Puppy mills, overbreeding animals in filthy, unsafe conditions, are flying under the radar because of the pandemic.

All breeders are supposed to be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, during the past three years oversight of puppy mills by the USDA had already been relaxed, and since the COVID-19 public health crisis the lack of oversight has worsened, with very few in-person inspections.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the lack of oversight results in more animals being “kept in cramped cages and filthy conditions for the sake of maximizing profit.”

We strongly recommend, whether a cat, dog or other pet, our readers to always consider shelter animals in need of a home. Pet adoption from a local shelter just makes sense. Adopting a pet from a shelter more often than not saves an animal’s life.

Shelters, pet-fostering “parents” and animal-rescue groups have a much wider variety of pets than most people realize. No matter what you are looking for, regardless of breed, size, temperament or age, there are dogs, cats and other pets needing a forever home.

While there are basic fees associated with pet adoption, there is no comparison to the cost of purchasing an animal from a pet store or a breeder.

Literally millions of dogs and cats are put to death each year, because they have no home. Yet, millions of people bring a new pet into their homes each year, often paying a store or breeder hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for the animal.

The Lowndes County Animal Shelter offers pet adoptions for $125 for dogs and $105 for cats.

Included in those fees:

— All cats and kittens are confirmed to be negative for feline leukemia.

— All dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are de-wormed, flea sprayed, nails are trimmed, ears are cleaned/treated for ear mites and are vaccinated with their first set of shots.

— All pets are spayed or neutered, receive a vet exam, rabies vaccination, microchip ID and registration.

— Dogs older than 6 months old are tested for heartworms. Test results are listed on the kennel card and indicated as positive or negative for heartworms.

Dogs are also confirmed to be heart worm negative.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, you must complete the adoption application prior to visiting the facility.

All animals adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered before they go to their new home. The shelter transports the pet to a local veterinarian’s clinic and the new owner is able to pick the pet up there the next business day.

The county’s animal shelter encourages responsible pet ownership and reminds pet owners that providing proper care is not only the right thing to do, it is the law.

Lowndes County Animal Welfare says basic animal care includes:

— a rabies vaccination.

— proper shelter and protection from the elements.

— constant access to fresh, clean water.

— proper nutrition.

— heart worm prevention.

— a microchip.

— an annual vet exam.

— spay/neuter.

Violators of Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta’s Animal Welfare Ordinance appear in court on a regular basis to face cruelty and neglect charges, according to county officials, adding that failing to take proper care of a pet is considered to be a serious offense, that could result in hefty fines and even jail time.

Pet ownership is a big responsibility. Before bringing any pet into your home, make sure you are ready.