A new investigation by Lady Freethinker (LFT) and Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) has discovered a rapidly growing network of unregulated puppy mills in Indonesia. This reveals widespread animal suffering, lower welfare standards, and serious public health risks.
Investigators found that backyard breeding operations have increased across Java, especially in West Java and Central Java. Low-cost, small-scale breeders are increasingly dominating the pet trade. Dogs were found cramped in overcrowded cages, living in unsanitary conditions, denied veterinary care, and repeatedly bred without recovery time. Many puppies were sold unvaccinated, raising the risk of parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.
LFT/JAAN Investigation
Online platforms are contributing to the crisis. Investigators found that most puppy sales now take place through TikTok, Tokopedia, and Shopee. Buyers rarely see the breeding conditions firsthand. Breeders often refuse to let visitors onto their property and instead bring out dogs one at a time. This lack of transparency has allowed poor breeding practices and increased the sale of sick or malnourished puppies.
LFT/JAAN Investigation
The demand for low-cost pedigree dogs continues to drive these operations, while falling profitability has led to more abandonment. Investigators also heard reports of unprofitable dogs being sold into the meat trade. Many facilities have critically low welfare standards, including malnutrition, untreated diseases, and severe neglect. As breeders leave the industry without facing consequences, abandoned large-scale facilities are becoming more common. This adds more pressure on already overwhelmed rescue organizations.
LFT/JAAN Investigation
The sale of unvaccinated puppies is also a serious public health issue. Rabies remains common in parts of Indonesia, and the spread of preventable diseases threatens both animals and people.
Currently, Indonesia has no laws specific to breeding, no licensing system for breeders, and no inspection or enforcement framework. Without clear welfare standards or oversight, unregulated breeding operations continue to expand without restraint.
LFT/JAAN Investigation
Lady Freethinker and JAAN are committed to working with the Government of Indonesia to take immediate action to regulate the breeding industry, establish national welfare standards, and implement a licensing and inspection system that holds breeders accountable.
You can help. Please sign our petition urging the Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia to end the cruel and unregulated puppy mill industry and protect dogs from suffering.
