Scientifically evaluating welfare in commercial breeding kennels: does high volume preclude good welfare?

Abstract

The welfare of dogs in high volume, commercial breeding operations (sometimes referred to as “puppy mills”) is a topic of concern to the public, animal care professionals, dog breeders and other pet industry members, and animal advocates. However, while public discussions of the topic are common place, few scientific studies have been conducted specifically with this population of dogs, and even fewer have investigated the welfare of dogs while they are maintained in high volume breeding kennels,