What's a puppy mill?

The term "puppy mill" is most often used to describe operations in which dogs are forced to constantly breed, puppies are kept in cages with little or no human contact, feeding is minimal.

While a few states, including Missouri, home of puppy broker Hunte Corp., are known for high concentrations of puppy mills, they can be found throughout the country.

There have been a few cases of puppy mill raids by law enforcement authorities in Central New York in recent years.

Perhaps the most high-profile case took place in Cicero, where the owner of Cicero Kennels pleaded guilty to charges that he failed to nourish dozens of animals.

Owner Steven Bellavia entered his plea in December 2003, a couple of months after more than 80 puppies were seized from his business. The Central New York SPCA found adoptive parents for the dogs.

As part of his plea, Bellavia was ordered to give up the puppies, surrender his license, and reimburse the SPCA $10,000.

Rachel A. Lamb, director for companion animal care at The Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C., wrote an online article describing conditions at a puppy mill she visited in Lancaster County, Pa., where puppy mill operations are abundant:

We approached a farmhouse from the road and turned onto a muddy lane.

Rounding the corner, we didn't even have to get out of the truck to see or hear what awaited us.

Rows of dilapidated cages were lined up outside a barn. Stopping the truck, my throat constricted with shock. Dogs were crammed three or more to a small cage which were elevated over mounds of feces. Matted fur covered their eyes as they rushed towards the front of their cages, barking at uninvited visitors.

Their plight was so dramatically different than the dogs I knew, the dogs who lie lazily in afternoon sun, waiting for their next meal or walk.

No, these dogs were here for a purpose and only one purpose: To make money.