LETTER: Societal values define the term 'puppy mill'

Puppy mill is a term that defines the inhumane treatment of dogs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture only requires that the dog be given food and water and have enough room in the cage to turn around. The dog need never be let out of the cage to be considered meeting the "legal" standard. Dogs are also supposed to be provided veterinary care. Any normal, feeling human being would say that the USDA standards are far from humane, and there is no association between a USDA license and/or inspection and humane treatment. Also, there are simply not enough USDA inspectors to have any integrity in the inspection system.