Too many breeding outfits don’t concern themselves with meeting any standards. Instead, they keep large numbers of animals in substandard conditions, with little to no human contact, churning out litters as quickly as possible in order to make as much money as possible without regard for the well-being of the creatures in their care, or for the people buying them. Such operations can produce litters of animals with significant health problems that may go undetected for years.

If enough people complain, and if the animals are treated badly enough, county law enforcement may be able to bring animal cruelty charges and seize any suffering animals, who are then cared for by county animal shelters at county taxpayers’ expense, although nonprofits may provide additional support.

Lincoln County Animal Control, for instance, this month suddenly found itself responsible for caring six donkeys, 53 poodles, 60 parakeets and three canaries that had been seized from their owner, who sells animals online. The county sheriff reported that the puppies and adult dogs were in the worst shape, severely underweight and with eye, ear and dental infections.

The Humane Society of the United States stepped in to offer financial assistance to help care for the animals, and PetSmart Charities donated money, food and other supplies as well.