Artist Statement

After hearing about a puppy mill bust in Tucson, where one owner kept 700 "teacup" chihuahuas and other small breeds in disturbing conditions, we began to ask questions. How could breeders treat dogs in this way, and how was it legal? After further research we discovered that in 1966 Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act, which is currently being enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture. The United States Department of Agriculture requires that large-scale commercial facilities that breed animals for resale to pet stores be licensed and inspected because they are considered "wholesale" operations. These inspections and licensing are not required for breeders that sell to the public directly, causing many puppy mills to continue practicing inhumanely. Also, it is common for “wholesale” breeders to get away with repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The reality that puppy mills were found in our own back yard, coupled with the intensity of the national issue, peaked our curiosity. Taking photographs and creating this blog has allowed us to have a deeper insight into the troubling world of puppy mills, and we hope to communicate this issue to those who are unaware.

Through our photographs we wanted to portray two contrasting emotions; hurt and hope. Our goal was to take photographs from many perspectives, to demonstrate both the humane and inhumane treatment of dogs. Many dogs will live happy, normal lives in the shelter of a home but puppy mill dogs may never experience love or a family. The pain and suffering a puppy in a mill must go through inspired us to use darker tones and values in some of our photos. We used higher contrast, and themes of companionship in other photos, to convey that there may be a tomorrow for some suffering dogs. We anticipate that some of our more abstract photos will allow the viewer to create their own interpretations based on personal experiences. These photos were taken in the Tucson community in order to show this global issue on a local scale.

Creating this blog has opened our eyes to the issue of puppy mills as well as how to present a current problem in an artistic manner. Using the internet as a medium for our art, we hope to communicate this issue to the world at large. Through this blog we wish to present information that astonishes the viewer in the same way we were astonished while researching. Next time you think about adding a dog to your family, remember the pain and loneliness that the millions of puppy mill dogs are facing. Please adopt knowledgeably.

Through the Eyes of...

After World War II farmers in the Midwest facing hard times began breeding puppies as a "fail-proof cash crop" under the advice of the United States Department of Agriculture. Without proper breeding facilities, farmers housed tens to thousands of puppies in old rabbit hutches and chicken coups. Today, these cages are often times stacked, one on top of the other, leading to paw and leg deformities. A dog will never leave the cage for most of life, never experiencing treats, toys, or exercise.
Photo by: Andrew Starkman

Contagious

The puppy mill owners only have one thing in mind, profit. To limit their costs, breeders provide no veterinary care, minimal food and water, and filthy living conditions for the dogs. From this, conditions such as epilepsy, respiratory and eye problems, and heart disease can occur. On top of this dogs that arrive at pet stores and into new homes can carry more serious diseases undesirable to new owners leading to further abandonment.
Photo by: Torre Samuelson

Man's Best Friend

Ten Things Both Dogs and Humans Need:
1. Exercise
2. Socialization
3. Grooming and Hygiene
4. Shelter
5. Food and Water
6. Regular health care
7. Companionship
8. Sense of family
9. Personality
10. Rewards
Photo by: Torre Samuelson

Aftermath

So, what happens to the animals raised in the puppy mills after they leave?
Most often the puppies never leave the mill and either die from diseases or are put down while on the premises. Other times, if a dog is lucky enough to be able to leave the mill they still have a much gloomier future ahead than dogs raised naturally.
Photo by: Andrew Starkman

United

5 Ways You Can Help:
1. Do Not Buy Your Puppy From a Pet Store
2. Make Adoption Your First Option
3. Know How to Recognize a Responsible Breeder
4. See Where Your Puppy Was Born and Bred
5. Internet Buyers, Beware!

Photo by: Andrew Berman