The animals

Intensive breeding operations put profit before animal welfare. Animals that are bred in these facilities are often ‘designer’ breeds that attract a high sale price. Common ‘designer’ breeds including French Bulldogs, Pugs, Dachshunds, Cavoodles and other Poodle crossbreeds, Ragdolls, teacup breeds and English Bulldogs are often bred in these facilities.

Sadly, a number of these popular breeds are prone to genetic health conditions and exaggerated features that may require veterinary intervention. Not only can this impact on an animal’s welfare but it also can come as a rude shock to new owners who may have no choice but to pay thousands in veterinary bills to address breed-related problems. These breeds can be bred responsibly with proper experience, veterinary support and careful selection to ensure all generic traits that may compromise an animal’s welfare are minimised. However, intensive breeding operations do not do this.

Intensive breeding facilities are typically large-scale, commercial enterprises. However, poor conditions can also occur in small-scale breeding businesses that may or may not be run for profit. Often, the animals at these properties are kept in horrible conditions that fail to fulfil the animals’ physical, behavioural, social, and/or physiological needs. In addition, mothers are bred repeatedly throughout their lives.

Welfare concerns

Animals born or kept in intensive breeding facilities may be subject to a host of welfare concerns, including overcrowding, constant confinement, overbreeding, early infant-mother separation, a lack of veterinary care, unhygienic housing conditions and numerous other health complications. In these facilities animals are often incapable of exercising, socialising, playing or interacting with humans.

As a result of these poor conditions, many puppies from these facilities have long-term behavioural or health problems that can stay with them throughout their lives. These include chronic skin, ear and eye problems, increased risk of infections, chronic anxiety, heartworm, severe dental disease, congenital abnormalities and behaviour issues like inappropriate toileting.