Humane Society launches puppy mill hotline

By isak, December 11, 2009

The Humane Society of the United States has launched a national telephone tip line to report suspected cruelty or unlawful activities involving pet breeding facilities.

The hotline, 1-877-MILL-TIP, is available to anyone with information of a possible crime involving puppy mills – but particularly welcomes information from those with “insider” knowledge, or from law enforcement officials who might be aware of such operations.

The Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force investigates puppy mills and works with law enforcement, animal shelters and other agencies to stop abuse and to ensure enforcement of existing laws.
The task force also provides guidance to local, state and federal agencies in the prosecution of animal abusers as it relates to the operation of puppy mills. Since its launch in June, the task force has assisted in the rescue of more than 1,200 dogs and puppies from abusive situations at puppy mills.

Puppy mill facts (provided by HSUS):

• Dogs at puppy mills typically receive little to no medical care, live in squalid conditions with no exercise, socialization or human interaction, and are confined inside cramped wire cages for life. Breeding dogs at puppy mills must endure constant breeding cycles.
• Dogs from puppy mills are sold in pet stores, online and directly to consumers with little to no regard for the dog’s health, genetic history or future welfare. Consumers should never buy a puppy from a pet store or Internet site; instead visit an animal shelter, breed rescue group, or visit a breeder’s home and meet the puppy’s parents.
• The HSUS supports compassionate breeders who provide for their dog’s physical and mental well-being. Quality breeders don’t sell puppies through pet stores or over the Internet.

More about puppy mills: humanesociety.org/puppymills.
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reprinted from Orange County Register website
December 3rd, 2009, 11:46 am · posted by Samantha Gowen, Pet Tales editor