INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Four Indiana dog breeders are on the National Humane Society's 2018 "Horrible Hundred" list of puppy mills across the country.
Last year, only one Hoosier breeder appeared on the Horrible Hundred. Two of this year’s four came from Daviess County.
Jamie Bell runs Grapevine Golden Kennel near Loogootee in rural Daviess County. She is not on that list.
"I would call this a serious hobby. My husband would say this is an expensive hobby," she said with a chuckle. It started in 2013.
It is her passion. Indiana has over 200 USDA-licensed breeders, the third-highest number in the country.
"What are some of things you should ask to make sure you are not dealing with a puppy mill?" Eyewitness News asked Bell.
"A good breeder is always a member of the national breed club," she said.
She also said you should always ask to see the dog's parents.
"It does matter that these traits are passed down to the puppy. You want to make sure this is the dog they are talking about. These are people out there who scam. This is an animal you are going to bring into your home for the next 15 years, be involved in your life every day, with your children. Why wouldn't you want the best representation of the breed you’re interested in?" she asked.
This is the first time the USDA has redacted the names of the offending breeders, necessitating being extra careful to make sure who you are dealing with. In addition to the two in Daviess County (in Montgomery and Odon), one of the puppy mills is in Reelsville in Putnam County and the other is in Green Fork in Wayne County.
"The first thing you want to do is contact a national breed club. Go to a dog show. Meet breeders of dogs you are interested in. They are so happy to talk to you about what it is they do and all about their breeding and their dogs," Bell said.
It might seem like a long road to travel to ensure you’re avoiding a puppy mill, but it may be worth it in the long run.