• Jeff Roberson/AP Photo
    2 of 11

    PUPPY MILLS

    Puppy mills are large breeding operations where profit is the name of the game, and the welfare and well-being of the animals is at best an afterthought. Puppy mills generate dogs that are neglected, are prone to health issues, and may display behavior problems. If you buy a dog from a pet store, there’s a good chance it is the product of a puppy mill. That’s why it’s so important to adopt dogs from animal shelters. There may be responsible breeders out there who run clean operations and treat their animals well, but that doesn’t change the vast numbers of homeless dogs who already exist and who need homes. By adopting from a shelter, you can take a stand against puppy mills and at the same time save the life of a homeless dog who needs love. (ASPCA)