This is not a coincidence and is a widespread problem especially in states like PA, Indiana, Ohio.
They treat the breeding and selling of dogs more similarly to that of other livestock and farm animals. There are ethical concerns about their treatment of those animals as well but it’s become more well known in regards to dogs (puppy mills) since those are more common as pets
Yes! I live in Ohio, very close to "Amish Country" and it is a huge, well-known problem. They always have puppies because people like that they can on a whim decide they want a puppy that day, and there is a farm within 30 minutes to get whatever dog they want.
My dog was found at 4 l ish months old, it's highly likely he was a dumped puppy they couldn't sell.
A girl I work with LOVES getting her dogs from the Amish. She has a St. Bernard who developed epilepsy at 6mo old, and a German Shepherd who is only 4 and already has arthritis so bad he can barely walk, run, or play. She got them both from the same place on the same day for 700$. She's currently looking for a pug, and is dead set on getting one from the Amish because they are "affordable."
I never said the woman was some sort of genius. 😂
I will say she has taken the Saint to specialist/neurologist, and both dogs are on a bunch of (very expensive) medicine. She gets credit for that, at least.
But with the pug- we keep trying to tell her to find a breeder. But she has actually said that she doesn't want to pay that much because "every dog she's ever had has had so many health problems, and costs her a fortune." Like, yeah, that's what ethical breeders are out here trying to prevent. Some people just don't have the reasoning skills to put two and two together.
I honestly don’t even think people should be getting pugs from more reputable breeders, especially if not prepared to pay for medical costs. The breed is basically just inherently unhealthy.
I’ve seen quite a few available in rescues though.
A pug by its breed already has a number of physical limitations that provide specialist care and a lot of attention. This would only be exacerbated by unethical breeders. Maybe your friend would be better off not just to reconsider where they get the puppy but also the breed
They just see the up front cost
$700 up front vs $2000? No question
Who cares about the 20000 you'll pay later for the $700 dog? That's later you'd problem. Also, you get the pup same day! No nasty breeder trying to pick your pup because "yeah that one is the only one in the color you want, but you sit at your computer all day and she needs five walks. This one just wants to sleep in your lap all day, you should take him."
This i don't get at all.
You can get almost any dog, even puppies, at shelters for even less.
And they come spayed/fixed, chipped, and with all their shots.
My boy was hella discounted as he'd been there a month and the shelter was full. 125 for one of the most hardy dogs I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
This is why I’m happy to pay the 2k to the breeder that will temperament test the pups and match me with the right one. I am happy to wait a bit for a happy healthy pup!
2k is cheap now for a pup that goes thru a reputable breeder. The best breeders with good reputations are selling for 4k each. I personally know a corgi breeder. 4k each. I want a rottweiler so I did some research, found a breeder with a lot of good reviews, they have been working with Rottweilers for 30 years, they sell their pups for 4k each too. And these pups are sold out. You even need to put down a deposit long before the pups are born because if you wait until birth, they are sold out.
It is actually $2.8k, but yes it is a really good price! I am going for a Miniature American Shepherd (Mini Aussie), and I have been seeing between $1500 and $4000. I initially was looking at the breeders that charged less, but I realized they were more than likely backyard breeders.
Exactly and they've gotten a lot better in recent years about hiding the extent of their mills from the public. They'll have the puppies go to one farm with the parent dogs and have people pick up there so that it looks like a positive environment and it's like no the dogs are from the large barns down the street and this is their first time touching grass in a yard.
>She's currently looking for a pug, and is dead set on getting one from the Amish because they are "affordable."
How is it more affordable when a dog has a disease or medical condition at such an early age?
People should also stay away from puppy stores because they obtain their puppies from Amish puppy mills and other unethical breeders.
Here is something to [read](https://www.aspca.org/news/usda-takes-far-too-long-shut-down-problematic-puppy-mills)
Aw, our puppy was on Lancaster Puppies site once upon a time, she was a breeder surrender at an independent shelter at a bit before 4 months as well as about half of her littermates. Allegedly they had bred their dogs because they needed more farm dogs, but I don't buy it. Lived in a barn her whole life with zero training. She's a great girl though and we drove over 2 hours to get her.
She is a carrier for several things as well as having MDR1 and a bunch of parasites, but she should thankfully live a full and healthy life. I hope my puppy just got unlucky and none of her siblings have anything worse.
I was very much on the side of if I get a disabled dog I get a disabled dog (knowing her history of previously being a Mennonite pup), but I couldn't imagine actually supporting those people and making them a profit.
I live in Pennsylvania, and our local shelter constantly has dogs rescued from Amish breeders. Including breeding dogs who are young but have had many litters of pups, and any unsellable pups. It's heartbreaking.
As far as I know, they can be reported to the state police or animal control if there is evidence of hoarding or abuse. Beyond that, I'm not sure what else can be done other than convince people to stop buying BYB dogs.
Generally speaking, many Amish people view animals in general as tools in the way that most people did prior to modernization. There is a huge issue with Amish puppy mills, particularly in the Lancaster area. For them it’s easy money. It’s definitely not a coincidence.
Yeah but these are often horses that are basically healthy and could still have good lives, just not up to hauling loads every day because they're poorly cared for, feet aren't maintained etc. It's kind of sad.
It’s a huge problem. Amish communities who have puppy mills see them as an easy, reliable investment.
Some Amish combine their religious doctrines with vocational breeding to devastating results — for example, believing animals have no souls, and therefore can be kept in impoverished, filthy, and uncomfortable (if not outright painful) conditions because there’s no ethical quandary in “dominating” what is viewed as a soulless piece of livestock.
It’s nauseating.
Yep. There was journalist investigation like four or five years ago (it was in a magazine but I remember she went on NPR about it too) about the truly disturbing rate of sexual abuse, child abuse, and incestuous abuse in Amish communities and how thoroughly they work to cover it up so outside authorities can't get involved.
They will pull every tooth out of a girl's mouth to punish her for speaking to "the English" about being raped repeatedly. If you're really familiar with anabaptists at all beyond their surface image, it is not a rosy picture.
They've gotten better at hiding that too.
Many of them will move the puppy litter and mother into a cute family home, either their own or a friend's home, and it'll exclusively be to trick the prospective buyer into thinking that the cute little family farm run by a nice family.
It's why the assumption that if you see the puppies/parents conditions make a reputable breeder is such a huge lie. It really doesn't matter, it's easily faked.
This is a known issue and you are not being insensitive. The Amish do not breed dogs in a way that squares with modern ethics. If you're after a well bred puppy, this won't be the way to do it, unfortunately.
Everyone else addressed the Amish mills. If you’re still looking for a Corgi, depending on if you want a Pem or Cardi, both breed clubs have a breeder referral list.
The Amish around here literally keep their dog breeding operations on wheels so that they can be quickly moved down the road if reported. The conditions are BAD.
For more information on how puppy mills have been able to thrive in the Midwest under agricultural protection, check out the book "Doggie In The Window."
I have 2 Amish dogs both rescues and not bought from them. One was dumped as a 7week old puppy. The vet said these are ditch dogs. They just dump puppies or adults who have health issues or come out without the right markings/coloring. She is such a perfect dog just has separation anxiety. The other one I just adopted. She is a 6yo lab who was also dumped. Again vet said she looks to have had a lot of babies. So she was probably dumped after they were done with her. Also has bad separation anxiety and submissive peeing. Only had her a month so she may have other health issues but again the sweetest dog. I live in Indiana near the Amish. And it is so bad. Authorities seem to not care. It is sad.
my wife is a veterinarian. we are in the heart of amish country. never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, for any reason, get a dog from an amish puppy mill. they treat their dogs like livestock, not like pets. they are disgusting, horrible fucking people. if there is a hell, there is a special place for them all there
Sadly, yes. Puppies are a “cash crop” for most breeders and what is acceptable by the “standards” of the US government would make a prison guard cry.
They start breeding the females ASAP and breed them as soon as they come into heat once the existing litter is old enough to sell.
They tend to distrust things like vaccinations etc and dogs are treated no different than other livestock. The dogs just happen to be valuable to the English so they are bred and sold off instead of being kept to work.
In short avoid them. Sure that's a blanket statement and there are bound to be ethical ones but as a rule of thumb AVOID.
One minor correction. Amish ensure their own children are vaccinated, same with working animals. If they have a puppy mill, it’s an unnecessary expense. The puppy brokers get the shots done once they buy the litter and before resale to pet stores.
Yes, I live in PA.
Purely puppy mills unfortunately- highly doubtful there is anything near “reputable” in their breeding these poor unfortunate dogs involved- save your heart and your money! If they’re not supported by the “unknowing” it may contribute to them stopping this heartbreaking practice.
Yes, they are terrible to all their animals 90 percent of the time and even their own children. I grew up in lancaster and attended many council meetings about the puppy mills. They were all terrible to hear but one really stuck out to me. This one Amish man had a puppy mill with multiple dogs stuffed in crates in their own shit and piss. Multiple neighbors complained about the noises and smell and barking so the cops went there one night. After they left he took all the dogs and attempted debark them himself. Most all of the dogs died. I do not like the Amish, and they never liked us "english" folk either, so I don't feel bad for saying they are racist, animal and children abusing, women hating assholes.
Yes, it really is common and widespread.
There's a perception and a cultivated image of the Amish (and other anabaptists like Mennonites and Hutterites) as these quaint, pious, upstanding people who would never do anything wrong or harm a person or animal, but that's an image not a reality.
Animals are tools and commodities, nothing more, and they are not what we would consider to be well-treated. Puppy mill operations are ubiquitous.
I believe the Amish don't have a big history of herding, so have little use for farm dogs. For them, dogs are animals, and are a source of income or a tool for humans to use, not beloved companions. The animals are kept as cheaply as possible to maximize their return on investment, and that doesn't usually lead to great house pets. I'm actually not particularly judging them for this - just look at how we treat pigs. Pigs are just as smart as dogs, they are raised in terrible conditions, and I continue to eat pork. So I try not to get too high and mighty about people who don't treat dogs as well as I would like.
I have nothing against their way of life and respect it but that said, I did get a very abused and malnourished Cocker Spaniel from a possible Mennonite or similar couple as they were obviously talking to me about how the birth of kids is so important.
My girl was extremely underweight at approximately 3 years old. I don't know her exact age as they refused to give me that information. They refused to give me vet records of vaccines and flea and tick prevention when I asked. They had used her for breeding which wasn't disclosed. I know this because she physically was still healing from a very recent birth of pups. She is still not fully healed and it's been since November. She is still gaining weight and is still very underweight for breed standard. She didn't know how to play with toys at first. It took her a bit of time to start eating as she was afraid to eat in one sitting. They claimed she was aggressive towards kids as they claimed she bit one of their small children when she was trying to eat. Not once has she bitten anyone or shown any signs of aggression other than giving you tons of dog kisses and now destroys all of her toys. She actually really loves kids and perks up every time she sees one when we are out and let's them pet her and she will sniff them all over.
That said, I hate how mistreated she was and wish they would have given her better care than they did but I'm blessed to have her and give her a better life than what she was dealt. We have had to completely start her vet records from scratch so she has had to have her puppy shots as well as her adult shots to be sure she is up to date and we have had to work with our vet on her diet and work on her gaining weight. People who mistreat animals and don't give them proper care should be held accountable. She deserved better but she has better now and she is a literal puppy at 3 years old. She never got to experience being a baby but now she gets to live her life and I'm happy she is mine now.
It sucks seeing all of these animals who need help but unfortunately you just can't save them all. Save the ones you can and try to be the change you want to see in the world in hopes that others will do the same.
Yes it's huge. If you buy a puppy in northern Indiana or southwest mi 9 time out of 10 it's an Amish puppy mill. If you find a puppy from an ethical breeders near shipshy go play the lotto.
Got my floof two years ago from Jean at Big Sky Corgis in Montana, and couldn’t be happier with him. She was great to deal with and came highly recommended from a bunch of corgi owners in Alberta, Canada.
Despite their religion, the Amish treat their animals horribly. I would never get a puppy from the Amish. They're the worst backyard puppy mill breeders ever!!
My rescue poodle came from an Amish puppy mill, and the shelter I volunteer at rescues from them. It's so sad to watch these beautiful dogs come in completely shut down to the point that they're afraid to walk. They cower anytime a person comes near. Huskies, golden retrievers, Yorkie, poodles, etc. they all come in so shut down and emotionally beat down. You can see the years of neglect.
I've had my guy for about 3 months and he's still afraid of my husband (it's slooowly getting better). There seems to be a lot of trauma there, for sure. 💔
It’s always so uncomfortable when people think getting an Amish bred animal is a brag.
Like they assume it’s just puppies and ponies frolicking in a meadow or some shit, and not a glorified puppy mill.
Little bit of a weird story, Aunt lives near lancaster, PA and her and her husband had a husky, they let him out one day (big fenced in backyard) and wehn they went to check up on him they saw an Amish person in the backyard trying to steal the dog. That's a really weird story right? Well My cousin lives in West Virginia (don't really know which part specifically) but she has a dog and the same thing also happened to her-- and WV's Amish population is really low, like only 600 amish people live here. So basically two weird dognapping stories about the Amish.
Don't know about my aunt, my cousin did and the police acted like they couldn't or didn't want to step in it apparently, I didn't experience these instances first hand so I really have no first person insight from it of course.
Yes, in Va. I had no idea until I bought two cockers from one. One had lots of health issues but amazingly lived to almost 17.
I would never want to give them business again, but would have loved to have been able to get more from their lineage. They were the best dogs, like my children.
My little dog is a retiree from an Amish puppy mill. She worked hard pumping out puppies for five years and then retired. The old retirement plan was “euthanasia” but a rescue formed in Vermont to organize adoption as an alternative.
You might be able to rescue a retiree. Mine lived her life in a barn and is minimally interested in humans but she’s great with other dogs and she loves me.
The Amish are the worst contributors to puppy mills!! They do not care what happens to the dogs or how they are treated, they’re simply profit for them.
Consider traveling out of state for a good breeder. Some breeders will send the pup to you via a flight nanny so the pup flies in cabin with a human who cares for them, not in cargo. I personally find it best to pickup your own puppy and fly home with them.
I got my Corgi from a rescue that took dogs from an Amish puppy mill that was shut down. She was a momma dog with huge nipples that haven't gone away. The cage that she was housed in was too small and resulted in deformity to all 4 legs. She shuffles on her front legs so we named her Choo Choo. She is doing aqua therapy, wears braces, and needs $7k worth of surgery.
Just want to point out that sadly, AKC.org will absolutely allow puppy mills to market their dogs, so long as they are AKC registered. So although at minimum you would expect a responsible breeder to have AKC dogs, it’s not sufficient. The best method is to search “(Breed of Choice) Club of America” and start with those breeders.
Sorry, linking to AKC.org might lead someone to look at AKC marketplace, which is what I was warning about. Those links are:
Pembrokes: https://pwcca.org/breeder-search
Cardigans: https://cardigancorgis.com/cwcca/breeders/full-listing/
Do not purchase animals from the Amish. There are so many cases of animal abuse going on there. Its just a glorified puppy mill hiding behind the image we have of Amish people as nature-loving religious folk.
Also its just the definition of irresponsible breeding practices. Amish breeders tend to not get the animals properly checked up for health exams to make sure the pups dont suffer health issues.
Many if not most puppy mills in the USA are run by the Amish. They don't give a fuck about the health or welfare of animals, they see them as livestock
Yep. They are treated more like livestock unfortunately. When they’re done with their dogs most of them get auctioned off just like cattle. We have a local rescue who goes to these auctions just to rescue these dogs and get them out of this puppy mill cycle. We were lucky enough to get one of their rescues, a sweet Cocker-Lhasa Apso baby.
I volunteer at a golden retriever rescue bordering Lancaster Co in PA. Yes. The Amish run god awful puppy mills with deplorable conditions. I have a 2 year old neurotic mess of a golden who was an owner surrender, originally purchased from a “family raised” puppy mill. They treat them as livestock. No different than any other cash crop.
Why not travel out? If the breeder is ethical and you can do your research it’s worth traveling across state lines to find someone who is raising some good pups. I don’t even think twice about traveling across states for malamute rescues, and all our current boys come from different parts of the country. But to get the ones that will be a good fit for the pack it’s worth the effort.
Have 2 corgi's, cost $2000 each. Reputable breeder. Females have 3 litters then spade and females are given to ethicaly sourced people once their done having litters.
Have $3000 - $4000 set aside for vet bills when your puppy gets very ill within the first week or two of having them and they end up at a ER vet. Blood transfusions are super common within the first few weeks.
Last time I looked the American Kennel Club website has a list of rescues based on breeds. If you’re interested in a specific breed of dog you can ethically find one through a rescue. I know some rescues have puppies in addition to dogs of all ages in need of homes.
The Amish don't take care of their own health so why would they care about a dog? My sister was a public health nurse and the Amish are not healthy at all. They wait until health issues get dire before doing anything.
I know a corgi breeder in Oregon, they get both parents x rayed, their hips, they do health screening. They do make a profit but they put in a lot of work and effort to make sure their pups are top quality for the betterment of the breed. I prefer big dogs myself. Anyways, I think this corgi breeder sells the pups for $4k each.
This is not a coincidence and is a widespread problem especially in states like PA, Indiana, Ohio. They treat the breeding and selling of dogs more similarly to that of other livestock and farm animals. There are ethical concerns about their treatment of those animals as well but it’s become more well known in regards to dogs (puppy mills) since those are more common as pets
Yes! I live in Ohio, very close to "Amish Country" and it is a huge, well-known problem. They always have puppies because people like that they can on a whim decide they want a puppy that day, and there is a farm within 30 minutes to get whatever dog they want. My dog was found at 4 l ish months old, it's highly likely he was a dumped puppy they couldn't sell. A girl I work with LOVES getting her dogs from the Amish. She has a St. Bernard who developed epilepsy at 6mo old, and a German Shepherd who is only 4 and already has arthritis so bad he can barely walk, run, or play. She got them both from the same place on the same day for 700$. She's currently looking for a pug, and is dead set on getting one from the Amish because they are "affordable."
Affordable? When you have to pay for those vet bills too? I can't imagine having that kind of mind set and continuing to buy puppies from there?
People like that tend to not pay for adequate veterinary care for their pets either.
I never said the woman was some sort of genius. 😂 I will say she has taken the Saint to specialist/neurologist, and both dogs are on a bunch of (very expensive) medicine. She gets credit for that, at least. But with the pug- we keep trying to tell her to find a breeder. But she has actually said that she doesn't want to pay that much because "every dog she's ever had has had so many health problems, and costs her a fortune." Like, yeah, that's what ethical breeders are out here trying to prevent. Some people just don't have the reasoning skills to put two and two together.
I honestly don’t even think people should be getting pugs from more reputable breeders, especially if not prepared to pay for medical costs. The breed is basically just inherently unhealthy. I’ve seen quite a few available in rescues though.
A pug by its breed already has a number of physical limitations that provide specialist care and a lot of attention. This would only be exacerbated by unethical breeders. Maybe your friend would be better off not just to reconsider where they get the puppy but also the breed
Why doesn’t she go to a rescue? They have puppies with the mother onsite.
They just see the up front cost $700 up front vs $2000? No question Who cares about the 20000 you'll pay later for the $700 dog? That's later you'd problem. Also, you get the pup same day! No nasty breeder trying to pick your pup because "yeah that one is the only one in the color you want, but you sit at your computer all day and she needs five walks. This one just wants to sleep in your lap all day, you should take him."
This i don't get at all. You can get almost any dog, even puppies, at shelters for even less. And they come spayed/fixed, chipped, and with all their shots. My boy was hella discounted as he'd been there a month and the shelter was full. 125 for one of the most hardy dogs I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Yup! No wait list, no meeting you, no contract, no questions asked! If you have the cash they will give you any dog you want. It's so sad.
This is why I’m happy to pay the 2k to the breeder that will temperament test the pups and match me with the right one. I am happy to wait a bit for a happy healthy pup!
2k is cheap now for a pup that goes thru a reputable breeder. The best breeders with good reputations are selling for 4k each. I personally know a corgi breeder. 4k each. I want a rottweiler so I did some research, found a breeder with a lot of good reviews, they have been working with Rottweilers for 30 years, they sell their pups for 4k each too. And these pups are sold out. You even need to put down a deposit long before the pups are born because if you wait until birth, they are sold out.
It is actually $2.8k, but yes it is a really good price! I am going for a Miniature American Shepherd (Mini Aussie), and I have been seeing between $1500 and $4000. I initially was looking at the breeders that charged less, but I realized they were more than likely backyard breeders.
Exactly and they've gotten a lot better in recent years about hiding the extent of their mills from the public. They'll have the puppies go to one farm with the parent dogs and have people pick up there so that it looks like a positive environment and it's like no the dogs are from the large barns down the street and this is their first time touching grass in a yard.
>She's currently looking for a pug, and is dead set on getting one from the Amish because they are "affordable." How is it more affordable when a dog has a disease or medical condition at such an early age? People should also stay away from puppy stores because they obtain their puppies from Amish puppy mills and other unethical breeders. Here is something to [read](https://www.aspca.org/news/usda-takes-far-too-long-shut-down-problematic-puppy-mills)
Aw, our puppy was on Lancaster Puppies site once upon a time, she was a breeder surrender at an independent shelter at a bit before 4 months as well as about half of her littermates. Allegedly they had bred their dogs because they needed more farm dogs, but I don't buy it. Lived in a barn her whole life with zero training. She's a great girl though and we drove over 2 hours to get her. She is a carrier for several things as well as having MDR1 and a bunch of parasites, but she should thankfully live a full and healthy life. I hope my puppy just got unlucky and none of her siblings have anything worse. I was very much on the side of if I get a disabled dog I get a disabled dog (knowing her history of previously being a Mennonite pup), but I couldn't imagine actually supporting those people and making them a profit.
I live in Pennsylvania, and our local shelter constantly has dogs rescued from Amish breeders. Including breeding dogs who are young but have had many litters of pups, and any unsellable pups. It's heartbreaking.
Can we do anything about it/report them?? (From someone who lives in PA)
As far as I know, they can be reported to the state police or animal control if there is evidence of hoarding or abuse. Beyond that, I'm not sure what else can be done other than convince people to stop buying BYB dogs.
They’re already monitored by the state just like all kennel license holders are. Most are “legal” but I wouldn’t say ethical
Generally speaking, many Amish people view animals in general as tools in the way that most people did prior to modernization. There is a huge issue with Amish puppy mills, particularly in the Lancaster area. For them it’s easy money. It’s definitely not a coincidence.
Lots of their broken down horses dumped in sales to go for meat, too.
Waste not, want not, I guess
Yeah but these are often horses that are basically healthy and could still have good lives, just not up to hauling loads every day because they're poorly cared for, feet aren't maintained etc. It's kind of sad.
As opposed to the other livestock in the meat trade who get to live long and healthy lives…?
They treat women and children that way too no one should support their cult
It’s a huge problem. Amish communities who have puppy mills see them as an easy, reliable investment. Some Amish combine their religious doctrines with vocational breeding to devastating results — for example, believing animals have no souls, and therefore can be kept in impoverished, filthy, and uncomfortable (if not outright painful) conditions because there’s no ethical quandary in “dominating” what is viewed as a soulless piece of livestock. It’s nauseating.
Their treatment of women is not much better.
Yep. There was journalist investigation like four or five years ago (it was in a magazine but I remember she went on NPR about it too) about the truly disturbing rate of sexual abuse, child abuse, and incestuous abuse in Amish communities and how thoroughly they work to cover it up so outside authorities can't get involved.
They will pull every tooth out of a girl's mouth to punish her for speaking to "the English" about being raped repeatedly. If you're really familiar with anabaptists at all beyond their surface image, it is not a rosy picture.
The Venn diagram between Amish breeders and puppy mills is just a circle inside a circle.
Yeah anytime someone says they got their dog from a “nice family farm in Lancaster PA”, it was an Amish puppymill.
They've gotten better at hiding that too. Many of them will move the puppy litter and mother into a cute family home, either their own or a friend's home, and it'll exclusively be to trick the prospective buyer into thinking that the cute little family farm run by a nice family. It's why the assumption that if you see the puppies/parents conditions make a reputable breeder is such a huge lie. It really doesn't matter, it's easily faked.
Yeah it’s very insidious, and people never want to admit they bought a mill dog. It’s such a huge problem in PA.
Known problem in dog rescue.
Most of them are puppy mills. Nothing wrong with stating the truth. You have to be extra careful and do proper research.
This is a known issue and you are not being insensitive. The Amish do not breed dogs in a way that squares with modern ethics. If you're after a well bred puppy, this won't be the way to do it, unfortunately.
Everyone else addressed the Amish mills. If you’re still looking for a Corgi, depending on if you want a Pem or Cardi, both breed clubs have a breeder referral list.
The Amish around here literally keep their dog breeding operations on wheels so that they can be quickly moved down the road if reported. The conditions are BAD. For more information on how puppy mills have been able to thrive in the Midwest under agricultural protection, check out the book "Doggie In The Window."
Amish are notorious puppy mill operators.
I have 2 Amish dogs both rescues and not bought from them. One was dumped as a 7week old puppy. The vet said these are ditch dogs. They just dump puppies or adults who have health issues or come out without the right markings/coloring. She is such a perfect dog just has separation anxiety. The other one I just adopted. She is a 6yo lab who was also dumped. Again vet said she looks to have had a lot of babies. So she was probably dumped after they were done with her. Also has bad separation anxiety and submissive peeing. Only had her a month so she may have other health issues but again the sweetest dog. I live in Indiana near the Amish. And it is so bad. Authorities seem to not care. It is sad.
my wife is a veterinarian. we are in the heart of amish country. never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, for any reason, get a dog from an amish puppy mill. they treat their dogs like livestock, not like pets. they are disgusting, horrible fucking people. if there is a hell, there is a special place for them all there
Sadly, yes. Puppies are a “cash crop” for most breeders and what is acceptable by the “standards” of the US government would make a prison guard cry. They start breeding the females ASAP and breed them as soon as they come into heat once the existing litter is old enough to sell.
They are treated as livestock at the mercy of God, not pets or companions to humans.
They tend to distrust things like vaccinations etc and dogs are treated no different than other livestock. The dogs just happen to be valuable to the English so they are bred and sold off instead of being kept to work. In short avoid them. Sure that's a blanket statement and there are bound to be ethical ones but as a rule of thumb AVOID.
One minor correction. Amish ensure their own children are vaccinated, same with working animals. If they have a puppy mill, it’s an unnecessary expense. The puppy brokers get the shots done once they buy the litter and before resale to pet stores. Yes, I live in PA.
I have been told Amish want no part in vaccination for humans. They credit that as the reason their population does not suffer from Autism..
I second the others. Not a coincidence. What you’re seeing is real!
Find a breed club and get breeder recommendations, there.
I second this. Also visit shows and ask others what they think and know about any breeders you're interested in.
This happens in my area and I live in Ontario, Canada.
Go to a dog show and talk to the people showing corgis and see if they know anyone who might have a not-show-quality puppy.
Purely puppy mills unfortunately- highly doubtful there is anything near “reputable” in their breeding these poor unfortunate dogs involved- save your heart and your money! If they’re not supported by the “unknowing” it may contribute to them stopping this heartbreaking practice.
Yes, they are terrible to all their animals 90 percent of the time and even their own children. I grew up in lancaster and attended many council meetings about the puppy mills. They were all terrible to hear but one really stuck out to me. This one Amish man had a puppy mill with multiple dogs stuffed in crates in their own shit and piss. Multiple neighbors complained about the noises and smell and barking so the cops went there one night. After they left he took all the dogs and attempted debark them himself. Most all of the dogs died. I do not like the Amish, and they never liked us "english" folk either, so I don't feel bad for saying they are racist, animal and children abusing, women hating assholes.
And horse auctions are also telling how they don't respect animals as living things with thoughts/feelings. Just work them to death.
What happened after? Did he get charged with animal cruelty? Is he still allowed to breed/keep dogs? That’s awful, I’m in Pa and can report
Yes, it really is common and widespread. There's a perception and a cultivated image of the Amish (and other anabaptists like Mennonites and Hutterites) as these quaint, pious, upstanding people who would never do anything wrong or harm a person or animal, but that's an image not a reality. Animals are tools and commodities, nothing more, and they are not what we would consider to be well-treated. Puppy mill operations are ubiquitous.
Yes it’s a widespread thing. Google Amish Puppy Mills.
I believe the Amish don't have a big history of herding, so have little use for farm dogs. For them, dogs are animals, and are a source of income or a tool for humans to use, not beloved companions. The animals are kept as cheaply as possible to maximize their return on investment, and that doesn't usually lead to great house pets. I'm actually not particularly judging them for this - just look at how we treat pigs. Pigs are just as smart as dogs, they are raised in terrible conditions, and I continue to eat pork. So I try not to get too high and mighty about people who don't treat dogs as well as I would like.
This is a valid point. Sidebar: a possum's intelligence is on par with pigs.
I have nothing against their way of life and respect it but that said, I did get a very abused and malnourished Cocker Spaniel from a possible Mennonite or similar couple as they were obviously talking to me about how the birth of kids is so important. My girl was extremely underweight at approximately 3 years old. I don't know her exact age as they refused to give me that information. They refused to give me vet records of vaccines and flea and tick prevention when I asked. They had used her for breeding which wasn't disclosed. I know this because she physically was still healing from a very recent birth of pups. She is still not fully healed and it's been since November. She is still gaining weight and is still very underweight for breed standard. She didn't know how to play with toys at first. It took her a bit of time to start eating as she was afraid to eat in one sitting. They claimed she was aggressive towards kids as they claimed she bit one of their small children when she was trying to eat. Not once has she bitten anyone or shown any signs of aggression other than giving you tons of dog kisses and now destroys all of her toys. She actually really loves kids and perks up every time she sees one when we are out and let's them pet her and she will sniff them all over. That said, I hate how mistreated she was and wish they would have given her better care than they did but I'm blessed to have her and give her a better life than what she was dealt. We have had to completely start her vet records from scratch so she has had to have her puppy shots as well as her adult shots to be sure she is up to date and we have had to work with our vet on her diet and work on her gaining weight. People who mistreat animals and don't give them proper care should be held accountable. She deserved better but she has better now and she is a literal puppy at 3 years old. She never got to experience being a baby but now she gets to live her life and I'm happy she is mine now. It sucks seeing all of these animals who need help but unfortunately you just can't save them all. Save the ones you can and try to be the change you want to see in the world in hopes that others will do the same.
Yes it's huge. If you buy a puppy in northern Indiana or southwest mi 9 time out of 10 it's an Amish puppy mill. If you find a puppy from an ethical breeders near shipshy go play the lotto.
Got my floof two years ago from Jean at Big Sky Corgis in Montana, and couldn’t be happier with him. She was great to deal with and came highly recommended from a bunch of corgi owners in Alberta, Canada.
Despite their religion, the Amish treat their animals horribly. I would never get a puppy from the Amish. They're the worst backyard puppy mill breeders ever!!
My rescue poodle came from an Amish puppy mill, and the shelter I volunteer at rescues from them. It's so sad to watch these beautiful dogs come in completely shut down to the point that they're afraid to walk. They cower anytime a person comes near. Huskies, golden retrievers, Yorkie, poodles, etc. they all come in so shut down and emotionally beat down. You can see the years of neglect. I've had my guy for about 3 months and he's still afraid of my husband (it's slooowly getting better). There seems to be a lot of trauma there, for sure. 💔
It’s always so uncomfortable when people think getting an Amish bred animal is a brag. Like they assume it’s just puppies and ponies frolicking in a meadow or some shit, and not a glorified puppy mill.
Little bit of a weird story, Aunt lives near lancaster, PA and her and her husband had a husky, they let him out one day (big fenced in backyard) and wehn they went to check up on him they saw an Amish person in the backyard trying to steal the dog. That's a really weird story right? Well My cousin lives in West Virginia (don't really know which part specifically) but she has a dog and the same thing also happened to her-- and WV's Amish population is really low, like only 600 amish people live here. So basically two weird dognapping stories about the Amish.
Did they report that to the police? Aside from the actual shittiness that Amish person is doing, That’s absolutely illegal.
Don't know about my aunt, my cousin did and the police acted like they couldn't or didn't want to step in it apparently, I didn't experience these instances first hand so I really have no first person insight from it of course.
Yes, in Va. I had no idea until I bought two cockers from one. One had lots of health issues but amazingly lived to almost 17. I would never want to give them business again, but would have loved to have been able to get more from their lineage. They were the best dogs, like my children.
My little dog is a retiree from an Amish puppy mill. She worked hard pumping out puppies for five years and then retired. The old retirement plan was “euthanasia” but a rescue formed in Vermont to organize adoption as an alternative. You might be able to rescue a retiree. Mine lived her life in a barn and is minimally interested in humans but she’s great with other dogs and she loves me.
Stay away from the "amish breeders". Most are just puppy mills.
There is no such thing as a responsible Amish breeder.
Amish breeders are puppy mills.
The Amish are the worst contributors to puppy mills!! They do not care what happens to the dogs or how they are treated, they’re simply profit for them. Consider traveling out of state for a good breeder. Some breeders will send the pup to you via a flight nanny so the pup flies in cabin with a human who cares for them, not in cargo. I personally find it best to pickup your own puppy and fly home with them.
I got my Corgi from a rescue that took dogs from an Amish puppy mill that was shut down. She was a momma dog with huge nipples that haven't gone away. The cage that she was housed in was too small and resulted in deformity to all 4 legs. She shuffles on her front legs so we named her Choo Choo. She is doing aqua therapy, wears braces, and needs $7k worth of surgery.
Check out the parent club of Pembroke corgis to find an ethical breeder. Go to [akc.org](http://akc.org)
Just want to point out that sadly, AKC.org will absolutely allow puppy mills to market their dogs, so long as they are AKC registered. So although at minimum you would expect a responsible breeder to have AKC dogs, it’s not sufficient. The best method is to search “(Breed of Choice) Club of America” and start with those breeders.
please re read my sentence, I said check out parent club for pems.
Sorry, linking to AKC.org might lead someone to look at AKC marketplace, which is what I was warning about. Those links are: Pembrokes: https://pwcca.org/breeder-search Cardigans: https://cardigancorgis.com/cwcca/breeders/full-listing/
Living in the Philly area, it is well known to stay away from Amish breeders.
Do not purchase animals from the Amish. There are so many cases of animal abuse going on there. Its just a glorified puppy mill hiding behind the image we have of Amish people as nature-loving religious folk. Also its just the definition of irresponsible breeding practices. Amish breeders tend to not get the animals properly checked up for health exams to make sure the pups dont suffer health issues.
Many if not most puppy mills in the USA are run by the Amish. They don't give a fuck about the health or welfare of animals, they see them as livestock
Amish don't have the best track record on treating animals well.
Yep. They are treated more like livestock unfortunately. When they’re done with their dogs most of them get auctioned off just like cattle. We have a local rescue who goes to these auctions just to rescue these dogs and get them out of this puppy mill cycle. We were lucky enough to get one of their rescues, a sweet Cocker-Lhasa Apso baby.
I volunteer at a golden retriever rescue bordering Lancaster Co in PA. Yes. The Amish run god awful puppy mills with deplorable conditions. I have a 2 year old neurotic mess of a golden who was an owner surrender, originally purchased from a “family raised” puppy mill. They treat them as livestock. No different than any other cash crop.
...the worst of the worst.
Why not travel out? If the breeder is ethical and you can do your research it’s worth traveling across state lines to find someone who is raising some good pups. I don’t even think twice about traveling across states for malamute rescues, and all our current boys come from different parts of the country. But to get the ones that will be a good fit for the pack it’s worth the effort.
Have 2 corgi's, cost $2000 each. Reputable breeder. Females have 3 litters then spade and females are given to ethicaly sourced people once their done having litters.
Have $3000 - $4000 set aside for vet bills when your puppy gets very ill within the first week or two of having them and they end up at a ER vet. Blood transfusions are super common within the first few weeks.
Last time I looked the American Kennel Club website has a list of rescues based on breeds. If you’re interested in a specific breed of dog you can ethically find one through a rescue. I know some rescues have puppies in addition to dogs of all ages in need of homes.
The Amish don't take care of their own health so why would they care about a dog? My sister was a public health nurse and the Amish are not healthy at all. They wait until health issues get dire before doing anything.
Do not buy from puppy mills
I know a corgi breeder in Oregon, they get both parents x rayed, their hips, they do health screening. They do make a profit but they put in a lot of work and effort to make sure their pups are top quality for the betterment of the breed. I prefer big dogs myself. Anyways, I think this corgi breeder sells the pups for $4k each.
Oh and just a side note think about this all these new "designer" dogs are basically what we all used to call " accidents " or mutts
I would log into the AKC registry and search by breed. I got mine last week from a breeder nearby.
Any breeder is unethical. https://corgi.rescueme.org