National Puppy Day: Dark truth of puppy mills revealed for pet owners

Ahead of today's National Puppy Day, dog trainer has warned prospective pet owners about the dangers of buying a furry friend from a puppy mill.

Since it started in 2006, National Puppy Day has been observed by dog lovers across the US.

It is celebrated on March 23 each year. It was actually started to raise awareness regarding puppy mills and the inhumane treatment of dogs, while you'd be forgiven for thinking the day is simply to celebrate the delights of cute animals.

Also known as puppy farms, puppy mills are intensive dog breeding facilities where profit is valued over the welfare of the animal.

For minimal effort and cost, an irresponsible breeder will often cut corners to try and maximize the number of puppies they sell.

The first weeks of lives of puppies bought from mills is in cramped conditions with little to no interaction, as well as poor sanitary conditions that mean they frequently suffer from preventative health conditions. Due to lack of care and attention, they can develop serious behavioral issues.

"I've worked with many clients in Los Angeles who, unbeknownst to them, bought teacup breeds from supposedly 'reputable breeders' who were selling dogs from their homes, but engaging in puppy mill practices behind closed doors," Alexandra Bassett, a Los Angeles-based certified dog trainer told Newsweek.

An estimated 10,000 puppy mills are in operation across the US with around 500,000 dogs kept solely for breeding, according to The Humane Society.