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.
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 »
Mississippi Rescue
The HSUS led a rescue on July 13 of more than 100 dogs from a puppy mill operation in Carriere, Miss. Local residents had reported concerns about conditions at Sea Breeze Kennels, which had been advertising puppies for sale through classifieds and the Internet.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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August 17, 2010
Dogs in Pascagoula, Miss., Rescued After Call for Help
The HSUS assisted the Pascagoula, Miss., Police Department last week with the surrender of the 118 breeding dogs which are now in the care of The Humane Society of Broward County.
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August 13, 2010
Statement in Response to Ruling Against Challenge to Ballot Title for Missouri's Prop B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act
Barb Schmitz, state director for The HSUS and campaign manager of Missourians for the Protection of Dogs, issued a statement in response to a ruling against a challenge to the ballot title for Proposition B, the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act.
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August 5, 2010
HSUS Statement on Death of Puppies on American Airlines Flight
The HSUS issued a statement in reaction to the death of seven puppies flying in the cargo hold of an American Airlines flight from Tulsa, Okla. to Chicago.
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August 3, 2010
Missouri Puppy Mill Initiative Certified for November Ballot
A citizens’ initiative supported by The HSUS to promote more humane treatment of dogs in Missouri’s large-scale commercial puppy mills has been certified by the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act will appear on the November ballot.
Our Victories
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July 22, 2010
The HSUS, HSLF Praise Illinois Governor for Signing Primate Pet Ban and Antifreeze Safety Bills
The HSUS and HSLF commend Illinois Gov. Quinn for signing bills to prohibit to private ownership of primates as pets and require the addition of a bitter flavor to antifreeze and engine coolant to prevent poisoning of children and animals.
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July 8, 2010
Governor Signs Bill Ending Greyhound Racing in New Hampshire
The HSUS praises New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch for signing the Greyhound Protection Act into law.
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June 30, 2010
Landmark Ohio Animal Welfare Agreement Reached Among HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Gov. Strickland, and Leading Livestock Organizations
A deal struck among The HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio on a raft of issues.
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May 26, 2010
The HSUS Praises Illinois Legislature for Approving Pet Store Disclosure Bill
The HSUS applauds the Illinois legislature for unanimously passing a bill to crack down on the sale of unhealthy puppy mill dogs in Illinois pet shops.