Can you imagine forcing your pet dog to live his or her entire life in a small wire cage with no human companionship, toys or comfort, and little hope of ever becoming part of a family? That is what life is like for a puppy mill breeding dog. Help us stop this cycle of cruelty that contributes to pet overpopulation and the suffering of countless dogs.
Puppy mills have been around for decades. They continue to thrive because they prey on unwitting consumers who are smitten by too-cute-for-words puppies in pet store windows and on legitimate-seeming websites. Puppy mills house dogs in shockingly poor conditions. After their fertility wanes, breeding animals are often killed, abandoned or sold cheaply to another mill to try and get "one more litter" out of the dog. The annual result of all this breeding is millions of puppies, many with behavior and/or health problems.
Learn how to shop smart if you're thinking about getting a dog, and help us spread the word about the cruelty behind the cuteness.
More than 100 Animals Rescued in Arkansas
Approximately 100 dogs, five cats and two guinea pigs have been given a new lease on life thanks to the diligent efforts of the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and The Humane Society of the United States, who came together to rescue the animals from horrific conditions at a Lamar puppy mill.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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November 20, 2009
Austin Puppy Friendly Stores
Thanks to the efforts of animal advocates, several Austin area pet stores have signed The Humane Society of the United States’ puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, but instead support local animal adoption programs. The HSUS applauds these independent retailers.
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November 20, 2009
Tucson Puppy Friendly Stores
Thanks to the efforts of local animal advocates, several Tucson area pet stores have signed The HSUS’ puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, but instead support local animal adoption programs. The HSUS applauds these independent retailers.
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November 18, 2009
NY Dog Cruelty Reward
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for abandoning more than 30 young dogs and puppies in Erie County, N.Y.
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November 3, 2009
Santa Fe, Taos Area Pet Stores Take ‘Puppy Friendly’ Pledge
Several Santa Fe and Taos area pet stores have signed The Humane Society of the United States' puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, but instead support local animal adoption programs and provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a reputable breeder.
Our Victories
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November 12, 2009
Prosecutor Wins One for Wildlife
A Virginia prosecutor successfully got a conviction in an animal cruelty case involving the killing of a possum.
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September 28, 2009
Honoring Heroes for Animals
The annual Humane Law Enforcement Awards honored heroes for the animals.
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July 21, 2009
Hundreds Rescued in Suspected Hoarding Case
More than 400 animals were rescued from a suspected hoarding situation at a West Oahu, Hawaii, property.
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June 29, 2009
Pig-Cruelty Case is Groundbreaking
Prosecutor Kevin O'Laughlin won a neglect case in Wisconsin for a pig named Alaina.