litters or 20 

 or more dogs to make certain disclosures to purchasers, provides for graduated civil penalties 

 when these disclosures are not made, and allows purchasers of sick dogs or dogs that display an 

 inherited health defect to obtain various recissionary-based remedies from the seller). 



At the Commission's December 5, 2003, meeting, it heard from O. Morton Congleton, 

 Executive Director of the SPCA of Wake County; and Mondy Lamb, also with the SPCA of 

 Wake County. They provided information on the current pet overpopulation problem, types of 

 breeders (including puppy mills), financial and emotional tolls on communities due to pet 

 overpopulation, and identification of reputable dog breeders. Mr. Congleton discussed statistics 

 on dogs and cats that enter animal shelters and the numbers that are returned to their homes, 

 adopted, and euthanized, including statistics from the shelter in Wake County. The biggest 

 contributors to the pet overpopulation problem are "just one litter" breeders and puppy mills. 



As described by Mr. Congleton and Ms. Lamb, puppy mills are dirty, dingy places where 

 one or several popular dog breeds are kept in overcrowded conditions, constantly reproducing to 

 provide income for the breeder. They produce ill-tempered puppies that are prone to health 

 problems. These puppies, sold to an uninformed public with no regard to suitability of the home 

 for the puppy, too often end up in animal shelters; Ms. Lamb noted that behavioral problems are 

 the second most common reason for dogs to end up in animal shelters. 



The SPCA of Wake County also has humanitarian concerns with puppy mills. Female 

 dogs at such establishments are made to produce litters every cycle (typically, two to three per 

 year) until they are "spent," beginning when they are as young as six months old. This 

 overbreeding causes nutritional deficiencies and impairs the dog's immune system. In the 

 judgment of the SPCA of Wake County, these concerns are just as appropriate for legislation and 

 education as issues of adequate food, shelter, and veterinary care. 



Mr. Congleton reported that, although the Midwest is currently a haven for puppy mills, 

 North Carolina has them. It is difficult to pinpoint any specific number. Puppies are typically 

 sold through newspaper advertisements but also through pet stores and other venues such as the 

 N.C. State Fairgrounds. 



Ms. Lamb described the SPCA of Wake County's programs aimed at eliminating the pet 

 overpopulation problem. These include mobile spay/neuter clinics (in vans), which can be quite 

 cost effective, and a trap, neuter, release program for feral animals. The organization also has 

 various educational programs and material for the public. 



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