Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities in which, profit is given priority over the well-being of the live animals. Female dogs are bred constantly throughout their lifetime without breaks, producing an endless number of dogs always available to sell. In order to create a more affordable production, breeders create unhealthy and unsafe living conditions for the dogs. By not having to spend money on supplies such as spacious kennels, veterinary visits, food, grooming, etc. the puppy mill operators are able to maximize their profits.
 
In this industry dogs live their entire lives in small wire cages without any form of care, protection, nutrition, or interaction with other beings. They often go most of their lives without receiving fresh air, water, food, or sunlight. They develop diseases from the backup of feces and other growing bacteria in their small cages. Along with diseases they also develop defects throughout their lives, even after escaping the puppy mill.

In Florida, it is a crime to abuse or cruelly kill an animal, or to confine an animal without sufficient food, water or exercise. But this isn't the case everywhere, even though this business has a reputation of subjecting the dogs to inhumane treatment, they are still abundant in the United Sates. This is because consumers continue to purchase dogs that are produced through this industry. Puppy mills are not providing a vital service but are instead fulfilling a selfish need to produce the idea of a perfect pet. This is not an objective reason for puppy mills to remain in business. Only through consumer abandonment or legislative change will the puppy mill industry be indefinitely outlawed.