While the proprietors of such establishments prefer to call themselves “high volume dog breeders,” most of us refer to the kinds of places that churn out “pure breed” dogs as puppy mills. Some such places are quite a problem in pockets of Ohio, and according to the Commercial Dog Breeding Advisory Board, there are now more than 600 of them across the state.

According to a report by WJW, this has some rescue groups and animal rights organizations worried. There are only five state inspectors.

But Dr. Dennis Summers, chief of the Division of Animal Health for the ODA, told WJW he believes there are enough inspectors to get to every licensed breeder every year.

Humane Society of the United States officials say infrequent oversight keeps Ohio at the top of its problem dog breeders list.

As the state tries to do its job to protect animals, Ohioans can make a difference by adopting from local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Or, if there is a good reason to bring a pure breed dog into a home, do so with the help of only reputable, humane breeders.

Those seeking to bring a dog into their families can make a difference by making sure those who would abuse animals in the name of the almighty dollar don’t get a dime.