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 join Colbie Caillat in helping to spread the word about the cruelty behind the cuteness.
And be sure to sign the pledge to stop puppy mills! Choose not to buy your next pet from a pet store or Internet site, and refuse to buy supplies from any pet store or Internet site that sells puppies. Sign here »
Ill. Pet Stores Sold Sick Puppies
Two puppies bought from a pet store chain in Illinois carried canine distemper, a contagious and potentially deadly disease. We have tips if you recently bought a puppy.
Learn MoreNews & Events
-
January 20, 2012
Dos tiendas de mascotas en Illinois vinculadas a cachorros infectados con moquillo
La organización The HSUS ha recibido la confirmación de dos casos de moquillo canino en cachorros recién comprados de una cadena de tiendas de mascotas en el área metropolitana de Chicago.
-
January 19, 2012
Puppies Infected with Distemper Linked to Two Pet Stores in Illinois
The HSUS has received confirmation of two cases of canine distemper in puppies recently purchased from a pet store chain in the greater Chicago area. The HSUS urges consumers who have recently handled or bought puppies from the Happiness is Pets Naperville or Downers Grove stores in the past two months to be vigilant for any sign of illness in their dogs.
-
December 30, 2011
White House Responds to Petition to Stop Puppy Mills
The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Legislative Fund and the ASPCA® have announced that the White House has responded to a petition submitted by the organizations in November asking President Obama to crack down on puppy mills.
-
December 29, 2011
Animal Rescue Team Saves the Day, All Year Long
In 2011, The HSUS worked with law enforcement and local agencies to rescue 5,177 animals from neglect and cruelty situations, inhumane puppy mill breeding operations, and animal fighting rings.
Our Victories
-
December 28, 2010
Top 12 State Victories for Animals in 2010
Thanks to the help of our dedicated advocates and the support of state legislators, 2010 was another historic year for animals in state lawmaking.
-
December 16, 2010
Austin City Council Prohibits Retail Sales of Dogs and Cats
The Austin, Texas, City Council has approved an ordinance to prohibit retail sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, a measure that will help crack down on inhumane puppy mills.
-
December 6, 2010
Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Dog Breeding Regulations as Unconstitutional
The HSUS applauds a decision by the Federal District Court in Florida upholding Volusia County’s animal care ordinance, and rejecting the plaintiff’s claim that dog breeders have a constitutional right to operate free from humane regulations.
-
November 4, 2010
Missouri Veterinarians Celebrate Victory for Dogs
Missouri veterinarians are joining with voters from throughout the state in celebrating the passage of Proposition B, a statewide ballot initiative to establish basic standards of care for dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities.
