Puppy mills also known as puppy farms are large scale or extensive for-profit facilities that operate below humane standard. In many facilities the animals are considered nothing more than money producing commodities. Sadly, the animals' well- being and care are often ignored. The word 'mill' in the designation puppy mill was likely derived from the fast-paced, fast-selling inhumanity of the operations.
Puppy mills began to appear following the Second World War. Reacting to crop failures in the American Midwest, and a noticeably increased demand for puppies, farmers found an additional source of revenue. Initially, puppies were housed in chicken coops and rabbit hutches. Many of the farmers did not know how to properly care for the puppies and dogs in their care. Soon thereafter, a puppy selling enterprise developed, and to this day has been irreversible.