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
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February 10, 2012
Hawaii’s Humane Advocates Lobby for Animals at State Capitol
Animal advocates from across the state lobbied at the state Capitol in Honolulu to urge legislators to strengthen laws to prevent puppy mills and protect pets from inhumane traps and snares.
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February 7, 2012
150 Dogs Rescued from North Carolina Puppy Mill
Stokes County Animal Control called in The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team and other area organizations to help rescue more than 150 dogs from a Danbury, N.C., property.
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February 6, 2012
The Humane Society of the United States Forms New Dog Breeders Advisory and Resource Council
The Humane Society of the United States announced the newly formed Breeders Advisory and Resource Council which is composed of responsible dog breeders from across the country.
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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.
Our Victories
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
