Behind closed doors
Image from the breeder’s website.
His website advertised “high quality” puppies, with a photo of two happy dogs relaxing in the grass on a sunny day. Anyone who visited the website would surely think the breeder was reputable. If they did their homework, they’d know that the breeder was licensed by the state of Ohio. Reasonable consumers would believe this meant the dogs were receiving good care.
But the dogs used for breeding were not living the idyllic life shown on the website. A news story about the dog breeder, Daniel Miller, has been gaining traction lately, shocking the public.
Miller was recently arrested for animal cruelty, and the 72 dogs in his care were surrendered to the local humane society. Charges against Miller include torturing or committing an act of cruelty against an animal, depriving them of food or water, possessing a device with the purpose of using it criminally on a dog, and sexual misconduct. It is alleged that Miller knowingly allowed someone to rape one of his dogs on more than one occasion.
While the public was outraged, those who’ve bought puppies from Miller likely feel deceived. But the reality is, even the most diligent consumers will have difficulty finding out where their puppy came from. Inspection reports are often inaccessible, and if the puppies are sold through a broker, which is often the case, the federal documentation that’s required when an animal crosses state lines is difficult to acquire, even when using the Freedom of Information Act.
Deceiving the public
If Miller, like many breeders, uses a broker, even more people have likely unknowingly supported his business and the cruelty he allegedly committed. In fact, Miller was twice named to the Horrible Hundred report, a list created annually by Humane World for Animals of the worst breeding facilities in the country.
Most people wouldn’t think to review government documentation to educate themselves on the standard of care at the breeding facility or breeder of a puppy they are interested in buying. They’d proceed in good faith, assuming that the breeder is as reputable as they advertise. If only they knew what was happening behind closed doors.
As for the 72 dogs seized from Miller, in most cases the breeder doesn’t have to pay for their rescue, medical care, and rehabilitation. Typically, the nonprofit shelter or rescue group that takes in the abused animals has to fund their care; taking on an enormous expense for which they have not budgeted. The hidden costs of immoral breeders are paid for by animal welfare organizations and consumers.
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