Final answer:
The claim that shutting down puppy mill operations does not cost a lot of money is false, as the process is often expensive and resource-intensive, involving legal action, animal care, and rehoming efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Puppy mill operations do not cost a lot of money to shut down.' is false. Shutting down puppy mills can be quite expensive due to various factors, such as the need for legal action, care for the confiscated animals, and the resources required by organizations and local authorities to conduct such operations. In addition, many times there is the requirement for long-term care and rehabilitation for the rescued animals.
The cost can also increase significantly when there is a large number of animals involved, requiring extensive medical treatment due to neglect or abuse. Moreover, the effort to rehome animals once they are healthy can also incur costs and resources. The complexity and scope of shutting down a puppy mill make it a costly endeavor and not one to be taken lightly.